Mission

The Mission of the YMCA of the Prairie is to put Christian Principles into practice through program that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Core Values

The YMCA strives to promote the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility in all of its programming.

Holiday Schedule

The YMCA of the Prairie will be closed the following holidays: Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day. The YMCA will close early on the following days: Christmas Eve, New Years Eve.

Rules and Policies

Click here to view our Rules and Policies handbook.

New Member Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What should I wear to exercise at the YMCA?
Answer: You will want to wear clothing that is comfortable for exercising. Most members wear shorts or sweat pants and a T-shirt. You don’t need to purchase expensive fitness clothing to exercise at the YMCA. Just wear something comfortable and appropriate for our family-centered atmosphere. You will want to wear comfortable athletic shoes that are in good condition. Please avoid wearing muddy or dirty outside shoes on the exercise equipment.

Question: How do I get started exercising at the YMCA?
Answer: The first step is to sign up for your free orientation with a Fitness Center Associate. A sign-up sheet is available at the front desk. The orientation includes instruction on how to use the cardio and weight equipment in the Wellness Center. You will receive a booklet and a tracking sheet to help you remember what was discussed in the orientation. Often, one orientation may not be enough. Feel free to schedule another refresher orientation if needed. If you need a more in-depth personalized fitness plan, please ask about YMCA Personal Training. The YMCA also offers a Kick Start Fitness class that is an 8-week class (which meets twice a week) designed to help beginning exercisers feel comfortable at the YMCA. Please ask when the next session will begin!

What is the difference between the equipment orientation and Personal Training?
An equipment orientation takes members through the basics of the weight and cardio machines. Orientations are led by YMCA Fitness Center Associates. Personal Training is led by a certified Personal Trainer. Personal training includes a fitness assessment, a consultation with the trainer and a personalized 12-week fitness plan.

Question: Will there be someone to help me in the Wellness Center?
Answer: The Wellness Center is staffed by a Fitness Center Associate from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday and from 4-7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The Fitness Center Associate is available to answer questions and give advice when needed during those times. If you need help outside of those times, please ask a Member Service Associate or manager in the front office area for assistance. We’re always glad to answer your questions or help you on the equipment.

Question: What exercise classes does the YMCA offer for someone who is overweight and out-of-shape?
Answer: The YMCA offers more than 20 different group exercise classes starting as early at 5:30 a.m. and as late at 7:15 p.m. These classes are included with your membership. You do not need to register. Just show up whenever it is convenient for you. Many of the classes can be easily modified for beginning exercisers. Please be sure to let the instructor know if you are a beginner so he/she can show you modifications. Low-impact classes include Aqua Blast, Water Wake Up, Fit for Life, Sculpt & Stretch and Beginner/Low Impact Mix. To see a schedule of classes, please stop by the front flyer area or visit the web site at www.ymcaoftheprairie.org.

Question: What is the best time to exercise at the YMCA?
Answer: The best time is the time that best fits into your schedule. However, if you are trying to exercise when the YMCA is least busy, you might shoot for early mornings (the YMCA opens at 5:30 a.m.), late mornings (after 10:30 a.m.) and afternoons between 1-3 p.m. Typically, the YMCA’s busiest time is between 4-7 p.m. on weekdays.

Can I drop my kids off at the YMCA?
Children ages 10 and older may be “dropped off” at the YMCA without adult supervision. Children up to age 5 must be directly supervised by an adult in the building. Children ages 6-9 do not have to be directly supervised but must have an adult with them in the building. Child Watch is available for children 6 weeks to 7 years. Child Watch is available from 8-11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday and 5-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Hours may vary in the summer, so please check with a Member Service Associate.

What if I cannot afford a YMCA membership but I still want to be a YMCA member?
The YMCA believes in serving the entire community and offers membership assistance so that anyone may belong to the YMCA regardless of income or family situation. To apply for assistance, please request a one-page membership assistance form at the front desk or download one from the web site at www.ymcaoftheprairie.org. Complete the form, along with a membership application, and bring it to a member service associate at the YMCA. Please also bring along proof of your income (a copy of your most recent tax return or a copy of two month’s of paycheck stubs). The amount of assistance you qualify for is based on your income and the number of people in your family.

What are the pool hours?
Answer: The current YMCA swimming pool hours can be found in the red member handbook and on our web site at www.ymcaoftheprairie.org.

Why is the YMCA swimming pool closed when there is lightning?
Answer: There is a chance of electrocution when swimming indoors during a lightning storm. Therefore, the YMCA’s policy is to close the swimming pool when there is lightning within 20 miles.

Why can’t my young child be in the Wellness Center with me?
Answer: There are all kinds of risks to children from the weights and cardio equipment (fingers pinched, weights dropped, etc.). Children are not allowed in the Wellness Center at the YMCA until age 13 or unless they are 11 or 12 and have passed a youth-weight training class. Children can walk or run on the indoor track with adult supervision (adult and child must remain within 5 feet of each other).