Palmer Ranch YMCA Branch

About

The Palmer Ranch YMCA Branch, located at 8301 Potter Park Dr, Sarasota, FL 34238, USA, is a comprehensive community fitness and wellness center offering a wide range of programs and facilities. It typically includes a modern fitness center, group exercise studios, a gymnasium, and an aquatic complex designed for various activities, serving as a key resource for health and community engagement in the Sarasota area.

The aquatic facilities at the Palmer Ranch YMCA generally include a lap pool maintained around 80-82°F (26.7-27.8°C) for fitness swimming, and a warmer instructional or therapy pool typically kept at approximately 86-88°F (30-31.1°C) for lessons, aquatic therapy, and family recreation.

What are people saying (AI review summary)? This YMCA receives mixed reviews, with several positive aspects alongside significant criticisms. Patrons frequently praise the welcoming staff, friendly atmosphere, and good basic facilities, which include a pool (kept at 86 degrees), a fitness area, and a gym for activities like basketball and pickleball. The pickleball program is particularly highlighted for its friendly community, varied skill levels, and available lessons. Additionally, some reviews laud the facility as the best among local branches, commending specific instructors (e.g., for pump classes) and the quality of studio space and equipment. However, a major source of dissatisfaction is the strict 15-day written cancellation policy, which many find to be inconvenient, unfair, and a 'cash grab.' Concerns about the cleanliness of the facility, particularly neglected and dirty fitness equipment with 'dead skin build up,' are also frequently mentioned. Negative feedback was also directed at the daycare services, citing inappropriate movie choices for children.

Location

Gallery

Amenities

• Good for Children
• Accepts Credit Cards
• Accessible Entrance
• Accessible Restroom

Reviews

Listing Reviews

July 8th, 2025

Mike Wright

I visited this YMCA using the AWAY program. Staff was nice. Gave me quick tour. Made me feel welcome. The Y has all the basics, pool fitness area, gym for basketball and pickleball. Pool is kept at 86 degrees.

June 10th, 2025

Steven Waldman

Same as others, 15 day cancellation policy. Written. Obviously they only want your cash. I did not know about the written policy. I don't live in Sarasota. Did not think i had to read a contract from the Y. Left several messages to cancel. Nope, never happened. On top of that, the place is very dirty. If i was able to stay in Sarasota, ( had to leave to help a seriously sick family member), I was thinking of getting a volunteer group to clean the treadmill machines etc, regularly. They were just neglected, lots of debris, dead skin build up. Not a healthy environment. Never going back. Love the Y up north would not happen here. They need to rethink what they are doing, and to whom. Nit a good look. Very disappointed.

January 11th, 2025

Nancy Carson

We've visited 4 Branches in this area and this is by far the best! So impressed with the facility and the pump instructor! So welcoming. No excessive rules like other branches. Just a welcoming, positive experience! Fantastic instructor...Janet...one of the best I have ever had in 15 years of pump. Motivating, tough, positive, great tips as she watched EVERYONE! Amazing studio space and equipment best I've ever seen!

July 27th, 2024

Tom Mckenna

Love Pickleball here! Friendly members, making lots of friends! PB enthusiasts become friends. Good variety of skill level. Lessons as needed. You too will be thrilled.

April 7th, 2025

Stephanie Sacha

They screw you over if you close your membership. You need to tell them 15 days beforehand because they must have a mental handicap and not be able to process basic information. Also the daycare stinks. I went only once and they put on a weird Halloween movie because a child wanted it. Okay. Prioritize the desire of the adults not a 2 year old.