Bob Freesen YMCA

Bob Freesen YMCA is a gym and community organization in Jacksonville, IL. It operates as a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a mission to improve quality of life for individuals, families, and kids through safe, accessible programs, spaces, and activities. Offerings span fitness and wellness, aquatics, youth sports, child care, and adult sports. Youth sports run year-round for kids at all skill levels and include swim team, basketball, baseball and T-ball, flag football, and karate. The Sharks Swim Team is open to swimmers ages 5 to 18. Child care includes After School Care, Summer Camp, and Childwatch. The facility holds a rating of 4.00 based on customer reviews.

The YMCA is led by Executive Director and CEO Drew Comstock, alongside a team that includes a Finance Director, Courtesy Staff Director, Sports Director, Property and Grounds Director, Aquatics Director and Head Swim Coach, and Youth Development Director. Aquatics programming is supported by pool hours that run Monday through Friday from 5:45 a.m. to 7:45 p.m., closed Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 3:30 p.m., and Saturday from 7:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. General operating hours are Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Children age 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times, and after 6 p.m. middle school youth 14 and younger must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older.

Beyond fitness, the organization partners with community groups to address childcare, senior services, food insecurity, support for foster children, and educational gaps, and it works with partners to combat food insecurity while keeping fitness and active programs relevant to people of all ages, backgrounds, and incomes.

The facility sits on Sherwood Eddy Dr, about a third of a mile from Veterans Park and roughly half a mile each from Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center, the Illinois School for the Deaf, Jacksonville Middle School, and Illinois College. Tanner Library is about six tenths of a mile away.

The positive rating reflects how members regard the YMCA's role as a Jacksonville hub for fitness, youth development, and family programs.