Scottsdale/Paradise Valley Family YMCA 6869 East Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

"I have been working out here for 20 years and enjoy every visit. Wonderful facilities and courteous and professional personnel"

"This review is about youth sports. We've done several seasons of youth sports in different sports at different ages. Key problems with the Y's youth sports: (1.) Too many kids per team. They usually sign up 14-15 kids/team, so if it's basketball or volleyball, more kids are sitting than playing. (2.) Short practices / games. 1 practice + 1 game per week, each is 45 minutes. So if there are 15 kids per team, your kid might play for 1/3 to 1/2 of the game, so between practice + game, maybe they're getting 1 hour of activity. Sometimes games are on the other side of town so you have to drive 30-45 minutes each way for your kid to play for 15-20 minutes. (3.) Coaches. Every once in a while you get lucky and get a good coach. More often, you don't. Plus, they sometimes get a high school to coach for "service hours," and those kids aren't good at running an orderly practice or game. Also, you may get a coach that's super competitive and wants to win, so if there are 15 kids and your kid isn't a stronger player, you're paying for your kid to sit during games and watch other kids get most of the playing time."

"The Y located on Shea is one of the best experiences I have had with any YMCA, and I have five comparisons. They truly have grasped the mission statement of service to the community. Visually you see the connection to the youth...and the involvement of everyone! The staff shines! The membership director, Edgar, is one of the most welcoming persons I have ever met. In the training department Brian E. has encompassed the role and is "point on" in executing with us in our personal training. Without exception, the staff is stellar, and I certainly wish I had the names of those professionals at the front desk that great you EACH and EVERY time you walk in. They are amazing. The pool staff was great through the summer and, unfortunately, the pool is closed until next year. One important comparison is the Y in Carefree which has the vibe of this is a "club" with money and privilege. And while the demographics may be different (older population?) the front desk contact, Kathy, is cold and running a business versus service to the community. There are welcoming staff here as well, the guy with the beard and all of the volunteers! But still, not as a welcoming vibe. All of the pool staff in Carefree is amazing and I met one exceptional lifeguard, Emily, that goes above and beyond. Sure wish I had more names, to thank!"

"My granddaughter really enjoyed summer camp this year. Katerina and her staff ran a wonderful program - enough structure to be controlled but plenty of fun. Katerina is also is very good with children. We had some behavioral issues that she dealt with fairly and kindly. She really cares about the development of the kids."