The Marsh

Overview

The Marsh is a comprehensive wellness center owned and operated by the City of Minnetonka, offering a blend of aquatic facilities including saunas, fitness areas, spa services, and community programs. Originally opened in 1985 by Ruth Stricker and acquired from the YMCA in 2023, it spans approximately seven acres adjacent to the Minnetonka Civic Center and Jidana Park. The facility emphasizes health, wellness, and art appreciation, creating a relaxing, inclusive atmosphere with natural light, rotating local art exhibits, and serene spaces like therapy pools and lounges. Visitors enjoy a community-oriented experience focused on physical, mental, and social well-being, suitable for all ages with family-friendly policies.

Features & Amenities

• Aquatic Facilities:
  • 3-lane, 25-yard lap pool
  • Therapy pool (92-94°F)
  • Japanese therapy pool (adults only)
  • Two hot tubs (pool deck: 12+ supervised; women’s locker room: 18+)
  • Two steam rooms
  • Two saunas
• Fitness Equipment:
  • Ellipticals, treadmills, stationary bikes, stair climbers, rowers, UBE
  • Weight machines, free weights
  • Indoor walking track (17 laps = 1 mile)
  • Pilates reformers (with trainer or class)
• Spa & Wellness:
  • Dry salt therapy room
  • Nail salon stations
  • Massage and esthetician suites
• Other Amenities:
  • Café Anna Lisa (breakfast/lunch, Mon-Fri 9am-2pm)
  • Marshland Market (retail shop, Mon-Thu 10am-6pm, Fri-Sat 10am-3pm)
  • Day-use lockers (free); annual rentals ($96-$180)
  • Multiple event and meeting rooms
  • Art gallery and lounge areas

Services

• Aquatics: Lap swimming, water fitness classes (e.g., Ai Chi, Aqua Yoga, Hydro Tone), family swim (Fri nights)
• Fitness: Group classes (yoga, cycling, barre; reservations required), Pilates mat/reformer/group, personal training, aquatic bodywork
• Spa Services: Manicures/pedicures, massages (Shiatsu, Swedish), facials, dermablading, peels, Botox/fillers (via partners), spray tans, dry salt therapy
• Training & Therapy: Personal/semi-private/group training, physical therapy (partnered), life coaching
• Programs: Book club, Mahjong, Third Thursdays speakers, art exhibits, swimming lessons (upcoming)
• Memberships & Access: Open to residents/nonresidents; SilverSneakers, Renew Active; health insurance reimbursements
• Events: Room rentals for meetings, weddings (up to 100 people)

Pricing

Memberships (2025 Monthly Rates; Annual discounts available):

• Guest Fees: $12 (15+), $7 (1-14), free (under 1)
• Pilates Reformer Punch Cards (10 punches): $260 members / $310 nonmembers
• Personal Training (1 session): $85 members / $99 nonmembers
• Room Rentals (e.g., Dragon Room Mon-Thu): $50/hr residents / $60/hr nonresidents
• Additional: $30 registration, $5 freeze/upgrade

Location & Hours

• Address: 15000 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN (phone: 952-908-7000)
• General Hours (fitness/pools):
  • Mon-Fri: 6am-8pm
  • Sat-Sun: 8am-6pm
• Variations: Pools per schedule; café Mon-Fri 9am-2pm; market Mon-Thu 10am-6pm, Fri-Sat 10am-3pm

Notes

• Unique Aspects: City-owned for affordable access; strong art tradition with rotating local exhibits; reciprocal rates with St. Louis Park; insurance perks (SilverSneakers, up to $20/month reimbursements); family/youth policies (orientations required for 12-14); no profanity attire; community events foster social connections. Emphasizes holistic wellness beyond fitness, blending saunas/steam with culture and recovery.