About
The East Shore Branch YMCA, located at 701 N Front St, Harrisburg, PA, is a comprehensive community center offering a wide range of programs and facilities. It features a state-of-the-art aquatic center with two pools, a well-equipped wellness center for cardio and strength training, multiple group exercise studios, a basketball court, and child watch services. The YMCA provides programs for all ages, focusing on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, including swim lessons, fitness classes, and various sports and community events.
The East Shore Branch YMCA features an aquatic center with two pools: a 25-yard lap pool with four lanes and a smaller instructional pool used for swim lessons, water aerobics, and children's programs. Specific pool temperatures for this branch are not explicitly published on their official website.
What are people saying (AI review summary)? The YMCA facility receives mixed reviews. Positives include its relatively new equipment, clean facilities, good group fitness classes with sweet and top-notch staff, and its appeal to youths. The building is described as old and stunning, despite its confusing or maze-like layout. However, significant concerns are raised, particularly regarding the locker rooms: the women's locker room is criticized for needing renovation and lacking amenities compared to the men's, while the men's locker room is explicitly identified by one reviewer as a "gay hookup spot" and potentially unsuitable for children. Furthermore, there are serious complaints about the atmosphere, including direct accounts of racist encounters and a generally less friendly environment. Other drawbacks include a currently drained hot tub, a small pool, "church vibes," and the requirement to pay for parking.
Location
Gallery
Amenities
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Accessible Entrance
Reviews
Listing Reviews
November 27th, 2024Laura Horowitz
I think that the layout of this is weird. But overall the facility was nice. It's extremely confusing if you've never been there before since there's so many stairs and places to go. All the equipment was relatively new though so that was nice. The group fitness classes are really good. They're hot tub is currently drained so I think that is a downfall. The pool is really pretty but it's very small. It's giving church vibes. Definitely don't love that you have to pay for parking here. I wouldn't come back because of that.
May 15th, 2025Tayush Mukherji
Great spot for youths. Swimming is all about timing. From parking to all facilities is clean. A little less friendly atmosphere compared to West shore.
August 31st, 2025Frank Coyote
I went to see a friend of mine a few days ago in the morning and when I was leaving, I said hello to a white woman in her 30s who was dressed like a ballerina and she gave me a racist look. Yes, that's the word "racist" because that was what I felt in the way she look at me. And not only that but she muttered something that she didn't want me to hear it, I guess. I'm not sure what she said. Then I remembered a comment about this place where someone said that there is a lot of racism in this YMCA, of course, discreetly. Nevertheless, any person with a good eye can see the racism that exists in this place. I called my friend and explained what happened and according to him, some white people who are members of this YMCA don't like the idea of sharing this place with other races and included people of color. I don't understand why those white people coming here in the first place when there's other fitness facilities where all the members are white.
March 27th, 2025Kelsey Ryan
I’ve been going to the YMCA on and off for several years. This particular location is a bit of a maze but it’s an old, stunning building. All the staff are very sweet and the classes are top notch. Kathleen who teaches Pilates is one of my favorites! Only reason it gets 4 out of 5 stars is due to the women’s locker room desperately needing to be renovated. We pay the same price as the males do but they have a steam room as well as a whirl pool and it’s more up to date.
May 19th, 2025Joseph Currin
The men's locker room at Harrisburg YMCA is a well-known gay hookup spot and the YMCA doesn't care enough to do anything about it. I would not recommend taking children to this facility
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Opening Hours
| Sunday | 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Monday | 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Thursday | 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Friday | 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
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