Recent Questions & Suggestions

We would like a dedicated space for parents and children to be together for non-structured activities at the Y.

Although we would love to provide additional areas to play and lounge it is just not possible and here's why: In 1967 the original YMCA on Prospect Street was built and in 1996 major renovations took place to add the upstairs offices and studio spaces. Over the last 5 years, increasing membership has focused more and more on fitness and family programming and with the addition of 4 age-appropriate child watch rooms to accommodate this growing need, every inch of interior space has been spoken for. As there are no current plans to significantly expand the building, we work hard to provide alternatives for families to play and relax together, like: Family Fun Friday events; conveniently scheduled family swim times; and hiking, swimming, boating and fishing at the Norwich Family Center.

The YMCA is a social service agency – why aren’t membership fees lower?

There is more than one answer to this question because the Y plays several roles in the community:

First off, as a local resource for health and fitness, our primary source of revenue is our membership. If you compare the price of your Y membership to health clubs, fitness centers, or gyms in the area Y fees are very similar while offering more. No other local facility provides the variety of classes and programming, the access to swimming, the venue for kid’s team sports, free use of an outdoor nature/family center, or the quality of free childcare that we do. Compared to for-profit fitness organizations, the Y is a kid-friendly, family-approved environment with a lot to offer.

But secondly, and most importantly, as a non-profit organization and community partner, our mission is to be available to everyone, regardless of the ability to pay. For-profit businesses do not have to manage this mandate. To fulfill our mission, we allocate over 100,000 dollars from our annual operating budget to underwrite programs and provide financial assistance. Without your membership dollars and generous donations many families and children would not have access to the opportunities for growth and achievement Y programs provide. More than just a gym membership, your Y membership is an investment in the continued health and welfare of your community.

Are you doing anything about the shortage of parking during the winter hours?

Winter parking is at a premium and we’re working hard to find a long-term solution. Until we have resolved the parking shortage, we are asking part-time staff to park on the street and full-time staff to park in the upper lot. This at least gives members first access to the main parking area. We have also included expanded parking as an important initiative of the Widening Horizons Capital Campaign. Your donations are welcome and every little bit helps so please visit our giving section to find out more.

Why did the YMCA purchase Norwich?

Purchasing Camp Norwich enabled the Y to meet its mission of serving children and families in several important ways. For working parents, summer child care was always an issue and there really were no large, outdoor regional day camps available. Not only does Norwich address this need by providing one of the best summer day camps in the area, it also doubles as the Norwich Family Center – providing FREE outdoor fun for the whole family. Even if you don’t send your kids to camp, the Family Center is a wonderful addition to your Y membership with weekend access to boating, hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the great outdoors.

Why do I have to bring my card and check in each time?

We know it takes a couple of extra minutes but it cannot be stressed enough – checking in at the front desk is required for several important reasons.

For security reasons and the safety of your children it is important to have an accurate record of who comes and goes – we need to know who is in the building at all times; in the event of an emergency we need to provide an exact head count for emergency personnel; and for insurance reasons, many companies require a print out of your visits – if you don’t check in we have no record that you actually visited the Y!

For your convenience we are happy to cut your card so you can put it on your key chain. Many members punch a whole and attach it to their gym bag. Whatever’s easiest for you is fine with us. Just check in!