Downtown District YMCA

Overview

• Downtown YMCA Burkholder Center is a historic, community-focused fitness and wellness facility in downtown Nashville, operational since 1875, serving over 16,000 people annually with 1,100 daily visitors. It offers a comprehensive range of amenities including a sauna, steam room, indoor pool, gym, and more, emphasizing physical, mental, and social health.
• The overall atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive, fostering community connections in a diverse urban setting. It blends traditional YMCA values with modern upgrades amid a major redevelopment, creating a vibrant hub for families, youth, teens, and adults. Expect a supportive environment with free programs, financial assistance (over $300,000 yearly), and partnerships addressing childcare, education, and health needs.

Features & Amenities

• Sauna and Steam Room: Dedicated relaxation and recovery spaces in locker rooms, with enhanced versions planned in the new indoor aquatics center.
• Indoor Pool: Current facility includes swimming for lessons and exercise; upcoming renovation features Downtown’s only indoor pool for water safety and low-impact workouts.
• Gymnasium: Full-sized court for basketball, pickleball (with in-laid lines), and family recreation, elevated with views of Nashville Yards.
• Fitness Areas: Expanded cardio equipment, free weights, machine weights, beginner facilities, indoor track, indoor cycling studio.
• Group Fitness and Wellness: Unlimited classes (yoga, strength, Body Pump), outdoor wellness/rooftop deck for yoga and classes, modernized wellness floor.
• Locker Rooms: Adult, community, and family options with massage services.
• Youth Spaces: Y-Play (ages 6 weeks-6 years), Youth Activity Center (ages 6-12), tripled programming space post-renovation.
• Other: Chapel reflection area, parking garage (main and overflow), community meeting spaces.

Services

• Childcare and Youth Programs: Supervised Y-Play (Mon-Fri 9am-1pm & 4-7pm, Sat 9am-1pm), Youth Activity Center (Mon-Fri 4-7pm, Sat 9am-1pm); swim lessons (parent/child, youth), strength classes, camps.
• Fitness and Aquatics: Unlimited group exercise, swim lessons/team practice, personal training deals.
• Community Support: Partnerships with 9 organizations (e.g., schools, shelters, Big Brothers Big Sisters); free swim lessons for urban schools, after-school safe space, Angel Tree programs.
• Additional: On-demand classes via YMCA360, mental health training, food support resources nearby.

Pricing

• Membership Pricing: Not detailed on site; join for access to all 12 YMCAs, unlimited classes, no long-term contracts, 30-day guarantee. Refer-a-friend saves up to 20%; financial assistance available.
• Parking: $9/month (bank draft), $30/month (month-to-month), $5/day guest. Members get 3 hours free in main garage, 2.5 hours in overflow.

Location & Hours

• Address: 1000 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37203. Phone: 615-254-0631. Google Maps accessible; parking via Church Street (YMCA Way closed for construction).
• Operating Hours: Typically 5am-9pm daily (confirm via site). Holiday Adjustments (e.g., Dec 24 close 12pm, Dec 25 closed, Dec 26 6am-6pm).

Notes

• Major Redevelopment: Demolishing 1973 section, rebuilding 90,000 sq ft state-of-the-art facility (completion soon). Features: new pool/sauna/steam, rooftop deck, expanded youth/childcare (tripled space), gym with views, community hubs. Remains open during phased construction.
• Unique Impact: Cornerstone of downtown social infrastructure in fast-growing Nashville; serves 2,000+ kids from 22 schools, non-profits; nearly 150 years legacy. Access all YMCAs, stream classes, member perks. What sets it apart: Commitment to accessibility (free programs), diversity, whole-person health amid urban growth.