West Boise YMCA and Boise City Aquatic Center: A Community Gem
The West Boise YMCA and Boise City Aquatic Center are essential resources for the community, offering a range of activities for all ages. With facilities designed to promote accessibility and inclusivity, they cater to diverse needs, ensuring everyone feels welcome.
Accessibility Features
For those with mobility challenges, the facility includes a wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible toilets, and a wheelchair-accessible car park. These features make it easier for individuals and families to access the center comfortably, showcasing its commitment to providing a welcoming environment for all.
A Family-Friendly Environment
Families frequently visit this YMCA, participating in swimming lessons, fitness classes, and various kid-friendly activities. One visitor shared, “My family and I go to this YMCA about 3 times a week, and the staff is really friendly! We love all the kid-friendly activities!” Activities range from swimming to climbing walls, encouraging children to stay active.
However, some members have voiced concerns regarding cleanliness and maintenance, particularly around the locker rooms: “Lately, the cleanliness of the locker rooms has hit an all-time low...the locker room especially needs a very deep clean and sanitize.” Addressing these comments could greatly enhance the overall experience.
Inclusivity and Diversity
The West Boise YMCA prides itself on being an LGBTQ+ friendly space, with many reviews highlighting the welcoming atmosphere. One member stated, “I feel so blessed and grateful that this place exists!!!” This sentiment reflects the inclusive culture fostered by staff and other members, making it a supportive environment for everyone.
Communication and Staff Engagement
Despite positive interactions with staff, some patrons expressed frustration over the communication regarding pool closures and lane usage. One patron mentioned, “Consistent failure to communicate pool closures and occupancy," emphasizing the need for clearer updates to ensure members can plan their visits effectively.
In contrast, several reviews praised individual staff members for their dedication and support. “Jacob helped us get familiar with the facility. Highly recommend him!” speaks volumes about how staff can positively affect the member experience.
Facilities and Equipment
The West Boise YMCA boasts impressive facilities, including a large pool with a slide and dedicated areas for different activities. However, some members have noted the need for more workout equipment and the challenges faced due to overcrowding during peak hours. Feedback like “I’d love to see some more bench presses,” indicates that while the facility is well-loved, there’s room for improvement.
Conclusion
The West Boise YMCA and Boise City Aquatic Center offer an expansive array of activities that cater to families, individuals, and people of all abilities. While there are areas for improvement, such as equipment availability, communication, and restroom cleanliness, the overall community spirit remains strong. By addressing feedback from members, this non-profit organization can enhance its service and continue to be a beloved community hub.
If you wish to update any data that you consider is not precise concerning this portal, we ask send us a message so that we will correct it at the earliest convenience. Thank you in advance thanks for your cooperation.
I would easily rate this YMCA as the finest in the Treasure Valley. Incredibly clean, with a wide array of equipment and a fantastic pool for swimming laps.
Peter Nguyen (5/21/25, 11:24 AM):
Poor service and excessive rules. They confiscate your snorkel and mask. Too much chlorine in the pool and the prices are exorbitant for what you receive in return. In general, I do not suggest it; better to save your money.
Robert Gomez (5/16/25, 6:45 PM):
We rang up to inquire about the gym timings for Christmas Eve, and were notified that this YMCA will be operating with "reduced hours" through an automated response. We even double-checked on their website. It was a bit challenging to locate clear information on the holiday hours. Oh, my goodness.
Bradley Jackson (5/15/25, 7:17 PM):
No disappointments with the staff or the facility itself. I have had the experience that exercise machines are marked as "out of service" or seem to need attention or repair. Overall, these details get resolved quickly, but a few shortcomings persist that I feel I must point out or send feedback about. The staff is friendly and helpful. In general, the locker rooms are functional and ready for use - sometimes it's apparent that a visitor expects someone else to follow them around and do their pick-up and put-away for them. I think there should be more inclusive pricing options, for example, specific "friends" included the way "family" can be. I'm glad to have and use my membership here.
Madison Barnes (5/15/25, 1:02 PM):
I quite enjoy most aspects of this gym. The folks are fabulous, the place is consistently tidy, and the equipment is well-maintained. My only gripe lies with the men's steam room. It appears to be out of order more often than not. It has been about a month now since it stopped working, and there seems to be no resolution in sight. It likely requires replacement parts, but a month feels like an eternity. Perhaps it's time to consider investing in a new one if this cycle of breakdowns continues. I understand they are costly, but I would hope for a solution. Thank you. I initially reached out about this nearly three months ago, and the steam room continues to remain inactive. How long does it usually take to acquire a part? Are there any plans to rectify or replace it in the near future?
Michelle Kim (5/15/25, 4:15 AM):
My fambly and I go to this YMCA about 3 times a week and the staff is really friendly! We have taken swimming lessons 'ere and it was a great experience! We love all of the kid-friendly activities! Lately, the cleanliness of the locker rooms 'as hit an all-time low in my opinion. I've been looking at the same 5 bandaids in one of the shower stalls for about a week now. I don't even walk around the locker room without my shoes on anymore. The locker room, especially the shower, needs a very deep clean and sanitize. Aside from that, I'd love to see some more bench presses; from what I've seen, they only 'ave two and they always are in use and seem to 'ave people waiting around for them.
Amber Wright (5/11/25, 2:38 PM):
I 'ad a family membership for about 14 years. With a vast array of choices, it's a splendid spot for families, it is.
Peter Morales (5/11/25, 1:26 AM):
I'm visiting Boise from Utah. I came as a guest with my dad (who has a membership). Tim was absolutely lovely. I only came for 4 days and he remembered my name, was able to sign me in, and was kind.
I typically frequent a larger, more industrial gym in Utah. The YMCA in Boise has fewer machines. However, if I lived in Idaho, I may consider joining simply because of the kindness of the staff.
Gloria Adams (5/11/25, 12:39 AM):
They cram people in like sardines, can't play basketball without hitting a child. Racquetball courts are booked hours ahead. The pool is lovely.
Mia Sanders (5/9/25, 6:15 AM):
This place is a real gem, offering something for everyone. Personally, I absolutely love the pool area. With multiple lanes for lap swimming, a spacious free swim area, a thrilling slide, a dedicated children's pool, and a relaxing hot tub, there's truly something for every member of the family. The staff are always quick to assist with any needs, making for a seamless and enjoyable experience. The facility itself is expansive and offers a wide range of amenities - you're sure to be impressed! I highly recommend giving it a try.
Debra Ross (5/8/25, 10:38 PM):
Arriving for a swim meet, the pool has a green bottom and the staff are solely focused on enforcing mask wearing. Interestingly, in the adjacent part of the YMCA, masks are not obligatory. Consequently, it's sweltering and the children have to don masks as soon as they exit the pool. Additionally, two closely associated women are glaring at the attendees, eagerly searching for individuals to reprimand in order to showcase their power. Sadly, it appears that Boise is gradually resembling California. Not a place I would endorse.
Stephen Alexander (5/7/25, 8:07 PM):
I've been visiting this place since the West Y first opened when I was just a young child. It's not the same as it used to be and it's not kept up well. The gym equipment is outdated and often the cables are broken. But a picture is worth a thousand words...just look at the dust 😳 no one ever cleans. And there's no supervision in the weight room, kids running around unchecked and barefoot. It's truly disheartening that it resembles a neglected gym and no one seems to care.
Jeffrey Myers (5/7/25, 9:59 AM):
I was really looking forward to finding a convenient source of healthy recreation for my family with youth sports programs, but the app and scheduling requirements make it impossible to feel like I'm getting my money's worth. We travel from Emmett, but aside from a 9 am Saturday opening for childcare, there are never open spots in the kid zone, and we cannot book more than 2 days in advance. The discount on membership for sports programs is not significant enough to justify keeping it year-round. The app is not user-friendly at all and is an absolute pain to use to cancel reservations. It defaults to the Caldwell location, which is frustrating, and booking anything for kids reverts to desktop view instead of the app view, making it literal hard on the eyes. I am disappointed.
Cheryl Reynolds (5/7/25, 3:03 AM):
The elderly lady who handles the paperwork for setting up an account for individuals with low income was quite rude and disdainful. I felt as though I was being judged for being a single mother with low income. It's unlikely that I will return. The young ladies at the front desk displayed better interpersonal skills than she did.
Billy Gutierrez (5/5/25, 9:45 PM):
I must say, with the utmost sincerity, that Kiku's barre classes and Crystal's Zumba classes have been an absolute lifesaver for me. When I first began attending the Y last summer, I was recovering from an injury, feeling insecure, and extremely unhappy with my health. Thanks to their classes, I have completely turned those feelings around. I feel empowered, my confidence has skyrocketed, and every aspect of my life has seen improvement. It may seem trivial, but when I first joined these classes, I couldn't even jump - now I'm bouncing, running, hopping, and dancing like there's no tomorrow. 😎 This review may come across as a bit cliché, but I genuinely mean every word of it. I am incredibly grateful for the YMCA and for the fantastic classes provided by Crystal and Kiku.
Denise Murphy (5/2/25, 8:11 AM):
Do not join if you will rely on their daycare service. The staff interacting with the children are lovely, but securing a spot for your child has become extremely challenging. Mothers who require morning spots stay up until midnight the day before to register. To attend a class, you must book two consecutive slots. The childcare coordinator has not addressed my inquiries regarding potential improvements in the childcare system, and the situation seems to be deteriorating continually.
**revised**
Efforts are being made to enhance the childcare provision. Reservations are now available at a more suitable morning hour, yet there is still fierce competition for childcare placements.
Sarah Cox (5/1/25, 8:57 AM):
Oh, it would be wonderful if there were more activities available for elementary and middle school children beyond video games. The courts are consistently used by adults or booked during times that families typically spend together. I had hoped that we could all explore different interests together, but instead, I find myself struggling with scheduling conflicts around the rock gym and attempting to persuade my son not to cling to me. There seems to be a disagreement among members regarding what activities children of my son's age should be permitted to participate in. It's frustrating that the basketball court is never open for him. I didn't sign up for him to spend all his time playing video games.
Kenneth Henderson (4/29/25, 8:05 PM):
So, when I arrived, I headed to the changing room to go for a swim and I spotted a girl on the floor, unconscious, fighting for her life... I informed the staff, and they callously responded, "I couldn't care less, scram, kid." Shortly after, she was dismissed on the spot.
Danielle Lee (4/22/25, 11:28 PM):
Superb facility, top-notch pool, incredibly helpful and friendly staff.
Christopher Williams (4/22/25, 1:46 AM):
The crew at this spot is absolutely brilliant. Big thanks to Annie, Katie, and Tim for making my experience feel so personalized and fostering such an inclusive atmosphere. You guys really champion individuals for just being themselves and show genuine care for your members. If you're searching for a fantastic spot to exercise and feel content, then this YMCA is the place to be!