Information / Policies

For security and privacy purposes, phone cameras, cell phones and other electronic devices are prohibited in restrooms, showers and locker rooms. 

Videotaping and photography on YMCA premises that includes other members, staff and guests is prohibited without their consent.

Membership Cards: A membership card is proof of membership and must be presented in order to use a Y facility. A member who does not have a membership card must present photo identification, such as a driver's license, to allow staff to verify their membership. For security purposes, a photo ID must be presented when requesting a replacement card.

Suspension or revocation of membership: Membership privileges may be suspended or revoked by the YMCA staff for failure to live up to the standards and commitments of being a member. The length of suspension shall be determined by staff.

YMCA facilities and amenities, including locker rooms, close at the time posted. The pools close 15 minutes prior to the rest of the facility to ensure ample time for members to transition. All members and guests must be out of the building at closing time. 

We ask you to follow the Y Code of Conduct and to exhibit the values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and inclusion while you're here.

Get Oriented - Not sure how to use the equipment or what you should be doing? Orientations are free and encouraged for all members. Orientations may be scheduled via MotionVibe.

Take Care - If there's a problem with any of the equipment or the facility, please inform a staff member. Contact a staff member immediately in the event of an accident.

Be Safe - Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Warm up before exercising and cool down afterward. Have a spotter help you with free weights. Make sure you've had enough to eat and drink before exercising to prevent getting dizzy or light-headed. If you are experiencing dizziness, pain, or unusual discomfort at any time, stop and ask for help.

Help Us Keep the Y Clean - Wipe off equipment after each use. Return all equipment when finished with it. Take personal items with you. Remove the plates from lifting bars when you're done.

Give Others a Turn - The equipment here is for everyone to use. Please respect the 30-minute time limit on cardio equipment if others are waiting and follow any posted sign-up procedures.

Be Aware - Y facilities and amenities, including locker rooms, close at the times posted. The pools close 30 minutes prior to the rest of the facility to ensure ample time for members to transition. Please help us ensure the safety of our members and staff by respecting the facility's closing time.

Be Respectful - Members, guests, and participants may not record or take photos with any type of device in any area of the facility.

The Y does not tolerate inappropriate, threatening or harassing behavior. Any behavior that is determined to be unacceptable by the YMCA or is in conflict with the YMCA's mission and values will be grounds for the immediate suspension or termination of membership. No refund will be issued.

In order to carry out these policies, we ask that members, guests, and program participants identify themselves to staff when asked. Y leadership staff will investigate all reported incidents. The Y reserves the right, among other things, to deny access, revoke membership, and/or remove any person from the facility on the spot who violates any of the above behaviors, or any other behavior that may be detrimental to others. This is at the sole discretion of Y management. The Y leadership staff will determine whether a violation of the Y Member/Participant Code of Conduct has occurred and determine any consequences.

GUEST PASSES

Effective December 14, 2022

So that the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo can better meet the needs of our members during high, peak facility usage, daily guest passes will not be available until further notice. Persons who regularly use guest passes are encouraged to consider a Y membership. 

Nationwide Membership (Includes Battle Creek and Sherman Lake)

• Nationwide Membership is valid for active, members whose home Y participates without restrictions.
• The YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo participates in the National YMCA Member Reciprocity program. If you are traveling and would like to use another Y, check to see if they participate in the Nationwide Member Reciprocity program. Each Y has different accommodations and restrictions. Call ahead.
•  As an active, valid member of another YMCA, you may utilize the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo.
• YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo Policy: 
  • Nationwide member visitors must use their home Y at least 50% of the time.
  • Program-only participants (including Silver Sneakers, Silver and Fit or other like programs) are not eligible for nationwide membership.
  • Special memberships established by any Y for group homes, other agencies, etc., are not eligible.
  • When visiting a Y, nationwide members will be required to show a valid YMCA membership card and photo ID, as well as, provide basic membership data such as name and email address.
  • When visiting, nationwide members, will need to sign a universal liability waiver and privacy policy.
  • Y amenities offered to Nationwide members are the same as our Adult or Household general memberships.
  • When registering for programs, Nationwide members will follow the guidelines, including registration policies and fees, as our non-member/program participants.
  • Nationwide members visiting other Ys for a period greater than 28 days may be required to transfer membership affiliation for continued use.
• All Ys reserve the right to restrict or revoke these privileges.
• Registered sex offenders are prohibited from participating.

Long-Term Visiting Guests

If you are not a local resident and wish to use the YMCA while you are in town visiting or on business, the Y offers a short-term membership.

Short-Term Membership Fees:

1. Short Term Members must provide photo ID and contact information.
2. Must agree to follow the YMCA’s Code of Conduct and all other member policies, which are available on our website, kzooymca.org.
3. For the protection of our Members and guests who participate at the Y, the Y regularly reviews sex offender registries and denies access and/or membership to any person the YMCA learns is a registered sex offender.

​In order for the Y to safely manage the gym space, especially during COVID-19 precautions, we will be closely monitoring the gym to ensure that these rules are abided by. Please make every effort to know and practice these gym rules. 

• There are to be no more than 12 members per court
• Bags and food are not allowed in the gym except for water
• No dunking or grabbing the rim
• All players must be off the track and near the court if they are not playing
• Please keep the track clear at all times for our members who are walking, jogging, or running

Failure to follow the Gym Rules will result in suspension or termination of your YMCA Membership

Members may put their membership on hold for $15 a month. There is no minimum or maximum requirement.

If inclement weather occurs, please check with the facility for any closing/cancellation information. You may go to our homepage on our website, use our mobile phone app, or check out our Facebook page.

A joiner's fee will be charged to each new membership unit unless there is a promotional special. The current maximum fee is $60.00 and will be drafted in $5 payments spread over 12 months or paid in full at the time of membership registration. The fee is used to support continual improvements to facilities and equipment.

TRANSGENDER ACCOMMODATION POLICY 

The YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo is an inclusive organization.  We welcome employees and members of all ages, genders, races, faiths, economic backgrounds, and orientations without discrimination or judgment.

The YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo believes all persons have an equal right to safe and accessible locker rooms and restrooms and supports transgender persons in using the facilities that align with their gender identification. Our gendered locker rooms are equipped with enclosed shower and restroom facilities to accommodate privacy concerns. The YMCA also provides All-Access facilities for those who prefer fully enclosed private changing room space.

With the presentation of a doctor's note, a membership can be deactivated for medical reasons. When the Y receives a doctor's note stating that you can resume physical activity, the membership will be reactivated without the joining fee.

The YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo as an organization is committed to the principles of caring, respect for others, personal responsibility, and honesty. All members, guests, and staff are expected to reflect these values in their personal conduct toward other members, guests, and staff.

The YMCA strives to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all members, guests, and program participants. To promote safety and comfort for everyone, all individuals are asked to act appropriately at all times when in our facilities or participating in our programs.

We expect those using the Y to act maturely, behave responsibly, and respect the rights and dignity of others. Our Member/Participant Code of Conduct Policy lists examples of prohibited actions. Such actions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Using, possessing, buying, selling, or delivering alcohol or illegal chemicals on Y property, in Y vehicles, or at Y sponsored programs
• Using tobacco or vaping products on Y property
• Carrying or concealing a weapon and/or any device or object that may be used as a weapon
• Harassment or intimidation by words, gestures, body language, or any type of menacing behavior
• Physical contact with another person in an angry, aggressive, or threatening way
• Verbally abusive behavior, including angry or vulgar language, swearing, name-calling, or shouting
• Sexually explicit conversation or behavior; any sexual contact with another person on Y property, in Y vehicles, or at Y sponsored programs
• Shirts or athletic tops must be worn at all times except when in the locker room or pool areas
• Theft or behavior that results in the destruction or loss of property or injury to a person
• Loitering within or on the grounds of the Y
• Engaging in conduct that unreasonably interferes with another member or staff person's enjoyment of the Y
• Use of cell phones and other electronic devices in restrooms, showers, and locker rooms at all Y facilities

Membership is continuous unless cancelled in person at the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo.  It is the responsibility of the member to inform the Y in writing by the 25th of the month prior to the next bank draft.  If the request is submitted after the 25th of the month, another bank draft will occur.

Facility Members: those using the Y facilities as outlined in the Y program and facility guide, subject to Y charges and policies.

• Youth: Individuals 12 and under
• Teen: Individuals between ages 13 and 19
• Young Adult: Individuals between ages 20 and 29
• Adult: Individual adult 30 and older
• One Adult Household: Individual adult with dependents (under the age of 24 and living in the same household)
• Two Adult Household: Two adults living in the same household, with or without dependents (under the age of 24 and living in the same household)
• Three Adult Household: Three adults living in the same household, with or without dependents (under the age of 24 and living in the same household)
• 3rd Party membership/Insurance Based: a form of access that is supported by the individual’s health insurance company.  The Y is reimbursed on a per visit basis with varying monthly maximums.
• Program Participants: non-members who register and participate in any of the various programs the YMCA offers are considered participants. Participants’ facility privileges are limited to the programs registered for. Participants must provide picture ID upon request.
• Out of Town Visitors: If you are not a local resident and wish to use the YMCA while you are in town visiting or on business, the Y offers the option of One Week Short term Access.  Short term Visitors do not need to be accompanied by a member.  Approval must be granted by the MOD or DOD on duty at initial visit. Visitor must provide proof of residence outside of Kalamazoo County. A valid photo i.d. must be presented. Visitors must agree to abide by our Code of Conduct, waive liability, and pay a Visitor Fee to utilize our facilities.  We regularly review the Federal Sex Offender Registry and deny access to any persons registered.

• Friends & Family: As a benefit to our members, we also offer a Short Term option for their friends & family visiting from out of town.  F&F must provide proof of residency outside of Kalamazoo County, present a valid photo i.d., waive all liability, be accompanied by a Member, and pay a nominal fee to utilize our facilities. We regularly review the Federal Sex Offender Registry and deny access to any persons registered.

As part of the annual budget, the CEO has the responsibility for setting rates for membership dues. The volunteer Board of Directors shall approve the budget plan.

Membership dues are payable on the first or fifteenth of the month by automatic electronic payment. Returned or incomplete payments are subject to a returned payment fee. Please refer to the collections policy for detailed information.

Membership dues are not refundable.

When a member renews within one month of cancellation, the joiner fee is waived. However, if more than 30 days elapse from the termination date, the member is subject to joiner fees. 

Continuity of Membership:  Members shall be encouraged to regard membership at the Y as a continuing relationship to be terminated only by resignation of the member or the action of the governing body.

Financial Assistance: It is the policy of the YMCA to serve all people regardless of financial situation. Financial assistance (MY-Rate) shall be provided to qualifying individuals subject to available resources. For more information, click here. 

Membership dues may be paid quarterly or annually by check, cash, Master Card, or Visa or by automatic withdrawal from checking, savings, Master Card, or Visa.

Nationwide Membership is valid for active, members whose home Y participates without restrictions. The YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo participates in the National YMCA Member Reciprocity program. If you are traveling and would like to use another Y, check to see if they participate in the Nationwide Member Reciprocity program. Each Y has different accommodations and restrictions. Call ahead.

As an active, valid member of another YMCA, you may utilize the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo. See our policy regarding Nationwide Memberships below: 

• YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo Policy:
  • Nationwide member visitors must use their home Y at least 51% of the time.
  • Program-only participants (including Silver Sneakers, Silver and Fit or other like programs) are not eligible for Nationwide Membership.
  • Special memberships established by any Y for group homes, other agencies, etc., are not eligible.
  • When visiting a Y, Nationwide Members will be required to show a valid YMCA membership card and photo ID, as well as, provide basic membership data such as name and email address.
  • When visiting, Nationwide Members, will need to sign a universal liability waiver and privacy policy.
  • Y amenities offered to Nationwide members are the same as our Adult or Household general memberships.
  • When registering for programs, Nationwide members will follow the guidelines, including registration policies and fees, as our non-member/program participants.
  • Nationwide members visiting other Ys for a period greater than 28 days may be required to transfer membership affiliation for continued use.
• All Ys reserve the right to restrict or revoke these privileges.
•  Registered sex offenders are prohibited from participating.

You can find a Y in the area you are visiting by clicking here to: Visit the National YMCA site for more information (fees may apply).

Non-members who register and participate in any of the various program classes the YMCA offers are considered participants. Participants must show their participant card for entrance to the facility and must provide picture ID upon request.

Membership to the Y is open/available to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or financial circumstances without discrimination.

Classes and programs have a minimum number of participants in order to be held. If registration falls short of this minimum, the class will be cancelled. A credit will be applied to your account for the cancelled program.

Cancellations for medical reasons with a doctor’s note will result in a refund for the unused portion of the class at any time during the class session. Class cancellations after the third class will not be eligible for a refund of any amount. *See Class Change/Cancellation Form for more details. 

The YMCA reserves the right to apply credit/refund requests to satisfy financial obligations to the YMCA including, but not limited to, non-sufficient funds, membership, program and childcare balances due.

If a Y program class is canceled due to inclement weather or causes beyond our control, every effort will be made to create a make-up class. Partial refunds will not be given.

When using the Y, please bring a lock to secure your belongings, including car keys, and wallets, at all times. Valuables are best left at home. The Y is not responsible for theft or damage to your property. For security and privacy purposes, use of cameras, cell phones, and other electronic devices are prohibited in restrooms, showers and locker rooms.

Videotaping and photography on YMCA premises that includes other members, staff and guests is prohibited without their consent.

The Y staff is trained to deal with blood-borne pathogens and open wounds. All necessary equipment is available. We reserve the right to limit or restrict the use of our facilities if there is a risk of spreading or transferring communicable or infectious diseases. NOTE: Due to Covid-19 precautions, please consult our most current safety measures to ensure the safety of all those who enter our facilities and properties.

Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal's work or the individual's disability prevents him or her from using these devices. Individuals who cannot use such devices must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls. The YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo may exclude service animals only if 1) the animal is out of control and the handler cannot or does not regain control, or 2) the animal is not housebroken. If a service animal is excluded, the individual may be allowed to enter the Y without the service animal.

The Y does not allow any solicitation on its property. Community flyers and posters must be approved to be posted on the Y's Community Board.

The YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo is a tobacco free and vapor free facility.

The protection of members, volunteers and participants and visitors in programs or using YMCA facilities is of paramount concern to the Board and Staff of the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo. The Y reserves the right to deny access and membership to any person who has been charged with or convicted of any crime involving sexual abuse or who is required by law to register as a sex offender.