The Kroc Center in Philadelphia: Rates and Review

Wow.  Just wow.  The place is off-the-hook, first-rate, state of the art, just amazingly impressive.  At least for me it was.  As someone who grew up in suburban YMCA's, this was like suddenly being in prime time.  A beautiful facility.

The Salvation Army Kroc center is very conveniently located for GAP area families.  From Chestnut Hill, it was a 17 minute drive mid-day.  Located at the intersection of Rt. 1 and Wissahickon, it would be even closer for Mt. Airy and Germantown families.  It's also convenient to SEPTA bus routes.
Map

The Kroc Center was made possible by donations from the Kroc family (of McDonald's fame).  The 130,000 square foot facility is a community center on 12.4 acres of land.  It boasts community programs, recreational facilities and social services.  Everything is brand new and everything is beautifully done.  The pool is spectacular.  And it's not just a pool.  It's an aquatic dreamland.  There is a 10 lane, 25 meter competition pool (set to hold the Army Navy Swim Meet this Thursday night!).  And Jim ellis, legendary swim coach depicted in the movie Pride, will oversee the swim program.

There's a separate wonderland for the recreational swimmer;  the recreational pool/waterpark has a one-story water slide, a lazy river, a huge bucket dump, an enormous wading area, and wonderful Nemo-inspired fountains of fun.  Oh, and they do birthday parties.

The facility also has much, much more to offer:
- an outdoor all-turf soccer/field hockey field
- a stunning cafe
- workout facilities galore
- basketball courts
- computer lab
- outdoor grill/pavillion
- worship/performance space
- ballet/dance/exercise studios
- music studio and rehearsal rooms
- on-site childcare for members using the facility
- early childhood center (opening 2011)
- after school programs
- adult education programs (financial literacy, GED, computers)
- community garden

There are exercise, dance, and activity classes of all stripes.  And I'm sure I'm forgetting plenty.  You have to see it for yourself, even if you don't join.  Membership rates are reasonably priced when you consider that most classes are included (rather than added on to the cost of the membership).

Monthly Membership Rates:
Adult 19-61........... $39
Household 3-4 .... $99
Household 3-8 .... $119
Senior................... $33
Youth................... $25
(kids under 5 years old are free on household memberships)

Annual Memberships:
Adult 19-61........... $428

Household 3-4 .... $1,089

Household 3-8 .... $1,309

Senior................... $363

Youth................... $275

Enrollment Fees:

Adults 19-61........ $99

Household.......... $149

Senior 62+.......... $89

Youth.................. $49

* Need-based scholarships available.