YMCA - Walla Walla (WA)

1 /5 Soul Finds: 1 star because of horrible employment. My sister and I went to the pool and when we entered the life guard was just sadly so disrespectful. She didn’t even acknowledge us until I encouraged my little sister to speak up and ask if she needed to take the swim test in order to go into the pool. The life guard quite literally ignored my sister when asked the question and got up and walked away. We thought maybe she didn’t hear us so we asked again and the lifeguard rolled her eyes and said “yeah fine.” Then when it was time to do the swim test, the lifeguard didn’t say a single word and didn’t direct her on what to do. So my sister just stood there waiting for instruction and the lifeguard looked at her and snapped, pointing to the water and rolled her eyes once again. Now, I never make negative reviews but this not only bothered me as an adult but when your baby sister comes up with the courage to speak and ask questions very maturely to an adult and they react like that, it’s frankly very very concerning. This interaction bothered her so much that she couldn’t enjoy the pool and was teary for the rest of the night.

1 /5 Nicholas Croghan: While many people seem to have had positive experiences at the Walla Walla YMCA, mine was strikingly different — and disappointing enough that I felt compelled to share. After years of unknowingly being charged for a membership I believed I had canceled (I handed in the paperwork in person), I reached out to clarify the situation. Leadership confirmed they had no record of my cancellation and offered only a partial refund for the past three months — despite the fact that I hadn’t used the facility in years. I expected a community-focused response — something aligned with the Y’s stated values. Instead, I received a carefully worded policy defense and little acknowledgment of the long-term error on their end. It felt more like dealing with a profit-driven company than a mission-based organization. It’s clear that many have had great experiences here, and I don’t doubt those are real. But that inconsistency — where accountability depends more on technicalities than on people — speaks volumes. For an institution that prides itself on community, this experience was eye-opening and disappointing.

1 /5 Tru York: The lifeguard was entirely focused on my special needs child the whole swim, and instead of trying to make it right when we voiced our discomfort, they doubled down on their rudeness, lack of accountability, and customer service. We cancelled our membership because it wouldnt have been worth it even without tonights disrespect. We were trying to give them the benefit of the doubt after a handful of uncomfortable visits. My husband was already dealing with the issue before you were harassing my nonverbal special needs son who doesnt understand the rules, it takes longer for him to learn, and the lifeguard had zero empathy with him. As soon as we walked in she was glaring at my eleven year old. Its incredibly rude to stare at everyone, especially people with special needs. The lack of empathy and respect are the issue, actually bud.

5 /5 Nicholas Wood: Love this place, the facility is clean and there is just about every kind of machine and weight you could ask for. Also the hot tub, steam room and sauna make the locker upgrade well worth purchasing.

5 /5 Angela S: I love the Y! Everyone friendly and helpful! People of all ages are welcome here and all are treated like family!