Hope Valley Farms YMCA

I’ve only used the tennis courts so I can’t comment on the other aspects of this Y. There are 6 courts available and they get pretty full on Saturday mornings. All of the tennis pros are friendly and knowledgable. I’ve taken a few private lessons which were very helpful and reasonably priced. They also offer several clinics for various levels, you do have to check their e-​tennis website. I wish they would advertise these a bit more on their social media accounts. I enjoyed those as well, great way to meet other players on your level. On Saturdays I’ve also taken the cardio tennis class, excellent workout.
For the most part there is plenty of parking but when large scale events are going on the lot can get full. I know one Saturday there was also a swim meet going on and at least 50 cars were parked on S. Roxboro Rd. Hopefully going forward they can get a letter better about giving members a heads up and plan a little better.

As an extra curricular gym, the Hope Valley Farms YMCA has got you covered. Outdoor activities include a huge covered picnic table area, tons of tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool with plenty of sun chairs and pool lap lanes and a large playground for kids of all ages. However, what this Y doesn’t have is a large gym area. With one group classroom and a small downstairs with a handful of treadmills, bikes, ellipticals and weight equipment. The lockers room is larger then some which is helpful during the summer with lots of swimmers (gym locker and swim locker are same) although only three showers.
This YMCA is closest to my home, so I only go on the weekends and I’ve never felt that it’s been overcrowded. Although I’ve only started going since it’s warmed up outside and not sure how crowded it might get in the winter time. I do like their Sunday hours which match the downtown YMCA’s hours, although during the week, Hope Valley YMCA only opens at 9AM, pretty late for a gym (although oddly they open at 8AM on Saturdays!), and closes at 8PM. I don’t think I’d go out of my way to go to this YMCA, but it’s a good option if your timing alines and you live close. Also, it’s the only YMCA with an outdoor pool, so it’s definitely the best option in the summer.

With tennis courts, a large outdoor swimming pool and a nice playground, this Y has it all… except a big workout area. With the majority of Durham Y locations in the downtown area it’s great to see a location in South Durham that offers some variety. This location has great tennis courts and a huge pool that’s great in the summer (the only months it’s open), but the workout space is small — only a handful of treadmills and ellipticals, bikes and weight machines. The location of the workout space isn’t that inspiring — it’s in the lower level so there’s only an outside door that lets in light, but the exercise/​group fitness room is in a nice, bright space on the upper level. The locker rooms are super nice and spacious and located right off the workout area. There seems to be plenty of parking and they offer convenient hours.