Gus & Flora Kerasotes YMCA

Overview

• Facility Type: The YMCA of Springfield is a comprehensive community fitness and recreation center, not a dedicated sauna business. It features fitness centers, pools, gyms, and multipurpose spaces across two locations (Downtown and Kerasotes facilities). No saunas or spa-specific areas are mentioned in the website content.
• Overall Atmosphere and Experience: Welcoming and family-oriented with a focus on health, community, and youth development. The Y emphasizes a purpose-driven environment promoting physical activity, social responsibility, and inclusivity for all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Visitors enjoy a supportive space for fitness, fun activities, and building lifelong skills in a safe, engaging setting.

Features & Amenities

• Fitness Centers: 24/7 access to exceptional fitness equipment, classes, and wellness programs.
• Pools: Indoor pools for swimming lessons, aquatic programs like SNAP (Special Needs Aquatic Program), and family swims.
• Gyms and Courts: Gymnasiums, indoor tennis courts, gymnastics areas, and spaces for youth sports like basketball, volleyball, and pickleball.
• Childcare (Child Watch): Free for family members (ages 8 weeks–9 years) with crafts, activities, and trained staff (CPR/First Aid certified); 2-hour daily limit, parents must stay on-site.
• Playgrounds and Outdoor Spaces: Used for camps, school-age programs, and events.
• Other Amenities: Classrooms for STEAM projects, character development activities; peanut-free snack zones; online app for schedules and virtual classes.

Services

• Fitness & Wellness: Live and virtual fitness classes, healthy living programs for all ages/incomes.
• Youth Sports: Flag football, soccer, volleyball, baseball, basketball, gymnastics (inclusive for diverse abilities), tennis; competitive teams and Special Olympics prep.
• Childcare & Camps: After-school care, day camps, school days out, summer camps (10 weeks June–August) with gross motor activities, STEAM, and snacks.
• Swimming: Lessons, SNAP for special needs, family swims.
• Diverse Abilities Programs: Bowling league (Saturday Strikers), gymnastics inclusion, sports accommodations; focus on growth, connection, and inspiration.
• Events: Y Ninja obstacle run, Easter Egg Hunt, Golf for Kids charity outing; funds Strong Kids program for underserved youth.
• Community Support: Volunteer opportunities, Strong Kids Fund ($886K in 2024 for scholarships), partnerships against food insecurity and educational gaps.

Pricing

• Specific pricing not detailed on the site; memberships required for full access (family memberships enable free Child Watch).
• Registration Fees: $50 non-refundable for school-year programs; $25 weekly deposit for camps.
• Payments: Auto bank draft preferred; payments due 1 week prior for camps. Events like Golf for Kids: Foursome $500, Individual $125; sponsorships from $250–$3,000.
• Financial Aid: Strong Kids Fund provides subsidies for camps, sports, etc., for at-risk/diverse abilities youth.
• Visit Join or online registration for current rates.

Location & Hours

• Downtown Facility: 601 North 4th Street, Springfield, IL 62702 | Phone: (217) 544-9846.
• Kerasotes Facility: 4550 W Iles Ave, Springfield, IL 62711 | Phone: (217) 679-1625.
• Child Watch Hours (both locations, members only):
  • Mon–Sat: 8:15 AM–12:00 PM
  • Mon–Thurs: 4:30 PM–7:00 PM
• General schedules/hours via Schedules & Hours; programs follow local school calendars.

Notes

• What Makes This YMCA Special: Over 150 years of community impact with a Christian principles-based mission focusing on youth empowerment, healthy living, and social responsibility. Stands out for inclusivity (diverse abilities programs like SNAP, bowling, gymnastics), Strong Kids Fund (financial aid for underserved families), and volunteer-driven events. Emphasizes safety (mandated reporters, abuse prevention training) and play-based learning. Partners with local groups for childcare, seniors, foster kids, and food insecurity. New Daxko app enhances access to schedules, classes, and home-based activities.