Member Testimonials
The welcoming and friendly members. I am sad to say that when bringing my mother who is 93 years old, to the Park Street Y, that none of the staff at the lower level were attentive, greeted neither my mother, nor me. Typically, it wasn't that way prior to COVID. However, I have noticed that some of the younger staff weren't welcoming prior to COVID, but that experience was rare.
I am not able to visit the Y like I used to prior to COVID. I am executive director of a small nonprofit, nearly a one woman operation. We provide arts education at no cost to children in Newark (a 1-week Dance Intensive; 6-week Summer Arts Day Camp & after school arts classes/workshops). A year ago, my mother was infected with COVID, it caused her to spend time in the hospital. It was a frightening time, however, because of it, we learned that my mother has lung cancer. We travel between Newark and Chicago to see hare doctors and receive cancer treatment. I was also involved in a car accident that has made it painful to swim, my favorite exercise at the Y. I am saying all of this to share with you that I don't visit the Y regularly. So maybe because the staff at the desk in the lower level doesn't see me on a regular basis, they see no need to engage me nor my mother with a warm hello. For me and my mom, it is saddening, and says something about a change in the culture at the Y intentional or unintentional. Maintaining our humanity is deeply and exceedingly important.
All of the wonderful group classes!
Pool pool pool
The staff are really helpful. The pools are great. And the other swimmers have been friendly and courteous.
We love the overall environment, including the diversity of the staff and families. The staff is very welcoming and helpful and always a smile from the instructors and the front desk staff. The instructors are patient and kind - we’ve done swimming, gym jammers, gymnastics and basketball. A special shout out to Faery, Darnell and Pius who my son has interacted with for the past two years. We know that continuity doesn’t always happen so we are grateful for such wonderful instructors who clearly enjoy working with children.
I love the staff - so helpful and welcoming . I love the members - I have met many wonderful inspirational people . And the array of equipment is fantastic .
The variety of programs/classes and the fact there is a pool
I love the friendlyness of the staff.
I come to swim laps in the small pool for seniors and I leave feeling energized and refreshed. Thank you.
Positive vibe, sense of community. But wish there were more dance and Zumba classes.
They are great amazing people great workers
Quiet
The lessons were well organized, the swim instructors were patient and kind with our son, and the pool area was well-staffed with life guards who responded quickly if a child accidentally fell in the water.
The best swimming lessons
Love it
The staff and instructors are very nice, knowledgeable, and patient with the children who enters the center.
It allows me to perform the biking, walking and weight training exercises in my workout routine. In addition, the "Y" workers are always very cordial and helpful.
Everyone is professional & very knowledgeable. All the instructors are kind and very patient.
Carolina is my son's favorite instructor, she takes her time to build trust with the students and helps them feel confident to push further in their new skill of swimming. The pool area and bathrooms are very clean. My only complaint would be the showers, the water temperature is too cold in showers. My son complains all the time. That should be improved. Besides that, my experience at the Geyer YMCA is amazing, starting from the greeter at the front desk.
Ami was very welcoming and helpful on my first day. That personal touch meant a lot.
Make new friends,go to different classes together and enjoy whatever we are doing. Enjoying the laughs of the day.
It’s a easy fit
Coaches
The instructor, Claire, was lovely. My wife and our baby, Sylvia, all love her classes and the attention she gives every child.
Staff and gym members are so friendly, welcoming and helpful.
I like learning at my own pace yet being encouraged to move forward.
It’s affordable
convenient
Class schedule
The group swim lessons are excellent— the instructors are patient, attentive, and take their time to provide helpful tips and hands-on guidance. Perfect for learning at your own pace while feeling supported!
Very awesome and. Friendly

Ms. Tracey, Ms. Kim, and Mr. Pius, are amazing! Our daughter has learned so much in such a short period of time. I am so happy that we enrolled her in the Time for Twos class!