YMCA Cape Cod -West Barnstable Facility
2245 Route 132
P.O.Box 188
West Barnstable, MA 02668
Phone: 508-362-6500
www.ymcacapecod.org
I go swimming every week at the YMCA in West Barnstable so I decided it was finally time to do a review on how handicapped accessible it is when I go there. I will start with the parking; the handicap parking is very close to the entrance which is so convenient and it makes life so much easier. The doors to enter the YMCA are wide enough for a wheelchair to go through. There are two doors that have to be opened for me in order to get my wheelchair through. Also, someone in a wheelchair would not be able to enter alone because there are no automatic doors. The ramp leading up to the doors is perfect for my wheelchair.
The whole place is very spacious and I can move around freely without worrying about bumping into people and things. The staff are very nice and courteous and they always treat me with respect. Upon entering the dressing rooms, there was ample room and plenty of space to get changed and transferred into another chair (the pool chair I use to get into the pool).
Once out by the pool there is a ramp that I can go down in my chair. As soon as I get to the bottom of the ramp I can be taken out of the chair and head into the water. As soon as I’m in the water, I can be free to swim around with the help of a life jacket and some ankle weights to keep me upright. I love the feeling of being in water because I feel weightless and I can move around so much freer than any other time.
The next thing I rate is lighting and I think it is bright enough for visually impaired people. If you have ever been to any YMCA then you know that they have many lights everywhere. The next part of the building that is very important is the bathrooms. The doors leading into the bathroom are wide enough and I found that the handicap stall was very easy for me to move around in while having staff help me. The sink’s pipes are all covered and the height of the sink is good for wheelchair access.
My wheelchair accessibility rating for the YMCA in West Barnstable is FOUR STARS. To get that one extra star they would have to install automatic entry doors and then it would be a perfect 5 star experience for me!!
March 20th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
I’ve heard about ramps leading into a pool but never saw one. It looks fun and easy. Thanks for sharing.
November 5th, 2009 at 5:13 am
YMCA Phillip Island Coastal Camp.
They brought in a surf wheelchair that goes into the water for easier access to surfing and water activities. Other camps and beach access can be good.