Toby Wells YMCA

About

Fitness center with a swimming pool and yoga studio, plus kids' classes and childcare.

The Toby Wells YMCA features two heated pools for various aquatic activities, including lap swimming, swim lessons, and water exercise. While specific daily temperatures are not publicly detailed, YMCA heated lap or recreational pools are typically maintained around 80-82°F (26.7-27.8°C), with warmer instructional or therapy pools often kept between 88-90°F (31.1-32.2°C) for comfort and specific program needs.

What are people saying (AI review summary)? The provided reviews pertain to two distinct types of establishments: preschools and a gym/YMCA. The preschool reviews are predominantly negative, highlighting significant concerns with administration and teaching staff. The director, Talana Lugo, is repeatedly criticized for dismissing parental concerns, lacking oversight, questionable policies (e.g., children eating lunch in near darkness), and poor communication (e.g., refusing to use common parent connection apps, not providing newsletters). One teacher, Ms. Ale, is specifically mentioned for yelling at children, causing distress. Parents described the preschool as a 'glorified daycare' lacking a warm environment and structure, leading some to withdraw their children prematurely. Conversely, the reviews for the gym/YMCA are overwhelmingly positive. It is praised for its extensive, clean, and well-maintained facilities, including a large workout room, multiple class spaces, an indoor pool, a kids' playground, and a soccer field. The staff, particularly Erin and Destini, are commended for being friendly, patient, and exceptionally helpful with registration processes. The gym is also noted for its convenience and wide variety of classes, activities, and summer camps for both children and adults, though some found the camps' organization could be improved.

Location

Gallery

Amenities

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

Reviews

Listing Reviews

August 18th, 2025

Lina B

Preschool review: Our son attended here a couple years ago at age 3 and his teachers were Ms Ale and Ms Liz. He did well at first and then suddenly hated attending and would cry at drop off. Once upon leaving, I heard Ale yell at him in a very loud voice that I would never use on a 3 year old or anyone else for that matter. When I brought it up to the director Talana, she just dismissed it at her yelling so my son could hear her. Thankfully Ale went on leave and things improved and he really loved his new teachers. Upon her return in the spring, I saw her yell the same way at an autistic child that was new to the class. So we immediately removed our son from the school and lost well over a month of tuition. They also make zero effort to have a parent connection tool. Just a “weekly newsletter” that we also never received. When I asked them to enroll in a preschool application many other schools used, Talana said no. My son is 5 now and we still deal with the shame he experienced at this school. When my son was sick, nobody even cared to ask if he was out like at our other preschools after. It’s really not a warm place. This preschool could be much better if the admin cared enough to listen to the parent’s concerns and not dismiss them.

July 19th, 2025

Debbie Chialtas

Great gym! Large workout room with plenty of machines, weights, and equipment; nice class spaces; awesome gymnasium; good parking; and friendly staff! Everything is clean and well maintained. Very convenient for me since I live in Tierrasanta. If you want a sauna, the La Jolla location has one!

September 29th, 2016

Anatoly Petkov

Probably one of the best Y's that I've been in with so many features that it's difficult to list them without missing something. All 3 of my kids have taken parts in different classes, activities and camps over the years and myself and my wife are regular visitors in the gym. Some of the features are; indoor pool, kids playground, soccer field, boys and girls gymnastics classes, spinning classes, weight room, aerobic exercise room and so on. The kid's room was a blessing when the boys were little and the summer camps have saved us many times, even though they could be better organized. Gotta love the Y!

August 2nd, 2025

Shinyoung Goh

PRESCHOOL REVIEW: My child attended this preschool for the past two years, and overall, I would describe it as more of a glorified daycare than a structured early learning environment. Each classroom is staffed by two teachers, but it appeared that the director, Talana Lugo, gave them free rein without consistent oversight or clear guidelines. One incident that stood out was when I arrived early to pick up my daughter on a cloudy day. The classroom lights were completely off, and the children were eating lunch in near darkness. I found it strange, as it was difficult to even see the food on the table. When I brought this up with the director, Talana Lugo, she explained that the lights were off to help calm the children before nap time. It was time to eat, not time to nap—so why worry about napping during a meal? That reasoning didn’t sit well with me. I wondered: would she serve her own children lunch in the dark, where they could barely see their food? If not, why allow it here? This is just one example, but it reflects what I see as a lack of common sense and leadership in the school’s administration.

February 20th, 2025

Adrienne Aquino

Awesome staff! Today was crazy as I was trying to register my kid for summer camp. Thanks to Erin who helped me fill out the paperwork I needed, she was so patient answering all my questions and printing the forms. Also thank you Destini! She helped me through the membership and registration process and camp signups, she was so quick, detailed and I was done in less than 20minutes! Amazing work and I know today was hectic so I truly appreciate the patience and positive attitude!