The Orokawa Y in Towson image

The Orokawa Y in Towson

Gym Fitness center Personal trainer Community center Non profit organization Camp Swim club Swimming instructor

One of the Best Places To Visits in Lutherville


Address

600 W Chesapeake Ave, Towson, MD 21204, United States

Website

ymaryland.org

Contact

+1 410-823-8870

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (590 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 7 am to 7 pm
  • Sunday: 7 am to 7 pm
  • Monday: 5 am to 10 pm
  • Tuesday: 5 am to 10 pm
  • Wednesday: 5 am to 10 pm
  • Thursday: 5 am to 10 pm
  • Friday: 5 am to 10 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: staff (20) pool (17) people (15) friendly (12) training (11) family (11) kids (11) great (11) clean (11) love (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 A D. 5 months ago on Google • 97 reviews
    I walked in the Y and saw a man talking to the older black lady with gray hair behind the counter. The assumption was made that he was making an inquiry. I scanned my card and snapped at me not to scan it. She barked at me that she had his profile up. Then continue to accost saying that I might as well scan now. She was all smiles with the white gentlemen but nasty with me. It was nothing but the spirit of God that stopped me from barking back at her plus I try to model for my boys how mature people handle conflict. This makes me wonder about how other people of color are treated. I was here with my son over the weekend and 3 older black boys entered the pool. Several life guards all of a sudden swarmed around them and the boys were just playing around. I’ve never noticed that when big white boys enter the pool. Why is there such a bias? Either way, she needs training. She literally waited until after I scanned until she said something. She wanted to snap at me. This was embarrassing in front of my children and others that witnessed the event. This was not the 1st unpleasant encounter I had with this same lady but everyone has their days so I brushed it off. When their ED is not around, they are completely unprofessional. I am looking into making a formal complaint. I pay the same as everyone else and was going to enroll my boys into the activities there.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sam F. 6 months ago on Google • 43 reviews
    Naked old men in the bathrooms. Every bathroom. Just constantly. Every way you look. Naked old men. They just appear. I was takin a leak once right before closing, not a single soul in the place. I spend about 3 seconds peeing, open the stall door, naked old man. Right there. I have no idea how he even got in bro he was just standing there, wrinkled, the skin hanging off his white pasty body like a sheet. He didn’t even take a shower or anything he just stood there while I slowly left. Waited for like 30 mins after closing outside to see if the old sap was ok. Never saw him leave. Spine chilling. That’s why I am scared of ghosts. Stay safe. Still 5 stars cus wonderful pool and many treadmills.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sherrie B. 10 months ago on Google
    Fun family atmosphere. Clean facility. Excellent staff.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 LGK B. 5 years ago on Google
    It’s fun to stay at the YMCA 😂 No but seriously, this Towson location is awesomeness! Clean facilities, polite staff, kids pool, yoga classes, rock climbing wall, smoothie bar, family changing rooms! Perfect for this tired mom. Now if only they could dig into that big field and put in an outdoor pool...
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Robert C. 9 months ago on Google • 6 reviews
    We only joined this gym because they have daycare do we can work out while our daughter is watched. Turns out the hours are very limited especially when schools are closed and it’s needed most, in summer. Then you drive over and they are full and there’s an hour waiting list. This gym needs more daycare personnel and better hours.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Takita T. 4 months ago on Google
    I had the police wrongfully called on me and 5 kids and was offered NOTHING for the embarrassing and dangerous situations. I wasn’t even forwarded the police report but me and my kids (both minors) had our pictures printed out for the police as if we were criminals. There was no apology from the manager Mellanie Lee who harassed me and then my biological children which then the exchange students that were with me also became targets. Despite those in upper management knowing what happened and appeared to see I was a victim, I am not getting assistance nor any consolation for this situation. I have multiple people to report this incident to with nothing protecting me on my end and I can’t believe the establishment that has been out “home” YMCA wishes to protect someone who was 100% wrong in involving the police in a non-threatening situation. My kids attended the Youth Group here right after COVID and now because they are frightened of what could happen (to me) again there. I would hope at the very least our safety would be ensured.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer B. 1 year ago on Google
    The YMCA in Towson is one of my favorite places to go not only do they have everything and more that you could want in a workout facility. They're swimming pool and the activities for kids are endless the people there are amazing friendly helpful and it's just a wonderful place to belong.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Hsin-Ya T. 1 year ago on Google
    Updated: 08/30/2022 Initially I gave them one star because of their disturbing customer service when I attempted to sign up for personal training. After a month personal training, I would say my personal trainer Kelly and the training she designs for me is excellent. Training becomes less intimidating and more fun because of her. Every time she has a different plan for me. Some plans are for building strength and others for endurance. After a month, my strength and endurance both improve. I would give my trainer Kelly and the personal training 5 stars. Therefore, 3 stars for now. __________________________________ I went to the Y to sign up for personal training yesterday because I was scheduled for my first training session. The lady at the computer desk told me that I can’t sign up for loyalty program until I participate in personal training for three months and that I can’t sign up for loyalty program if my personal trainer does not come with me or give me the permission. The fact that the lady is bold enough to treat me like I do not have autonomy to make a decision for myself in public is outrageous and very disturbing. I told her when I first came here inquiring about personal training, the other staff (who is also a trainer) and my own trainer actually told me I can sign up for loyalty program when I want to do it long term. What concerns me is not the lady presented different information than the people I talked to but she was condescending when she talked with me. I was clarifying the mixed messages I have received but she had that smirks on her face. What’s worse is when I went to her supervisor’s office to address the unpleasant experience, the lady was in the office and then talked to me in a way that she “allows” me to talk to her supervisor. I consider this lady a racist. It appears that staffs here may benefit from customer service and people skill training.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Theodore S. 3 years ago on Google • 92 reviews
    It is my great pleasure to commend the Towson Y. This place serves an excellent purpose. I love all who have experience with Ys. They also have great leaders club. We need to keep that going. It’s a great inspiration to our lives. VIVA LEADERS LOVE!!!! VIVA PACAA!!! With Love From Theo!!!!

  • 3/5 Reed A. 3 months ago on Google • 6 reviews New
    Men’s locker room only gets clean maybe once a day. I’ve seen homeless people in the locker room multiple times. Equipments don’t get repaired in timely manner.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Laurie G. 2 years ago on Google
    Our grandson is starting soccer at the Y and we watched him practice. We were very impressed with the building, grounds, staff, and especially all the programs the Y offers! Extremely impressed and we will enjoy watching the kids playing soccer. Well done, YMCA!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 rebecka w. 2 years ago on Google
    Great family atmosphere. Clean. Lots of bathrooms. Good gym. Great pool.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 lee x. 9 months ago on Google
    My family have been a Y member for around 5 year, and I think I will cancel my membership due to a recent very unpleasant interaction with their "executive director", who IMO is very arrogant, insensitive, and can not take any complains/criticism. Of course there're more reasons for the cancellation other than this unpleasant "director". I normally only went to Y once a week on Friday afternoon with kids for the swimming in the lap pool. But it's getting very crowded within the last year, there's only two or less lane for open swimming in any given weekday afternoon, the main reason is that within the last year they dramatically increased their swimming team training sessions ( which need extra payment and takes up three lanes) and maybe more swimming classes ( which also need extra payment and take up 1-2 lanes), so there's very few lane left from their 6 lanes lap pool. Even if you are lucky to get an open lane, their closing-indoor-pool-for-any-lighting-within-6-miles-radius policy will interrupt your swimming surprisingly often during summer season, even when it seems sunny outside...
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kaetlin M. 10 months ago on Google
    Admittedly, my husband and I don't use The Y to its fullest extent but I can comment on the gym portion. We specifically chose The Y because of its relaxed and diverse atmosphere. As people looking to be healthier, it feels like a safe space to exercise and not at all like a place we don't belong. Clean facilities, plenty of options, and friendly folks abound!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dannie L. 1 year ago on Google
    Love my Y in Towson. They keep the schedule full and the facility clean. Definitely one of the nicest. Great place for family fun or to get in a workout! Whatever your fitness goals or level the Y has something for you
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tonya L. 2 years ago on Google
    This is the best YMCA in the metro area. Always clean and well run. Machines in the gym area are repaired quickly. The staff is great, and doesn't hesitate to remind people to pull up their masks and maintain the space.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cheyanne V. 5 months ago on Google • 13 reviews
    The best gym ever! It has everything, it's clean and the people -- both staff and clients -- are friendly and welcoming. The pool is excellent. Plus I know that my money is going to a great cause.

  • 5/5 Sarah E. 2 months ago on Google • 8 reviews New
    Pool is clean and instructors are competent and enthusiastic. I’ve enjoyed this Y for decades.

  • 5/5 Paul Y. 3 months ago on Google • 6 reviews New
    Welcoming staff, friendly people all around. Classes are very good and do accept all fitness types and encourage participation. Equipment and pool and locker rooms in good condition. Sauna also well maintained. Really a place for everyone

  • 5/5 KarmenSense 2 years ago on Google
    I just love this place. Everything is always extremely clean from the gym, to the pools and restrooms. The staff are super helpful and pleasant and there are a multitude of activities and classes that are always happening. Basically, there's something for everyone regardless of their age. Worth every cent.

  • 5/5 Angie d. 2 years ago on Google
    Very friendly service. Spacious. I like that the staff wear masks. I joined primarily for access to the pool to train for a sprint marathon. It's very welcoming there.

  • 5/5 John S. 3 months ago on Google • 3 reviews New
    Great people, from trainers to staff to members, in a great facility. A perfect way to start or end your day and have some fun along the way.

  • 5/5 Ruth Anne S. 1 year ago on Google
    I love the cleanliness at this gym. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere feels positive. I always leave this gym feeling energized!

  • 5/5 Mahmoud E. 4 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    Great place I have enjoyed to work out and have a great time at the YMCA. I’ve been member there for a long time. I really loved it. Also my kids are loved it. The staff are really friendly The place are really clean always. Thanks to all of you 🙏

  • 5/5 Ghebrit E. 2 years ago on Google
    Very clean Fast and excellent service All you need for you and your family.

  • 5/5 Nancy M. 2 years ago on Google
    I like the Y since the attendees are NOT SHOWY!! I love the fire pit. I love the way the Y protected us so well during covid. I like the employees, especially Linda, and the members. I appreciate the many classes offered. The Y is a wonderful facility and i am proud to be a member.

  • 5/5 Jennifer B. 2 years ago on Google
    23 year member and I love the Towson YMCA. I am there 5-6X/week. The staff are always welcoming and friendly. I love the cleanliness, the variety of fitness offerings, and diversity of the membership. The Orokawa YMCA is one of Towson's best assets.

  • 2/5 Hila W. 11 months ago on Google
    Overcrowded pool. Not the place if you plans mainly to do lap swim. There is always something going on there, either water aerobics, swimming lessons, swimming team, people can wait 15-20 min to get an open lane. The lap swim pool is always dirty! Although I complained for the mangers/workers there few times, doesn't seems they are going to change the overcrowded situation.

  • 5/5 Quentin M. 2 years ago on Google
    It grate for the whole family tthere's a gym pool rock wall and it is comfortable and looks nice.

  • 5/5 Michelle K. 1 year ago on Google
    Love this Y. The babysitting room is such a fantastic resource, the staff there are wonderful with my two young children and always welcome us warmly with big smiles and do everything they can to make it a great experience. The gym and bathroom facilities are clean and well kept. We can always find parking easily, which is such a huge convenience. I couldn't recommend it more!

  • 3/5 Mine The A. 2 years ago on Google
    I really enjoy this YMCA but it is time for some upgrading. I have been coming for many years now and I slowly seen the conditions decline. The equipment is a bit outdated and it would be nice to see some upgrades to that as well. The people are all very nice and welcoming but it doesn’t cover for the things mentioned.

  • 1/5 Cry T. 1 year ago on Google
    There is a young lady with a piercing across the bridge of her nose, who works the rock climbing wall who think it is acceptable to interrogate children. The young adults in stay and play are very kind and helpful.

  • 3/5 Katherine C. 2 years ago on Google
    We love the Y. However at this particular location front desk is unorganized. Erika is rude upon arrival & with Amy questioning. Was rude to a new hire that needed help. The plus side is my son whom is 8 yrs old had two great coaches for youth basketball 🏀.

  • 5/5 L B. 1 year ago on Google
    I love the family vibe. I love the feeling that all are welcome here - no matter who you are, what you look like, how old you are, or where you are on your fitness journey.

  • 5/5 Laurie G. 1 year ago on Google
    Love the Orokawa Y in Towson! Lots to do for the entire family - many different programs and activities for all ages and abilities! Staff is friendly, building is nice, plenty of parking (although it does get close to full on weekends!), including ADA spots close to the door. Our grandsons play soccer here and we thoroughly enjoy watching them play at the Y!

  • 5/5 Anne P. 1 year ago on Google
    The staff is fabulous and the facility is lovely. I'm here several times a week. What a great deal.

  • 5/5 Ardinia T. 2 years ago on Google
    Always a great time for the kids. The staff is always professional and helpful. The facility is also always very clean.

  • 5/5 Jim E. 1 year ago on Google
    Friendly staff, friendly crowd. Great facilities. People look out for each other. Celeste from the office called for big help when I found myself in a medical scare.

  • 5/5 Solar system Toys collection 6. 1 year ago on Google
    The check-in people are very nice snd willing to help. The facility is spacious, clean and well organized. The lifeguards are friendly and attentive.

  • 5/5 Kay S. 1 year ago on Google
    I really like the variety of classes available and that they are offered multiple times during the week. There's no excuse for not exercising. As a new member, I've found the staff and other members to be friendly and supportive.

  • 1/5 Josh T. 1 year ago on Google
    The family pool closes at 4:45 pm. We got out and went to the family showers but all 6 doors were closed. After waiting for an open room, we went and got a shower and dried off. The place closes at 5 pm now on Sunday. The staff gave us a hard time as we were in the shower room. We dried off as quickly as we could but it takes some time to get my 2 kids dressed. 15 mins was not enough time to wait for a room and dry my kids off. If they want to close the place at 5 pm now, I feel like they should close the pool at 4:30 pm to give everyone enough time to get dried off. The staff also did not want to listen to me as I tried to explain what happened.


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