A Message to Our Community
The Jerry L. Garver YMCA has proudly served Southeast Franklin County for more than 30 years, and we are deeply grateful to all who been part of our community.
The YMCA of Central Ohio has announced that the Jerry L. Garver YMCA will permanently close on May 30, 2026. We recognize the deep connections members, families, neighbors and employees have to the Jerry L. Garver YMCA. At the same time, we must ensure that our footprint, facilities, and resources allow us to serve our community effectively, not just today, but for decades to come.
This FAQ is intended to serve as a central hub for information related to this transition, including details for members, Head Start and preschool participants, and staff. Our goal is to clearly share what we know, what to expect next, and how we will continue to support you throughout this process.
This decision was made thoughtfully and with care, and we understand the impact it may have on individuals and families. We are committed to communicating openly, answering questions as they arise, and ensuring continued access to YMCA programs, services, and support during and after this transition.
This page will be updated as additional information becomes available. If you need to speak to someone or ask additional questions, please call 614-689-2026 to leave a recorded voicemail. We will do our best to get back with you. In the meantime, here’s what you need to know.
Why is the Jerry L. Garver YMCA closing?
The Jerry L. Garver YMCA recently underwent a comprehensive evaluation, which determined the center can no longer be sustainably operated to meet long-term community needs due to ongoing facility limitations, declining usage, and operational challenges, making it increasingly difficult to deliver the programs, services, and member experience the community deserves. YMCA leadership carefully evaluated all options before making this very difficult decision. This difficult decision reflects the Y’s responsibility to steward resources in a way that strengthens its mission today while positioning the organization to serve future generations.
When will the closure happen?
The Jerry L. Garver YMCA will permanently close on Saturday, May 30, 2026. The last day the building will be open is Friday, May 29, 2026. Programs and services will continue at the Jerry L. Garver YMCA through May, unless otherwise communicated.
What will happen to the building?
The YMCA has agreed to sell the property to the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, building on a long-standing partnership focused on serving the community. While plans for the site are still in the early stages, CMHA intends to develop housing on the property as part of its future use.
What happens to staff?
Our staff are incredibly important to us. Impacted staff will receive direct communication regarding support, timelines, resources and available opportunities for reemployment within the organization, if they choose. Executive leadership and our People & Culture team are actively working to support staff through this transition with care and respect.
Why is this happening now?
YMCA leadership and its governing board regularly evaluate facilities and programs to ensure that the organization can safely and effectively serve the community long-term. While the Jerry L. Garver YMCA has been a trusted gathering place, the YMCA can no longer deliver programs and services at the level the community deserves. This difficult decision reflects our nonprofit’s responsibility to steward resources in a way that strengthens its mission today while positioning the organization to serve future generations.
Why this YMCA, and not another one?
Every YMCA location is evaluated individually based on facility condition, usage trends and the ability to serve the community long-term. After a comprehensive review, the Jerry L. Garver YMCA was found to face challenges that made it increasingly difficult to sustainably operate at the level our members and families deserve.
Could renovations have fixed this?
Renovation and improvement options were evaluated. Ultimately, the scope of facility limitations and operational challenges meant that even significant investment would not resolve the long-term sustainability concerns.
Does this mean the YMCA will no longer have presence in the Southeast Columbus community?
No. While this building is closing, the YMCA remains committed to serving families and youth in this area. The organization is actively pursuing alternative locations for programs like day camp and preschool. Many of the YMCA’s social service programs that help ensure housing and family stability for children ages 3-12, will continue in this area.
Why is the YMCA selling the Jerry L. Garver YMCA property to CMHA?
The YMCA of Central Ohio is selling the Jerry L. Garver YMCA property to Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority so the site can continue serving the community in a meaningful way.
CMHA plans to redevelop the property for housing that will continue to support families and strengthen housing stability in the neighborhood, aligning with one of the YMCA’s strategic priorities and our long-standing partnership with the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority.
How is the YMCA supporting members?
To continue uninterrupted access to YMCA programs and facilities, we ask that all members proactively self-select another YMCA of Central Ohio location as your new home branch by filling out this form on or before March 31, 2026.
If no action is taken by March 31, your membership will automatically be transferred beginning April 1, 2026 to the Reynoldsburg Community Center YMCA, with all memberships fully transitioned by May 1, 2026. Our goal is to make this transition as seamless as possible while ensuring you remain connected to the Y community without interruption.
Please know:
- There will be no disruption to your access during this transition.
- Your membership rate will not change if you transfer your membership to the Reynoldsburg location.
- You may continue to use the Jerry L. Garver YMCA through its final day of operations on May 29, 2026.
How can I make changes to my membership?
Please self-select another YMCA of Central Ohio location as your new home branch by filling out this form on or before March 31, 2026. If no action is taken, your membership home branch will automatically be transferred to the Reynoldsburg Community Center YMCA by May 1, 2026. Please see above for more information.
Why are you transferring memberships to the Reynoldsburg location?
Members are being redirected to the Reynoldsburg Community Center YMCA because it allows us to provide the strongest possible YMCA experience with modern, accessible facilities designed to meet today’s needs.
The Reynoldsburg Community Center YMCA is one of our newest locations and offers state-of-the-art amenities, expanded program space, and a layout that better supports wellness, aquatics, youth programs, and community connection. Its design allows us to deliver the quality of programs, services, and experiences our members expect—both now and in the future.
Most importantly, this transition ensures members can continue their YMCA journey without disruption, at the same membership rate, and with access to a welcoming environment that supports health, belonging, and connection for individuals and families.
What if I don’t want to be a member at the Reynoldsburg Community Center YMCA?
We understand that every member’s situation, preferences, and routines are different. While the Reynoldsburg Community Center YMCA is the default location for membership transitions because it offers the best overall access and experience, members are not required to transfer to that location.
Please self-select another YMCA of Central Ohio location as your new home branch by filling out this form on or before March 31, 2026. If no action is taken, your membership home branch will automatically be transferred to the Reynoldsburg Community Center YMCA by May 1, 2026. Please see above for more information.
Can I still use the Jerry L. Garver YMCA during the transition?
Yes. Members may continue to use the Jerry L. Garver YMCA through May 29, 2026, the final day of operations.
How is the YMCA supporting program participants?
Programs such as Head Start, Preschool and Swim Team will continue through May 2026. YMCA leadership is actively pursuing nearby alternative locations for programs after May, including Day Camp and 26-27 school year programs. Families with program participants will receive email direct communication in March for updates and any confirmed details.
Who can I contact with questions?
You can call 614-689-2026 to leave a message. A member of our team will follow up as soon as possible if you leave your name and number.
Will programs suddenly stop or be disrupted?
Programs at the Jerry L. Garver YMCA will continue through May 2026 unless otherwise communicated. Any changes will be shared directly with families and participants as early as possible to minimize disruption.
What happens if you don’t find a new location for my program?
The YMCA is actively working on alternative options. While some details are still being finalized, families will receive clear communication and support as decisions are confirmed.
Where can I find updates as things change?
You can revisit this page anytime for the latest information or call 614-689-2026 to leave a question or comment.
Can I share feedback or concerns?
Yes. We understand this news is difficult, and feedback is welcome. Please call 614-689-2026 to leave a message. A member of our team will follow up as soon as possible if you leave your name and number.
Will Head Start programming continue at Garver until the end of the school year?
Yes. Head Start programming will continue as scheduled through May 2026.
What happens for the 2026–2027 school year?
Leadership is working with families to determine future program options. You will be contacted directly when a clear path forward is finalized.
Who do I contact with questions?
Your program leadership remains the best point of contact, or you can call 614-689-2026 to share further questions.
Will Preschool continue at Jerry L. Garver YMCA this year?
Yes. Preschool programs will operate as scheduled through May 2026.
What happens after May 2026?
We are actively working to identify an alternative location for preschool programs. Families will receive direct communication as plans are confirmed.
Who do I contact with questions?
Contact your program leadership or call 614-689-2026.
Will summer day camp still happen at Garver?
Day Camp at Garver is currently planned for summer 2026. We are exploring alternative nearby locations for families already registered.
When will I know where my child’s camp will be?
Families will receive updates as soon as locations are finalized.
Who do I contact with questions?
Contact your Day Camp team or call 614-689-2026.
Will the closure of the Jerry L. Garver YMCA affect my child’s Y-Club program?
No. The planned closure of the Jerry L. Garver YMCA will not impact Y-Club programming in Pickerington Local School District or any other district. Y-Club before and after school care will continue as scheduled at your child’s school.
Is the YMCA leaving Pickerington schools or the school district?
No. The YMCA of Central Ohio remains fully committed to serving Pickerington families and will continue operating Y-Club programs within Pickerington Local Schools.
Do I need to take any action right now?
No action is required. Your child’s enrollment, schedule and care will continue as usual.
I usually visit the Jerry L. Garver YMCA to complete paperwork or ask questions in person. What should I do now?
Families who prefer in-person support will be able to complete paperwork and receive assistance at other YMCA of Central Ohio locations. Additional details about in-person options and locations will be shared as needed.
Who should I contact if I have questions about Y-Club?
Call 614-689-2026 and leave a message. A member of our team will follow up as soon as possible.
Will there be any future changes to Y-Club related to this closure?
There are no planned changes to Y-Club programming related to the closure of the Jerry L. Garver YMCA.
Additional Notes / Contacts
For general questions, feedback, or more details, call 614-689-2026 or revisit this page. We are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way and appreciate your patience as plans are finalized.