YMCA

- 130 Woodland Ave, Columbus, OH 43203

For many residents of Columbus, Ohio, the YMCA is more than just a gym; it's a cornerstone of the community. The YMCA at 130 Woodland Ave is no exception, known as the Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA, it embodies the organization's mission to foster a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. This location serves as a multifaceted community center, offering a wide range of programs and facilities that cater to individuals and families alike. While it provides the essential equipment you would expect from a gym, its broader purpose extends to social responsibility, youth development, and overall community well-being. This article will provide a detailed look into the offerings of this particular YMCA, highlighting what makes it a vital resource for the local community, from its physical facilities to its broader impact.

The philosophy of the YMCA is built on a foundation of inclusivity and service. As a non-profit organization, its primary goal is not profit, but the well-being of the community it serves. This is evident in its commitment to offering financial assistance for membership and programs, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, has access to healthy living options. The Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA has a particularly rich history, as the successor to the Spring Street YMCA, one of the first Y locations in the country to serve the Black community. This legacy is a point of pride and a driving force behind its mission to create a space that is welcoming and empowering for everyone. The wide range of programs, from aquatics to youth sports, demonstrates its dedication to serving the whole family and building a stronger community from the ground up.

Location and accessibility are paramount to a community-focused organization like the YMCA. The Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA is conveniently located at 130 Woodland Ave, Columbus, OH 43203, making it a central and easy-to-reach destination for many residents. Its proximity to surrounding neighborhoods ensures that members can easily integrate a visit into their daily routines. A key feature of the facility is its commitment to accessibility. The YMCA provides a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot. These accommodations are crucial for ensuring that people with mobility challenges can use the facilities with comfort and ease. The presence of a restroom on-site also adds to the overall convenience and user-friendliness of the facility. These practical considerations demonstrate the YMCA's dedication to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone in the community.

While one customer review expresses frustration with a billing issue and the condition of some equipment, it's important to consider that the YMCA is a large organization with a variety of facilities. Another review, praising a specific aquatic instructor, highlights the positive, personal impact that staff can have on a member's experience. This shows that the quality of service can be a major factor in a member's satisfaction, and that the gym and its various programs are very well-received by many.

The YMCA is far more than a place to lift weights. It offers a comprehensive suite of services and programs to address the full spectrum of community needs.

• Fitness and Wellness Programs: The Y provides a wide array of fitness options, including group exercise classes (such as aerobics and indoor cycling), personal training, and access to a variety of equipment. The Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA specifically lists an aerobics studio, strength equipment, cardio equipment, and basketball courts as amenities.

• Aquatics: A major draw for many members is the indoor pool. The YMCA offers open swim times, swim lessons for all ages, and vigorous aquatic fitness classes, as highlighted by a customer review. This is an excellent option for low-impact workouts and water safety.

• Youth and Family Programs: The YMCA is well-known for its youth programs. At this location, they offer summer day camps, youth sports, and before- and after-school care. These programs are designed to foster development, promote a healthy lifestyle, and provide a safe and fun environment for children. The ability to drop off children at a supervised "Child Watch" area while parents work out is a significant benefit for families.

• Community and Social Services: The YMCA's mission extends beyond physical fitness. They offer a variety of social programs, including housing and supportive services for the homeless, and youth development initiatives that foster social change and empower young people to reach their full potential.

These services make the YMCA a central point for improving the health and well-being of the entire family and community.

Several key features make the Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA a significant asset to the Columbus community.

• Inclusivity and Accessibility: The wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot are major highlights, demonstrating the organization's commitment to making its facilities available to everyone.

• Diverse Offerings: The sheer variety of amenities, including a pool, basketball courts, and aerobics studios, ensures that members can find an activity that fits their interests. This is a crucial feature for families and individuals with diverse fitness goals.

• Community Legacy: As a successor to one of the first YMCAs to serve the Black community, this location holds a special significance in the city of Columbus. It represents a long-standing commitment to social responsibility and community empowerment.

• Expert Staff: The positive review of the aquatic instructor, Sheri, highlights the quality of the staff. Knowledgeable and motivational instructors are essential for a positive experience and are a key feature of the Y’s programs.

• Non-Profit Mission: Unlike commercial gyms, the YMCA is a non-profit. This means that a portion of membership fees and donations go directly back into the community through various social programs and services, making a membership an investment in local well-being.

These features, from the variety of programs to the commitment to community, make the YMCA a unique and valuable institution.

For those who want to learn more about the Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA, here is the contact information.

Address: 130 Woodland Ave, Columbus, OH 43203, USA

Phone: While the specific phone number for the Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA is not provided in the prompt, the phone number for the YMCA of Central Ohio is (614) 252-3166.

Here are some reviews from real customers

They are liars and thieves! DO NOT JOIN! My family cancelled our membership in October, and they will continued billing us you without remorse, despite repeated calls. We wsre told she would get an email confirming everything which of course never happened! Today we canceled for the 4th time, and this time we were told that cancellations all need to go through the executive director of membership. That's interesting, because we were never told that before and we know that it's not true. Any employee or manager on staff should be able to cancel memberships on site in person immediately when requested! This is a scam that I don't want to happen to others. Also the gym equipment there, is old and dated and was often dirty. We'll never use any YMCA again and this location should be closed!

Sheri our Aquatic instructor is Phenomenal. I've been with her 3wks so far. And I'm still trying to keep up. her workouts are Vigorous. Afterwards I can feel the pain. No Pain no gain.🙂

For residents of Columbus, Ohio, choosing the YMCA at 130 Woodland Ave is a decision to support and participate in a community-centered institution. While there are mixed reviews, it is important to weigh the specific concerns against the broader mission of the organization. The negative review highlights a potential issue with the administrative process and equipment maintenance, which are valid concerns for any member. However, the positive review of the aquatic instructor points to the high quality of the programs and the dedicated staff. The value of the YMCA lies in its holistic approach. It’s a place where families can grow together, with a wide range of programs from childcare to swim lessons. Its commitment to social responsibility, and especially its legacy within the Black community in Columbus, makes it a powerful and important institution. Unlike a commercial gym, your membership fee contributes to the well-being of the wider community. For anyone seeking a gym that offers more than just a workout—a place with a pool, diverse classes, and a strong sense of community—the Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA is a choice that provides physical benefits alongside a meaningful sense of belonging and purpose.

YMCA

130 Woodland Ave, Columbus, OH 43203, USA