Bear-Glasgow Family YMCA - Newark, Delaware

Rachael DK

I have visited YMCAs in the Southwest, the South, and the Midwest, but I've realized this Bear-Glasgow location is one of the best. Having been built in more recent years gives us an advantage. We have an indoor and outdoor pool (not as common as one would hope for), larger workout spaces than many YMCA's—even in heavily populated areas and a variety of programs. Now it is disappointing despite having mostly excellent interaction with staff members, that there are a couple of people who were not as welcoming. In general, I think they do an excellent job, and it seems most who work there enjoy helping people live a healthier life and recognize how important it is to the community. I know we are bound to encounter someone who may be negative or have poor interpersonal skills.

Back to the positives: the private swim lessons my two children had were excellent, a trainer who worked with me shortly after I was struggling with a new newly diagnosed autoimmune disease was compassionate while setting excellent goals for me to attain, the exercise equipment gets updated and so far any concerns I had over something working inefficiently has been addressed so this is where my family continues to work out. One of our sons uses his university gym while he's at school, but anytime he's home for a visit, he's ready to go back to the YMCA.

For me, I feel much more comfortable and accepted I don't worry about my physical limitations after illnesses and at times when I've struggled with my weight, I didn't feel uncomfortable coming in to work on getting my weight down. The people who show up at the YMCA are always a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and capabilities! My attention recently shifted to the water classes to help me deal with mobility issues, autoimmune arthritis and chronic pain. I will be attending these more and appreciate not needing to find another gym. I just have to shift areas that I focus on in the gym now.

To me, this gym WOULD be a 5 star if the prices were more reasonable for a family and if they extended their outdoor pool times and the whole gym's closing times. I can remember when the outdoor pools were available for a longer time frame after their summer camp will use it in the morning, and I remember not long ago when they used to close at 10:00 p.m. At least adding that hour back or even more would do wonders for health and fitness conscious students, working individuals, or those who just prefer working out at night.

Angela Ayd

As usual The Trunk and Treat was great this year, 2024. I always sign up for the trunk part. Why are the trunks not judged? Some of us really get into it. The kiddos are always so happy and having so much fun. Thanks for the candy. We ran out as is always the case. Wonderful job. Wonderful organization. Wonderful staff.

Sarah Sue Spicy

So far it’s typical . I don’t like facilities that cater to children , usually facilities who work with children have a few if not all employees who treat them children like they are less than because they are children . My son is at summer camp here and so far only thing after 2 days here a lady said she had to hurry up and make my child slime because she wasn’t trying to have my child complain and hear him ask why everyone else got slime but he didn’t. Mind you think about paying for this service as an adult for yourself and you experience this yourself would you be ok with that yourself ? I wouldn’t go back . If you know how many people talk to children a way they wouldn’t talk to me then you know there is probably more to come here in this review ?. Having your child go to be with adults whom you never met is a very weird thing .. scary to say the least ! Just waiting for more rude comments to happen and then I’ll look elsewhere to send my money with my child . Sadly this is most facilities that cater to children . So they are a typical place .

Fuji Le

Great facility with all available equipment and different sport and fitness program for all ages. Staff is friendly and helpful. Has an indoor and outdoor pool. Only strange thing is the indoor and outdoor pool would close about an hour before potential rain or snowstorm for guest safety. And the pool would not re-open until the potential thunderstorm is long over. The building must not
have proper grounding and safety measure in place to protect members from an outside lightning strike. I have never been ask to leave an indoor pool during a potential lightning storm anywhere else.

Zhibo Wu

Talked to a manager today, it seem they understand part of my concern . I will work with management to get my kid more lessons, will update review again.

Update, my son has autism, the management here is willing to work with me to process with my son, thank you for the effort.

Alicia Oglesby

Caution to Black families: if you visit the outdoor pool, make sure adults and guardians are also present. The lifeguards target Black children for playing in the pool and will kick them out. File a complaint with DE YMCA if this happens to you.

Mike Johnson

I absolutely love going to the Bear YMCA! Everybody is knowledgeable. Kelly M (Fitness Instructor) always made time to come over to say hi every time I was there. That was always very welcoming! Miss her, haven't really seen her in a while, hope to see her soon!

Kay

Melissa’s hot yoga class is everything during the weekdays! Thanks for having her.