Membership FAQs
1. Why is Brooks donating this facility to the YMCA?
In order to have the greatest impact on the health and wellness of the broader community, it was determined that a partnership with the YMCA and its existing network of facilities and programs would best accomplish this goal. This gift is part of Brooks Community Health strategy to focus on the community at large providing broad access to programs and services that contribute to the health of the community and prevent disabilities. This follows in the tracks of other major donations made by Brooks Rehabilitation. Brooks recently donated a total of $2.5 million to five area non-profit hospitals. In August of 2005, Brooks donated $3.6 million to the UNF College of Health, which is now called the Brooks College of Health.
2. When is the change from Brooks Health & Fitness to the Brooks Family YMCA effective?
Effective immediately, Brooks Health & Fitness is now owned by the YMCA. However, there will be a transitional period from now through January 31, 2008 in which the management from both facilities will be present and available to assist you.
3. Will I need to sign a new contract?
The YMCA does not have contracts. However, all members converting to a YMCA membership will be asked to complete a YMCA membership enrollment form by January 31, 2008 and issued a YMCA membership card. Your membership card allows access not only to the Brooks Family YMCA but to the Skinner Family YMCA as well. By purchasing a Florida's First Coast YMCA membership, you will also have access to all 18 YMCA branch facilities. YMCA memberships may be cancelled with a 30- day notice.
4. Will the membership fees charged by the YMCA be different?
YMCA monthly membership rates and categories are listed below:
| Category | Florida's First Coast* | Branch Only ** |
| Individual Household 1 (2 individuals or 1 Adult + dependents) Household 2 (2 adults + dependents) Young Adult (ages 12-29) Senior (age 65 and over) |
$55 $85 $95 $47 $47 |
$52 $83 $92 $42 $42 |
*includes use of all 18 of the YMCA locations
** includes use of the Brooks Family YMCA and the Skinner Family YMCA
5. What if I have a mid-day membership?
The YMCA does not offer mid-day memberships. Your choice in categories available is listed above. All memberships include use of the facility during all operating hours.
6. How and when will I be billed for my membership with the YMCA?
For those on monthly dues EFT withdrawal, the January withdrawal will be made by Brooks on behalf of the YMCA. Beginning in February, the YMCA will be drafting your membership fees. However, it is very important that the YMCA has a membership enrollment form for you on file so that your membership is properly reflected in the YMCA's database, allowing you to enjoy the numerous benefits you now have as a Florida's First Coast YMCA member.
7. May I cancel my Brooks Health & Fitness membership now?
If you prefer not to join the YMCA, you may cancel your membership effective January 31, 2008.
8. Will Brooks refund my pre-paid membership dues or services?
If you have pre-paid your membership fees and decide to terminate your Brooks membership and not join the YMCA you will receive a refund of any pre-paid dues or services. These refunds will be processed beginning February 1, 2008.
9. Will I be able to use other YMCAs with this membership?
If you purchase a Florida's First Coast YMCA membership (FFC) you will have access to all 18 YMCA locations throughout Jacksonville including branches in Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns Counties. If you choose a "Branch Only" membership you may only use the Brooks Family YMCA and the Skinner Family YMCA. Maps with all of our branch locations and amenities at each branch are available at Member Services.
10. Who is going to be managing and working at the facility?
During the month of January both YMCA and Brooks management will be on-site to run the facility and ensure a smooth transition. It is the YMCA's intention to retain as many Brooks employees as possible to assist in managing this facility. The YMCA has appointed Jeremy Seldomridge as the Executive Director to lead the team that will serve you. Jeremy comes to the Brooks Family YMCA with a wealth of experience in managing YMCA facilities and is looking forward to connecting with the Brooks members. Linda Joel will assume a full-time position with Brooks Rehabilitation.
11. Does the YMCA offer personal training sessions?
Yes, the YMCA offers personal training and if you have purchased Brooks personal training sessions, these will be honored by the YMCA wellness staff. If you prefer a refund, you may notify the front desk or provide a written request. Please see a YMCA staff person and they will assist you.
12. Why is the Spa being closed?
Spas are not in the core-service offerings of YMCAs so a joint decision was made by Brooks and the YMCA to close the Spa. The YMCA plans to continue offering massage therapy.
13. What about my Spa appointments and gift certificates?
The spa will continue to honor appointments and provide services though January 31st, after which the spa will be closed. All unredeemed pre-paid spa certificates will be refunded by Brooks. Please call the Brooks Family YMCA at 854-2000 or see a staff at the front desk for assistance.
14. What changes will the YMCA be making to this facility?
Along with the reduction in membership fees, the YMCA plans to make the following changes to the facility in order to provide a facility that the whole family can enjoy:
- Scheduled hours for swimming pool and therapy pool monitored by at least 2 certified lifeguards
- Family Memberships to include children under 14 years of age. Those between ages 9 to 12 must be accompanied by an adult when on the wellness floor, or they may go to KidZone.
- Complimentary KidZone childcare for all household memberships
- Expanded KidZone childcare area
- Minor adjustments to hours of operation
- YMCA compliant group exercise classes
- Removal of sauna and whirlpools
- Closing of day spa
15. What changes are planned for Child Watch?
The YMCA will be offering complimentary childcare for members with Household Memberships through its KidZone. Members may use the KidZone while using the Brooks Family YMCA facility for up to 2 hours per day. The reservation system that has been offered through Brooks will continue to be offered. It is the YMCA's intention to expand the KidZone area, utilizing space from the area previously occupied by the spa.
16. Why are the saunas and whirlpools being closed?
The YMCA is committed to providing family friendly facilities with the utmost attention to safety. As the whirlpool and sauna are located in open corridors and are not monitored, the YMCA will be closing these in keeping with our high safety standards.
17. Why does the YMCA require lifeguards at all times?
The YMCA is committed to providing family friendly facilities with the utmost attention to safety. As such, it is the YMCA standard to require lifeguards during all pool operating hours.
18. Will the Brooks Center for Sports Therapy remain here?
Yes, Brooks will continue to operate this center.
19. Where do I go for more information?
Information about new programs, schedules, and services will be provided at the front desk as well as through email. Please go to www.firstcoastymca.org/brooks to find current information.
