About
The Ottumwa Family YMCA, located at 611 N Hancock St, Ottumwa, IA, is a community hub offering a diverse range of programs and facilities. It typically includes a fitness center with cardio and strength training equipment, group exercise classes, a comprehensive aquatics area, youth development programs, childcare services, sports leagues, and community events, all aimed at fostering healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility within the Ottumwa area.
The Ottumwa Family YMCA maintains its Lap Pool at 82 degrees Fahrenheit and its Warm Water Therapy Pool at 92 degrees Fahrenheit.
What are people saying (AI review summary)? Reviews for the YMCA Ottumwa highlight significant inconsistencies and customer service issues, alongside some positive feedback. Several members reported problems with advertised 24/7 access being denied, apparently due to private staff events, followed by rude staff interactions and retaliatory membership cancellations. Another concern was inconsistent policies for youth memberships, with a 16-year-old suddenly requiring orientation and paperwork after initially being allowed to work out, leading to unhelpful staff responses and a refusal to refund or credit unused membership days. For families with children aged 5-9, there's a perceived lack of independent activities beyond the pool or gym (requiring parent supervision) and a limited 'youth zone' primarily offering TV, leading some to question the YMCA's 'family-focused' claim. One reviewer noted the facility can be too hot, suggesting the AC might be off during off-hours, though fans and cold water are available. Conversely, one positive review praised the Ottumwa YMCA as a great place for workouts and family time, commending the friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable staff, and nice facilities.
Location
Gallery
Amenities
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Accepts Credit Cards
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Accessible Entrance
Reviews
Listing Reviews
May 6th, 2025Hicham Alami
We chose the YMCA Ottumwa primarily for its advertised 24/7 access, but unfortunately, our experience was far from acceptable. When we attempted to use the facility after hours—as our membership allows—the card reader wasn’t working. We weren’t alone; several other members also couldn’t gain entry with their cards. While we were trying to figure out what was going on, we noticed a group of people in the lobby and a staff member—who identified herself as the manager—working at the front desk. We politely knocked on the window to ask for assistance, but instead of helping, she abruptly told us the gym was closed and dismissed our concerns. We waited briefly outside and later observed the same staff member leaving the gym with approximately 10 others, who appeared to be her family. They were carrying party supplies and leftover food, which strongly suggested a private gathering inside the gym during the time members were supposed to have access. It seems access was intentionally disabled to accommodate a personal event. When we tried to ask about the situation, we were met with rudeness and defensiveness. The following day, instead of offering an explanation or apology, the manager cancelled our membership, claiming we had harassed her—when in fact, we had simply asked why we, along with other paying members, were unable to access the facility. This experience was incredibly frustrating and disappointing. It’s unacceptable for a publicly serving organization to misuse its facilities, deny access to members, and retaliate when concerns are raised. I would strongly caution others to consider alternative gyms in the area that respect their members and honor the services they advertise.
August 19th, 2025Kate Coil
I signed up for a family membership, and my 16-year-old was allowed to work out for the first two days without any issue. Then, on Wednesday, he was suddenly told he could not work out without an orientation and a signed paper from his gym teacher. I spoke with Terra Clark regarding this, and not only was the policy change inconsistent, but her approach was unnecessarily rude and unprofessional. I requested that the money paid for the youth membership either be refunded or applied to next month to allow time for the required paperwork and orientation. I was told no, because he had “used” two days of the membership the very two days he was allowed to work out in clear violation of their own stated policy. Instead of working with us, Ms. Clark insisted I work around her schedule, offered no customer-oriented solutions, and ultimately gave me a mere 15-minute window to bring my son in, or else he would not be allowed back until after September 1st. That effectively means we would be paying for an entire month of membership for him to use it only twice, through no fault of our own. This is unacceptable, reflects poorly on your customer service standards, and does not align with the expectations set when purchasing a family membership
May 26th, 2025Billie Antrim
It was too hot. Need my own ear buds for music and cloths for hotter weather. Think they turn the AC off during off hours but plenty of fans going and cold drinking water. I got my information and will plan accordingly. Think morning in the warmer weather and later during the winter? Or just dress for it.
May 7th, 2025José Reyes
The Ottumwa YMCA is a great place to have a workout or spend some time with family and friends. I was just passing through and decided to get a quick workout out. Also, the staff are very friendly and always willing to help out, even after business hours! They will do anything to help out a member. I’d definitely recommend the Ottumwa YMCA because of their knowledgeable staff and nice facilities ❤️
July 24th, 2024Aletha Hall
If you are in the market of a membership just know a few things. If you have kids between the ages of 5 to 9 there really isn't anything for them to do. Of course there is the swimming pool that they can get in but a parent has to be with them or they can play in the gym but again a parent has to be with them, which is fine but if you as an adult were wanting to work out and need them to hang out somewhere well you can sign them up to hang out in a room that was originally targeted to infants and toddlers. Basically they get to sit in front of a tv the whole time you're working out. Oh and I almost forgot they are an actively paying member as well but nothing for them to do independent of an adult unless you want to pay more for an extracurricular activity that may or may not get canceled due to low sign up. I spoke with 2 different employees on 2 separate occasions about my concern with this and basically the response both times were yea we may get the youth zone back up and running but can't really commit to it. So if you have no kids or of a certain age this place is perfect for you, but if your a single mom looking for a fun family atmosphere you might as well save your money or find an organization that actually focuses on families because the Ottumwa YMCA is far from being family focused.
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Opening Hours
| Sunday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Monday | 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
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