Everyone knows the Y as a place to camp, swim, or exercise, but we’re so much more. We address critical community needs that help kids develop into successful adults and provide resources for adults to improve their health and well-being at all ages.
Everyone knows the Y as a place to camp, swim, or exercise, but we’re so much more. We address critical community needs that help kids develop i...
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Y ensure everyone has a chance to succeed and belong at the Y.
Since 1870, the Akron Area YMCA has been a strong place to launch and a safe place to land for generations of individuals and families. A cornerstone to the foundation of Northeast Ohio, the Akron Area YMCA has answered the needs when the community called.
Values
Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Faith
While founded with a Christian worldview, YMCA doors are open to people of all faiths or none. We feel that we are called to inclusion by our faith-based roots. Our values are held in our hearts, not worn on our shirtsleeves. People of all faiths are welcome to work, play and volunteer at the Akron Y.
Each Y branch expresses our Christian heritage in unique ways. One branch might host a non-denominational Bible study while another sponsors a prayer breakfast on Good Friday. Many Y child care programs partner with churches.
The great historian of religion, Martin Marty, once said that every religion serves two functions: First, it is a message of telling us how to get right with God; and second, it is a lens for interpreting the world. At the Y, we attempt to remain true to our Christian roots and allow our members to interpret the world around them.
Our mandate is compelling: Love God and love our neighbors as ourselves.
Since 1870, the Akron Area YMCA has been a strong place to launch and a safe place to land. See our historical timeline.
The term “consumer” refers to any person of any age (adult or youth) visiting or involved in Akron Area YMCA facilities, programs, and services. The Akron Area YMCA (the “YMCA”) is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all.
Abuse or Mistreatment
The YMCA’s top priority is keeping consumers safe. Any form of abuse or mistreatment of consumers, employees, and/or volunteers is prohibited. Use of abusive, obscene, profane, threatening, harassing or discriminatory language (including but not limited to racial, religious, gender identity, or sexual references) will not be tolerated.
Bullying
Bullying is aggressive behavior that is intentional, is repeated over time, and involves an imbalance of power or strength. Bullying can take on various forms including physical bullying, verbal bullying, nonverbal or relational bullying, cyberbullying, sexualized bullying, and hazing. Anyone who sees an act of bullying and encourages it is engaging in bullying. This applies to all consumers, employees, and volunteers and will not be tolerated.
Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco
Use of alcoholic beverages, drugs, and tobacco/vaping products while at the Y is prohibited. Consumers who appear to be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or illicit substances will not be permitted to use the YMCA’s facilities or participate in any program and will be asked to leave the premises.
Weapons
Weapons, and items that may be considered weapons, are prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, guns, knives, explosives and laser pointers. Anyone found to be in possession of such items will be required to leave and the items may be confiscated. The authorities may be notified as appropriate.
Violence
Violence and threats of violence will not be tolerated at the Y, on our grounds, in our facilities, in other facilities being utilized or visited by our association, or during association-sponsored activities and events. Employees are available to assist in the resolution of differences.
Sexually-Explicit Materials
Everyone in the YMCA is prohibited from accessing, displaying, producing, and/or distributing pornography or sexually-explicit materials on YMCA property or while participating in any YMCA program or service.
Disruptive Behavior
The YMCA is committed to providing a safe, caring, healthy and respectful environment for all members, participants, guests and third parties. To promote these values, we ask all individuals to act appropriately at all times when they are using our facilities, participating in our programs, or attending any event as a spectator. The following conduct may be grounds for removal from the YMCA, suspension, or termination of membership as determined by the YMCA in its sole discretion:
1. Inappropriate attire, such as clothing that is overly revealing or containing vulgar or discriminatory language / images, obscene gestures, or other content that is inappropriate for a facility serving children.
2. Physical contact with another person in an angry or threatening manner, or intentional physical contact that injures another person.
3. Threatening, hostile, or vulgar language including swearing, name calling or shouting.
4. Any demonstration of sexual activity or sexual contact with another person.
5. Intimidation or harassment by words, gestures, body language or any other menacing behavior.
6. Theft or attempted theft, or behavior that results in destruction of property.
7. Carrying or concealing a weapon, devices or an object that may be used as a weapon, including guns, knives, and explosive devices.
8. Providing personal instruction / training / coaching to YMCA members as a non-authorized provider.
9. Using, possessing, and/or being under the influence of illegal or harmful chemicals/substances or alcohol on YMCA property, in YMCA vehicles or at off-site YMCA programs locations.
10. Using tobacco or tobacco-like products such as e-cigarettes, vape pens, or other vaping products, on YMCA property, in YMCA vehicles or at offsite YMCA program locations.
11. Any other conduct of an inappropriate, threatening or offensive nature determined by the YMCA to be inconsistent with its mission and values. If any member, participant, guest or third party feels uncomfortable confronting a person regarding conduct in violation of this policy, they should immediately report the behavior to a staff member. Staff members are ready to help when these situations arise.
Photos and Audio/Video Recording
The use of audio, camera and video recording devices, including the recording and photography functions of cell phones, are prohibited in all YMCA facilities owned or leased unless there is implied authorization.
● The use of these devices is strictly prohibited in the Child Watch area, Wellness Center, free weight room, gymnasium, locker rooms, restrooms, and pool areas.
● Implied authorization is when a person is taking a picture, using an audio device, or taking video of a member of their family, family friends, or others from whom prior permission has been obtained.
BACKGROUND CHECKS
The YMCA conducts regular sex offender screenings on all members, participants, and guests. If a sex offender match occurs, the YMCA reserves the right to cancel membership, end program participation, and remove visitation access.
The protection of our members and guests participating in our programs and/or our facilities is of paramount interest to the Akron Area YMCA. The Akron Area YMCA reserves the right to deny access or membership to any person who has been accused or convicted of any crime involving sexual abuse; is a registered sex offender; habitually or excessively uses narcotics or dangerous drugs; has ever been convicted of any offense related to the use, sale, possession or transportation of narcotics or habit forming and/or dangerous drugs; or continually or excessively uses intoxicating beverages.
All visitors and guests, 18 years and older, must present a valid ID upon entering our facilities, including the Grizzly Outdoor Pool. This information is used to ensure the safety and security of all persons entering our facilities. If you have a concern regarding this process, we encourage you to reach out to the Akron Area YMCA Corporate Office at 330-376-1335.
Participants who cancel prior to the start of class or program may receive 100% credit toward a future program. Refund checks will be issued in 2-4 weeks less a $10.00 service charge. Refunds will not be issued after the session begins except in case of injury or illness. Please contact the Membership/Program/Executive Director as soon as possible in order to receive a credit for classes not attended. Some restrictions may apply, such as aquatic programs, camp programs, child care, events and special programs. Check at time of registration for cancellation restrictions.
Although we do our best to help all participants make up classes missed for personal reasons, we cannot guarantee that make-up classes will be available. Make-up classes must be scheduled through the program director.
Registered Service Animals are welcome in our facilities and are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Members who wish to bring an Emotional Support Animal, however, should schedule a meeting with branch leadership prior to bringing their ESA to our locations. Please contact your local branch to set up a meeting.
View our full policy HERE
AGE POLICIES
CHILD WATCH (6 WEEKS–10 YEARS)
Child Watch allows parents to participate in programs and work out up to two hours per day while children are engaged in various age-appropriate activities in a supervised environment. Child Watch is free for those with a Family or Youth membership. Adult memberships may purchase a monthly Child Watch pass for children under 3 years of age for $5 a month. Please check with your branch for time and details.Wellness/Fitness Center
Youth ages 10-12 may use the wellness/fitness center if accompanied by an adult (18 or older) at all times. It is recommended that the youth first complete Youth Wellness Assessment, at the branch.
Teens ages 13-15 may use the wellness/fitness center if accompanied by an adult (18 and older). They may only use the wellness/fitness center, without adult supervision, if they complete our Teen Wellness Assessment.
Gymnasium
Youth ages 9-10 are permitted in the gymnasium during open gym time. A parent or supervising adult (age 18 or older) must be inside the building at all times.Youth ages 11+ may be in the gym without a parent or supervising adult in the building.Group Exercise ClassesMembers ages 13–15 may attend fitness classes if accompanied by a parent/supervising adult (18 or older). Members 16 years and older may attend group classes on their own.Locker RoomsChildren age 4 and over are not permitted in opposite sex locker rooms but are encouraged to use the family changing rooms. Adults not required to use the family changing rooms are asked to use the regular locker rooms. The Y is not responsible for stolen, lost or damaged personal property. Ensure your lockers are secured and leave your valuables at home.Open SwimChildren age 5 and under must be accompanied in the water by an adult wearing appropriate swimming attire at all times. Children ages 6–10 must have a parent present on the pool deck for the duration of their time in the pool. Children ages 11 and older may be in the pool without a parent present. However, they are subject to a swim test and must adhere to posted rules and any rules set forth by the lifeguard. Use of the deep end may be dependent on the completion of a standardized swim test and will be at the discretion of the lifeguard.