Somerset Hills Ymca Before & After Care Program At Bedwell

I honestly have nothing bad to say about the staff or the YMCA organization as a whole. Facilities are nice. 10/10. Friendly staff. The equipment isn’t broken, and if it is, they usually fix it within a few days. So why two stars?? This gym has unfortunately been over run by teenagers. Not the good kind either… it’s Basking Ridge… so you know they’re all here on mommy and daddy’s money. They’re entitled, spoiled, smug, and think the world revolves around them. Most of them drive their mommy’s Audi/Benz. The final straw was when I heard a young male teen make a negative remark about a Rosa Parks picture hanging on the wall. Absolutely disgusting. When you try to work out, you have groups of them crowding one machine at a time. They barely work out. You can tell that they just goof off. They’re always on their phones preventing others from using a machine. Everyone else treats it like it’s a social hour or a place you come just to hang out. Further, I cannot express enough the frustration of trying to get through a workout and EVERY SINGLE MACHINE that you want to use is taken. Parking is a nightmare, and the local high school sometimes has swim meets here, making it impossible to work out. Needless to say, we will be canceling our membership. Edit: so yeah they make it really hard for you to cancel. Lowering my review from 2 to 1 stars. You have to fill out a cancellation form and it takes 30 days. They still charge you for that month. BUYER BEWARE!!!! New York just made laws to prevent this. Hopefully NJ will follow.

I’ve been a long-time member of the YMCA in Basking Ridge, and unfortunately the quality of this facility has steadily declined over the years. What once felt like a community focused organization now feels driven almost entirely by selling memberships, with little thought given to planning, maintenance, or the experience of families and kids. One of the most frustrating issues is the prioritization of adult pickleball over kids activities. On multiple occasions, the main basketball gym has been taken away from kids during winter months, when outdoor options are limited, so adults can play pickleball. When I raised this concern with a senior staff member at the front desk, the response was dismissive. I was told that “kids need to share the gym,” which is baffling given that adults have far more alternatives for pickleball than kids do for indoor basketball or free play. It’s hard not to wonder if this decision is driven by revenue at the expense of youth programs. Facility maintenance is another ongoing problem. In the men’s locker room, 2 of the 5 shower stalls have been out of order for at least 3–4 years, with visible mold building up on the tiles. This is unacceptable for a health-focused organization. The locker room itself is often dirty and poorly maintained. The sauna has also become a mess. There’s little to no enforcement of basic etiquette, kids on phones, people treating it like a personal yoga studio, and general behavior that makes it uncomfortable and borderline unsafe. Again, this points to a lack of supervision and standards. The Gym floor is packed with now many people who are frankly clueless (kids and adults). Staff also started giving group instruction during busy hours on the turf floor which is limited in space kicking out members. It’s not even functional for people getting the instruction. Lastly, the redesigned “social areas” at the front and back of the facility have effectively turned the Y into a self-regulated daycare. Kids run the space with minimal supervision, often crying, yelling, or acting out. At one point, an employee jokingly yelled “HELP” because of the chaos which says everything about how poorly thought out this setup is. This environment didn’t happen by accident; it’s the result of bad planning. Overall, this YMCA feels unfocused, poorly managed, and increasingly dismissive of families and long-time members. The mission seems lost. Until leadership addresses scheduling priorities, facility maintenance, and basic supervision, I can’t recommend this location the way I once did.

My experience at the Somerset Hills YMCA has been overwhelmingly positive, and I am genuinely and profoundly grateful that an institution like the YMCA exists in our community. What truly sets the Somerset Hills Y apart is the unparalleled quality of its service, people, and environment. The facilities are always spotless, well-maintained, and fully equipped, creating an exceptional space for fitness and wellness. The instructors are truly a highlight; they are highly professional, deeply knowledgeable, and clearly dedicated to teaching at a high level. This commitment to quality instruction makes a huge difference in every program offered. Furthermore, the administrative and operational staff are consistently friendly, professional, and welcoming, making every visit a pleasure. The comprehensive nature of the Y, having all the options and diverse programs under one roof—from aquatics and fitness to youth development and community outreach—is a massive strength. The sheer variety ensures the Y can support the health and wellness goals of every member of the family. The Somerset Hills YMCA experience is exceptional and stands out as an invaluable community resource.

The Somerset Hills YMCA is a state-of-the art recreational facility. Its staff members are knowledgeable, friendly and warm. The gym equipment is maintained meticulously. The physical plant is cleaned multiple times throughout the day. I am especially impressed with the personal trainers at SHY. They personalize training regimens to each individual. I highly recommend Somerset Hills YMCA.

Pros: Neatly maintained Has a lot of swim lanes Excellent variety of gym equipments Water slide for Kids Cons: Drinking water must be better (now its like chlorinated) Steam room must be there for such a big facility (which is the main reason why i did not give 5 stars)