Irish LeFay
May 31, 2018 21:30
Okay, I want to give this place 4.5 stars, but that's not an option, I'm going to err on the high side.
Positives: Bodies of all shapes, sizes, genders, ages, colors, and abilities. As a person of size, I was super intimidated at the idea of going to a gym. But I didn't feel judged or out of place. Including standing on the pool deck.
Everyone one on staff is very polite and tends to 'stay in their lane,' but is generally friendly when you approach them. For me, that's perfect. If you're someone who wants staff who initiate small talk and approach you instead of waiting for you to approach them, you might find them a little distant. Again, for me personal, having some mental space is a feature, not a bug. (note: this doesn't apply to kid care staff, I don't have kids)
I feel more connected to my community since I joined. That's sort of an intangible positive, and I can't even really explain why, but it's a nice feeling.
They've taken steps to try and make sure there's always parking for members, as there's a volunteer who monitors incoming traffic to make sure everyone has their parking permit. I've gone on the weekends and never had a problem with parking.
Okay, now the handful of negatives: I have a really hard time finding out information. There's no new member handbook (that I was given), and while I did do the new member orientation, and got a guided tour before I joined, I still felt like I didn't know all the "rules," or even some of the potential services (long term locker rental? I think that's a thing, but I can't find any actual info.) I'm sure asking would answer some of my questions... but I wish the information was available in print.
Okay, now, the big (but admittedly temporary) thing: The locker rooms. As of May 29th 2018, the actual locker rooms have been closed for remodel. I understand why, and I'm sure I (and everyone else) will be super happy when the remodel's finished, but in the mean time... the workaround is... not good. Temporary changing rooms have been set up in the sports arena. There's less privacy than usual, even for a locker room, and no "all gender" changing area. The solution for anyone who might need an "all gender" changing area (whether it be a family of mixed ages and genders, or an individual who isn't comfortable in the binary option) is two divided off rooms, only accessible by going -through- the mens or women's changing area. The changing area is separate from the bathroom and shower area. The shower area only has two stalls that are barely usable. There is water everywhere in the bathroom from the swimmers, which I'm sure is maddening to the basketball players trying to use the toilet, ending up with wet court shoes. The changing rooms are physically as far from the pool as you can get. So if you're a swimmer, you're parading through the entire sports arena in your swimsuit.
All of that would be tolerable, for a month. But this remodel is slated to finish August 31st! 3 months! I'm hoping like heck that that is the 'worse case scenario' timeline, and that it'll actually be done in a month.
I did, 100%, know this going in, though it was poorly communicated to longer time members (many were expressing shock the day of the change). It is temporary, and the locker rooms definitely needed a face lift. But if you're thinking of joining especially if you're a swimmer, I'd wait until August 31st. If you're reading this after August 31st, I'm sure the new locker rooms are beautiful, and you can disregard the warning.
I do really love this place, joining was a great decision. And I can't wait until we have some gorgeous new locker rooms!