Mary Free Bed YMCA

- 5500 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Welcome to the Mary Free Bed YMCA, a one-of-a-kind fitness center and community hub located in the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan. We are a place where health, wellness, and community come together with an unprecedented commitment to inclusion. Our facility is the world's first to be certified in Universal Design by the Global Universal Design Commission, meaning it was thoughtfully and intentionally built to be usable by people of all ages and abilities. We are not just a gym; we are a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our mission is to provide a welcoming and safe environment where everyone can pursue their wellness goals, regardless of their physical or cognitive challenges. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, as one reviewer noted, and we believe that this inclusive spirit is what truly sets us apart. Our facility is a vibrant and active space, offering a diverse array of programs that cater to the entire family. From physical fitness and sports to educational and social programs, we are a central part of many families' lives in the West Michigan region. The synergy between a traditional YMCA and a focus on rehabilitation and accessibility, in partnership with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation, creates a unique and powerful environment. Our professional staff is dedicated to providing high-quality instruction and support, ensuring that every member feels empowered and confident. We are more than just a place to work out; we are a destination for positive change and personal growth, offering a space where able-bodied individuals and those with disabilities can exercise, play, and connect together. We are proud to serve the Grand Rapids community and are committed to being a beacon of inclusivity and a model for what a fitness center can be for everyone.

The Mary Free Bed YMCA is conveniently located at 5500 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, USA. This central location in Grand Rapids makes it a highly accessible destination for families and individuals throughout West Michigan. Its position provides a straightforward commute from surrounding communities, including Cascade, Kentwood, and beyond. One of the most significant aspects of our location is its exceptional accessibility, which is a foundational principle of our design. We offer a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible parking lot with free on-site parking, a wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating throughout the facility. Our commitment to universal design also includes features like an assistive hearing loop, ensuring that our space is welcoming and usable for people with diverse sensory and physical needs. The main architectural feature of our building is a central ramp that provides easy vertical circulation and wayfinding for all. This thoughtful design eliminates physical barriers, making it seamless for individuals with wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers to navigate the entire building with ease. The spacious and open layout, along with easy access to all our amenities, ensures that your visit is stress-free. We believe that convenience and accessibility are essential for a successful and consistent fitness routine. Our location, combined with our universal design principles, makes us a prime choice for anyone in Michigan seeking a truly inclusive and easy-to-access fitness center.

The services offered at the Mary Free Bed YMCA are incredibly diverse, catering to a wide range of interests and age groups. Our comprehensive programs are designed to promote a healthy lifestyle for the entire family, combining physical activity with opportunities for education and social engagement. We are a recreation center in the truest sense of the word, offering something for everyone.

• Aquatics Programs: Our facility features two sets of indoor swimming pools, including a lap pool and a family pool. We offer a variety of aquatic classes, from toddler swim lessons to pool exercise classes for adults. The pool areas are thoughtfully designed with universal access features, including a transfer station for people with disabilities, to ensure everyone can enjoy the water.
• Group Exercise & Fitness: We offer hundreds of group fitness classes for all levels and abilities, including yoga, pool exercise, and more. Our fitness center is equipped with state-of-the-art strength training and cardio equipment, as well as an indoor track. For those who prefer to work out at home, we also offer online classes.
• Child and Youth Programs: Our offerings are extensive for children, including our popular "Toddler Time" sessions, which one parent said their "2 year old loves." We also provide a "Kidzone" for childcare while parents work out, as well as after-school programs, sports, and a youth organization.
• Recreation & Sports: Our sports facilities are top-notch and include a basketball court, indoor volleyball court, and outdoor fields for baseball and soccer. We are also known for our rock climbing programs, and our wheelchair softball field is a unique highlight.
• Health & Wellness Amenities: We offer a range of amenities to support your wellness journey, including a sauna for relaxation and a hot tub. We also have a chapel for spiritual health and quiet reflection.
• Community & Educational Programs: Beyond physical fitness, we have a teaching kitchen, a learning farm, and a greenhouse. These programs focus on nutrition education and agricultural skills, with a farm-to-table focus that is unique to our facility.

Our expansive list of services ensures that the Mary Free Bed YMCA is a place where you can strengthen your body, mind, and spirit. We are committed to providing a holistic approach to wellness for the entire family, all under one roof.

The Mary Free Bed YMCA stands out from other fitness centers in Michigan due to a series of unique features and highlights that are central to our identity. These attributes are a direct reflection of our mission to create a truly inclusive and welcoming community.

• Universal Design Certification: We are the first building in the world to be certified in Universal Design. This means every aspect of our facility—from the layout and flooring to the lighting and acoustics—was intentionally designed to be usable by the widest range of people possible, including those with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities.
• Inclusivity and Community: The sense of community is a major highlight. Our facility is a place where people of all ages and abilities can interact and connect. As one reviewer noted, the atmosphere is "warm and welcoming," making it a positive space for everyone.
• Comprehensive Amenities: Our facilities are unmatched in their variety and scope. We have everything from an indoor swimming pool and sauna to an indoor basketball court, outdoor fields for baseball and soccer, and a chapel. The combination of these amenities creates a truly comprehensive experience.
• Unique and Purposeful Programs: Our programs go beyond typical gym offerings. The presence of a teaching kitchen, learning farm, and greenhouse sets us apart, providing members with opportunities for hands-on learning about nutrition and sustainable living.
• Family-Friendly Environment: We are truly "good for kids." With features like a "Kidzone" for childcare, dedicated toddler programs, and a wide array of youth sports, we make it easy for parents to prioritize their own health while their children are engaged in fun and safe activities.
• Partnership with Mary Free Bed: Our unique collaboration with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation allows us to integrate traditional fitness with a focus on therapy and adaptive sports, creating a facility that serves a diverse and broad community need. We have programs for adaptive sports athletes and those with mobility restrictions, ensuring that no one is left behind.

For more information, to schedule a tour, or to inquire about membership, please use the following contact details. We look forward to welcoming you and your family!

Address: 5500 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, USA

Phone: (616) 285-9077

Mobile Phone: +1 616-285-9077

When considering a fitness center in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area, the Mary Free Bed YMCA stands out as a truly exceptional choice. The most compelling reason is our unwavering commitment to accessibility and inclusion. As a universally designed facility, we have eliminated the barriers that often prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in fitness and community activities. This isn't just about a ramp or a special parking spot; it's about a fundamental design philosophy that makes our entire space functional and enjoyable for everyone. This dedication is what makes us "warm and welcoming," as noted by a reviewer, and it creates a unique and supportive atmosphere you won't find anywhere else. The sheer variety of our amenities and programs is another reason to choose us. From the swimming pools and basketball courts to the outdoor soccer fields and educational greenhouse, we offer a complete package for the entire family. A membership here means you don’t need to go to multiple places for different activities; you can find everything you need for health, wellness, and recreation right here. The seamless integration of physical fitness with therapeutic and educational programs, thanks to our partnership with Mary Free Bed, provides a level of service and expertise that is unmatched. We are a non-profit organization focused on serving the community, and every dollar you spend with us goes back into making our programs and services even better. Choosing the Mary Free Bed YMCA means you are not just investing in your own health; you are investing in a community that values and celebrates every individual. Our friendly staff, fantastic facilities, and unique mission make us the best choice for anyone in Michigan looking for a fitness center that truly cares about everyone's well-being.

Mary Free Bed YMCA

5500 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, USA