When I stepped into the Boll Family YMCA in downtown Detroit with my two sons and their friend, I expected a standard community gym experience. But what I found was nothing short of amazing!
This YMCA isn’t just a place to work out. It is a sprawling, three-story state-of-the-art wellness center that left all four of us in awe. Did we just discover Detroit’s best-kept secret?
The best news? You can experience the Boll Family Y with your own YMCA family membership. Here’s what we did while we were there.
Is this really a YMCA?
Walking into Boll Family YMCA, we were impressed by the entryway that soared three stories high. This grand entrance totally set the tone for what was to come.
We stepped further inside and noticed we were standing in a community art gallery. It was hard to know where to look because there was so much to see.
An epic climbing wall
A highlight for the boys was the climbing wall. Starting on the second floor and rising all the way to the third, it’s an impressive structure overlooking that grand entryway. The kids were eager to strap into their harnesses and start climbing. The wall caters to all skill levels, and the boys had a blast competing to see who could reach the top.
Boll Family YMCA offers an open family climb once a week in addition to climbing fitness classes for kids and adults. This wasn’t our first climbing wall, but it was one of the most challenging. No one reached the top — and not because they didn’t try!
King of the court
Next, we headed to the basketball gym. This gym gives new meaning to that old game “King of the Court.” The gym is full of natural light which streams through large windows that deliver breathtaking views of the city. Hoopers must truly feel like kings on this court.
The small group of basketball players already on the court were very welcoming. My boys wasted no time in starting a game.
Meanwhile, I climbed the stairs to check out the running and walking track that circles above the gym. Here I could keep an eye on my guys — but the 360-degree city views added an extra touch of motivation to my work out!
YMCA is a great place to swim
The pools at the Boll Family YMCA were another beautiful surprise. Clean and warm, they were the perfect place for the boys to splash around and have fun.
What impressed me most was the number of lifeguards on duty. I felt like I could truly relax in the jacuzzi section of the family pool while the boys had a ton of fun jumping and swimming.
My oldest son even decided to take the swim test so that he could swim in the deeper pool with lanes. It was hard to drag them out of the pool, but I finally found success when I promised that we would definitely be back.
Detroit’s best-kept secret
From the impressive entryway to the unique amenities, everything about this YMCA was exceptional. A lot of thought has gone into creating a space that is welcoming, safe, and enjoyable for families.
Even if it’s not your local Y, Boll Family YMCA — as well as the six other family YMCA locations in metro Detroit — is all yours with your family membership.
(And if Boll Family Y is local for you, lucky you! I hope to see you there.)
Learn more about YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit and get your own family membership. Visit ymcadetroit.org.
