Banks D Kerr Family YMCA

I am not pleased with the Banks D Kerr Branch of the YMCA and went on a regular basis. I was a member of the YMCA while living in Durham, NC and expected the same experience. This branch is not for families. I was pleased when I first joined, but things started changing around January/​Feb. I have 3 sons. One son is 10, He is too old for childcare at the Y. They used to offer some family gym times where my son could play basketball. Those times have been cut drastically and most times when we show up for them, they really don’t exist because other things are happening in the gym. He can’t come in the weight room because of his age, so he and I basically can’t use the Y.
In the past my 14 year old son went to the Y on a daily basis to play basketball. Now there are so many new rules, that my son does not enjoy the YMCA nor does he feels welcome. He and his friends often complained of feeling harassed by certain staff members the entire time. They finally just stopped going. The new rules that the Y has created have never been sent to the people who are paying for membership. When the rules changed, we should have been notified. I would have explained the new rules to my children. I know the rules are there for a reason, but please make everyone aware of them. This way you will know if and when you are breaking a rule.
My oldest son was recently suspended from the Y because after working out he and his friend sat in the parking lot in order to wait for their personal trainer. My son was approached aggressively by a female staff member and told to leave after she sat in her car and watched my son to see what he was doing. When he asked why, he received a rude reply. He rolled up his window to end the conversation, the staff member then banged on his window and tried to make him roll it down. She then went and the building, called the police and returned with several staff members as if my son was a threat to her. My son asked why was he singled out, as other people were also sitting in their cars in the parking lot. The manager then told my son and his friend that they were approached because they looked suspicious. That there was a lot of robberies happening in the area and that they probably were doing something wrong. My son was humiliated. He has been going to the Y for years and never experienced this type of treatment. I told him he did nothing wrong. I explained that two black men sitting in an expensive car is scary to some people. These people will treat you like you are doing something wrong because of their preconceived perceptions of certain people. I explained that he should have just left and we would have filed a complaint with the corporate office. I had to give him the same speech I gave him of how to act when stopped by the police. Which made my husband and I very sad because the Y is viewed as a welcoming place for families.
When my son came home and told what happened, my middle son complained of being treated the same way by the same female staff member. He explained that’s why he no longer visits the Y. I will be cancelling my membership. I don’t to pay to be anywhere were I am not welcomed and where my sons are perceived as thugs. They can get that type of treatment for free at various places in Wake County.

I love the Kerr YMCA! I’ve been a Y member here since 2003 and have tried other gyms, but none of them have been half as good as this facility!
When you join the Kerr location, you’re also joining their sister location at The Factory in Wake Forest, so between the two gyms, there are a multitude of classes you can take, not to mention gym equipment to use. I personally love the Precor Arc Trainer, and the Precor Elliptical, but they have plenty of treadmills, cycling machines, and weight machines (and free weights), etc. for everyone. And, they offer several daily spinning classes (indoor cycling that burns up to 800 cals in an hour) which are my favorite! They also have excellent youth programs, childcare, and Kerr has rock climbing wall, a huge outdoor pool with a water slide that our kids love!
Both facilities are kept spotlessly clean, and the instructors are well trained, knowledgeable, and very helpful! Whether you’re new to the area, or just looking for a solid place to exercise, I highly recommend both locations!

This YMCA branch is fabulous! The facility is relatively new and they keep it very clean so it maintains that «new» feel. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. I really like the childcare «Playhouse» they have for children ages 0 – 4. My kids are always happy when leaving and I have never had any issues arise. Oh and the Zumba classes are AWESOME! The Zumba classes alone are worth the membership.

This place is brand new and very clean. The staff is friendly and very willing to let you try out the facility and take an exercise class for free to see if you want to join. I took a yoga class and really liked it. There are people there, but it is not super crowded. I would join if I were around more to use it. I would definitely recommend at least checking it out if you are searching for a gym to join.