Member Testimonials
They are Very good
Me. Seay’s taekwondo class is excellent.
Love eGym. It gets me to the gym. Thank you!
The Y has a great fitness center, and an excellent program for the youth.
Friendly and helpful staff. Professional physical trainers. Egym equipment. Pool facilities
I really love the instructors. The availability of classes also work with my crazy schedule. And the Play and Learn Center is so convenient.
Facility is clean, staff very friendly. Good programs.
Group classes
Morning hours
I want to express sincere gratitude for the opportunities provided by the YMCA swimming program. The YMCA swimmimg program is so essential to our community by providing opportunities to a diverse racial and economic population. My 10.5 year old (privileged white) son currently participates in the Fishers YMCA swim team. He has participated in YMCA swimming since he was 6 months old. I’m writing in hopes that the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis will continue to support and prioritize this excellent program.
Opportunities for a diverse community:
A mere 60 years ago pools were segregated. Imagine that - the opportunities for the non-white community to learn to swim were difficult. Swimming today is still a predominantly white sport. (source below)
One of your excellent swim coaches - Christy Durbin - was recognized recently in helping a black woman with her courage to learn to swim.
https://www.businessinsider.com/how-i-learned-to-swim-2021-8
What the YMCA offers compared to club level swim:
Recently, the Fishers Y suffered what appeared to be a mass exodus from the elite swimmers to club level program’s following the departure of a popular coach. I hope the YMCA does not see that as a failure of the YMCA program but rather as an opportunity for growth and reflection. An equal number of children did not leave the program. The remaining staff - Paula Hardin, Daniel Pache, and newly brought in Cat Sehr have gone to extraordinary levels to maintain a consistently high program. From a parent perspective, in 10 years, I’ve seen turn over every few years from the upper level YMCA swim staff. Why is that? My perception is that running the program takes significant effort and may need more support at a foundation level. The swim staff must be exhausted. Prior to the recent exit there were massive support from parent volunteers. While I was very upset about the discontinuation of swimming pool hours on Sunday’s, I hope that decision truly gives the swim staff some needed relief. The program is *so essential* to our community. I would argue that the swim program is the Y’s number one program and priority as it brings life saving skills to the community. “ The Y collaborates with community leaders to bring healthy living within reach of all people.” (YMCA.org)
The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis is doing just this.
Opportunities for all age 6-18:
The YMCA swim team, for Sharks aged 6-18, provides not only opportunities for the most advanced swimmers but it also provides competitive opportunities for the less advanced! For one year we had the opportunity to explore USA club level swimming simultaneously with the YMCA program. This was extremely eye opening! One family moved to the Fishers program and told me how her daughter swam with both YMCA and as an “unattached” USA swimmer. The prior head coach found a way for the team to participate simultaneously. The USA program is extremely elite. The cut times for competitive swimming are unattainable for the average swimmer. My son qualifies to swim in 8 YMCA State meet events this year; he qualifies for zero divisional or USA State events. The YMCA provides kids aged 6-18, who have swam hard all year, the opportunity to participate in a large swim event for which many would not otherwise have the opportunity. Should these opportunities be reserved for the most elite (and often not racially diverse groups?) or are these opportunities for life experiences valuable to more diverse and hard working children in our community. I argue it’s the latter and the YMCA should be proud and rewarded for providing such an opportunity.
What would life be like for children age 6-18 without YMCA swimmimg?
Children who have advanced beyond swim lessons would only have the choice of “club level” swimmimg until approximately age 14-15 when kids *might* have the opportunity to try out for their high school swim team - assuming such a team is offered or assuming a child attends a traditional school with such a program. Club level swimmimg is extremely expensive and demanding. The YMCA provides an affordable option for children which is unparalleled at the club level.
Thank you again for providing such an excellent program and opportunity, not only for my son, but for so many other children in our community.
Sincerely,
First name removed Sells
Reference
The Privilege of Play: From microaggressions to acts of overt racism, why swimming isn't inviting to minority groups
JENNIFER STARKS
Tue, Sep 15, 2020
https://sports.yahoo.com/from-subtle-microaggressions-to-acts-of-overt-racism-why-swimming-isnt-inviting-to-minoritiesPhone number removed98.html
Love the recreational pickle ball on Wednesday. Would like to see another day added. Enjoy the TRX class with Vince, too!
Lots of options for all ages, sense of community, affordable, high quality
I love the people/professionals that work for the Y. Very friendly, professional, willing to help answer questions. Individuals that teach classes are knowledgable to keep you connected to the classes and ensure you benefit from them.
I appreciate how clean the Y is and see how hard individuals work to keep it a clean and safe environment and so appreciate that and all their hard work!
Great people at front check in desk. Open family gym is great.
Overall layout and friendliness of everyone.
Amazing instructors and super friendly atmosphere!
Your team is awesome and also very helpful.
I have been using workout stations exclusively. I hope to get into swimming and our facility looks very good. For now, I enjoy the upkeep of the equipment and just try to gauge the crowds. I spend an hour just driving to and from and a shower; it’s worth it!
I play pickle ball and your fitness equipment are fabulous. Enjoy being there every day
Water fitness
Everything exceed expectation
The staff and the facilities, especially the pool.
Love Silver Sneakers options! Love outdoor water aerobics in the summer!
Family oriented
My children make new friends & the coaches are great with them!
Love the egym and Pickleball.
Great facility, reasonably priced, and kind staff.
The teachers were nice. The classes seem perfect for the level my son is at. There’s instructions but it’s not so intense or strict that it scares him off or anything.
Cleanliness and good treatment
Energizing
e-gym is very nice