the salvation army ray and joan kroc community center

i brought my Grandkids here and they loved it! There is so much to do for all ages, from babies to grown ups! The price is excellent! The kiddos loved the river pool. If you have not gone, take the kids and you will have so much fun! The changing rooms are great. They are huge and have privacy, a sink, and a toilet in each one. I was very impressed with the design.

We use the shower and hot tub after dry camping for a few days at a time. The cost for a day pass is very reasonable and the contrast of hustle and bustle compared to a chapel and computer rooms makes you stop and pause. There is a caveat though, better get there before school lets out if you prefer a quiet lap swim. Also, for showers, pick number one for the best pressure and drainage.

We have been going faithfully each summer when we visit Salem since they opened and have just about always had a fun time. Love their climbing wall. Love their fresh fruit smoothies (made perfectly). They were recommended to us when we checked in and I can see why! The pool was super crowded and they could really use a few more lifeguards, we had to fight for a dressing room, but we had fun. The inflatable obstacle course was fun but poorly managed (one unsure little Asian lifeguard who would whistle you out if she didn't give you an indication to go (which was almost impossible to hear) but would then get to talking to her friends or whomever and ignore the kids standing in line so no one knew what to do...). The competition pool area has a lot for kids to do as well. Glad for some lap lanes for the adults. Great diving area. Fun lighthouse slide (although the lifeguard told my well endowed teenage DAUGHTER that HE had to take off HIS shirt before going down the slide, which offended her greatly and made her feel horrible--she won't go without the shirt because of her recent growth). Staff seemed very lackluster and very tired (I saw one lifeguard yawn like 20 times in the 5 minutes I was watching). Definitely want to keep an eye on your kids and don't rely on the lifeguards (which is true in every pool but makes me extra nervous in pools with lazy rivers that are packed full of people).

The Salvation Army has organized a wonderful place to exercise, swim, rock climb, play basketball and take classes.