About
The YMCA of Southern Maine - Northern York County Branch, located in Biddeford, ME, is a comprehensive community center offering a wide range of facilities and programs. These include a fitness center, two heated swimming pools, group exercise classes, youth development programs, and various activities aimed at promoting healthy living and social responsibility for all ages in the Northern York County area.
The facility features two heated pools: the lap pool is maintained at a temperature of 80-82 degrees Fahrenheit, and the warm water pool is kept at a warmer temperature of 90-92 degrees Fahrenheit.
What are people saying (AI review summary)? The facility receives mixed reviews, with a strong dichotomy between positive aspects of its swimming and fitness amenities and severe criticism regarding its childcare services and some operational issues. Positive points include helpful and generally friendly staff, well-maintained swimming pools with a pleasant, non-chlorine smell, and effective swim instructors. Many users recommend it for lap swimming and family use. However, the facility is described as 'worn around the edges' and faces ongoing challenges such as staffing shortages leading to frequent pool closings and a week-by-week schedule, and strict, sometimes questioned, COVID protocols (e.g., closed sauna). A significant concern is highlighted by a review detailing a highly negative experience with the childcare program, where a 3-year-old was allegedly expelled without proper explanation or adherence to stated policies, raising serious questions about the program's integrity and management's qualifications. Additionally, there are isolated reports of lifeguards lacking common courtesy or misinterpreting dress codes.
Location
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Amenities
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Accessible Entrance
Reviews
Listing Reviews
June 22nd, 2025CatK
6-2025 Helpful staff, nice swimming pool Overall this Y is worn around the edges. However, if you are looking for a comfortable place to swim laps or go to family swim, this place is great. The pool area has lots of light and a (Cedar?) wood ceiling that makes it smell like a pleasant forest instead of chlorine. I thoroughly enjoyed my lap swim and will return next time we are in Biddeford. Recommended.
March 3rd, 2023melissa milem
Zero stars but I'm forced to give 1! Do not put your children into the hands of a center that isn't equipped or have the training to be an advocate for your child and fight for what's best for their development just as much as you do. I feel heartbroken for a young 3 year old who was so excited to attend this center. Again, do not give up stable childcare to send your child here. They boast on being a center dedicated to bringing families together and the development of children. This is the same center that kicked out a 3 year old the morning of her 3rd day because apparently she wasn't adapting fast enough and was unable to verbally express her emotions and had ONE incident the day prior. They gave ZERO explanation as to why they kicked her out and then refused, yes they verbally said ABSOLUTELY NOT when a discussion was requested and then chose to ignore email communications. The current Development Director, according to his bio, started during the pandemic and he has zero background in education or even early childhood development. They claim they follow policy, but again, like other reviews, that policy is only the one that fits their narrative not the policies they dictate in their handbook. They did not provide anything which they stated they would in their handbook. At this point we can't advocate to have our child in this program because you'd have to question how they'd be treated daily. The integrity of this program is non existent!
November 11th, 2022Laura Katherine
I always have positive interactions with the staff and the facilities are well maintained. They are still running very strict COVID protocols when it comes to some things. For example, the sauna continues to be closed. It would seem that we should be past that point with COVID (is that really reducing spread in any way?). They also seem to be struggling with staffing issues (isn't this the story everywhere), so the pool schedule is put out on a week by week basis at the moment. However, they offer significant pool time, so I can't really complain.
December 27th, 2018Vamshi Gooje
Excellent facility for swimming and exercise. Generally, staff is friendly and helpful. However, lifeguards need more training dealing with members. Understood that’s not a requisite skill for the job but having common courtesy should be. I’ve had a lifeguard tell me that I was wearing an underwear and I should wear swim trunks instead and kicked me out. Now I’m a 40 year old man who can tell a difference between an underwear and one that is not...especially when I bought an expensive item specifically for swimming. Ah.. he asked for the brand and determined it was an underwear because it’s an unknown name. Baffled how such a skintight sportswear can be confused for an underwear. how does one even argue with an unreasonable mind?
July 22nd, 2023Danny Harvey
The swim instructor is fantastic, the facilities are great.... when they're open, very frequent pool closing and cancelations. Once ok, but it's been systemic, I love the place and the people, it's just challenged in that regard.
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Opening Hours
| Sunday | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Monday | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
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