Strengthening the Foundation We Share
Grove City is pursuing the development of a new city owned and operated community recreation center, a project estimated to cost $70-$100 million, plus significant ongoing expenses. The current plan does not include the Grove City YMCA. We believe it is important that the community understands what’s being proposed, how it will affect residents, and the opportunities we already have to build on what exists today.
For decades, the Grove City YMCA has been more than a gym; it’s been the heartbeat of our community, serving five generations with care and commitment. In 2002, the City of Grove City partnered with the YMCA of Central Ohio to provide land at Fryer Park for a community recreation center, providing fitness and recreation opportunities for the community. Each year since then, thousands of Grove City residents have relied on the Grove City YMCA as their hub for accessible wellness programs, high-quality childcare, and community connection. Together, we can build on that foundation, not duplicate it or compete against it.
Our promise to you is simple: the YMCA is committed to investing in Grove City so that every resident has access to the programs, services and spaces that help them thrive, without spending unnecessary community dollars.
Collaborative Solution
The Proposed Plan
According to Council minutes, the construction costs for a city owned and operated community center are estimated at approximately $100 million, as shared by the Committee in August 2025. Based on the recommendations of the Finance Committee, the City plans to use tax-increment financing to fund the capital costs of the center, leveraging the revenue generated by the 15-year extension of the Pinnacle TIF, now set to expire in 2050. This extension was approved by Grove City Council on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. As reported by The Columbus Dispatch in an article released on Dec. 16, 2025, this extension was needed to fund the land acquisition and design work for the center.
In addition to the capital expenses, Council has discussed going to the voters in 2026 for a proposed income tax increase to subsidize the operational deficit, currently estimated at $1.25 million annually, of the proposed center.
As reported by The Columbus Dispatch, at the Feb. 17 City Council Special Meeting, Council reviewed six finalist sites for a city-owned and operated community center. Pinnacle Park and Fryer Park emerged as the top options. The Committee noted that Fryer Park — home to the Grove City YMCA for more than 20 years — would only be considered if the center were fully city-owned and operated without the YMCA. The Committee has budgeted $6-$8 million for initial architectural design costs for the building, which they intend to move forward with once a site is selected.
It was reported by the Finance Committee during the March 2 City Council Special Meeting that based on the revenue generated over 22 years by the Pinnacle TIF, the City is able to borrow approximately $71.5 million for this project — compared to their estimated capital costs of $100 million. As a result of these findings, Council is reconsidering the best path forward.
updated 3/18/26
A Collaborative Solution
Grove City taxpayers deserve another option: working with a partner that has unmatched experience and expertise in youth development programming, accessible health and wellness and addressing critical community needs. The Grove City YMCA has operated at no annual cost to the City or taxpayers for over 20 years while reinvesting over $4.2 million back into community members through financial assistance for YMCA programs and services.
Here for Grove City Advocacy Flyer
2025 Grove City YMCA Impact Flyer
An Upgraded YMCA Experience in partnership with the City of Grove City
Expanded Family Programming
Expansive Walking Track
Multi-Functional Fitness Areas
The YMCA of Central Ohio partners with cities and townships to operate community centers that advance public health, youth development, and quality of life while ensuring responsible stewardship of public assets.
Under this model:
- Facilities remain publicly owned by the city or township, preserving long-term community control and public investment.
- The YMCA operates the facility, leveraging established best practice operational systems, nonprofit governance, and community-centered programming.
- The YMCA assumes financial and operational risk, including staffing and operational decision-making.
- All employees are YMCA staff, ensuring consistent standards for safety, compliance, and service delivery.
- Resident and municipal employee membership discounts are often included, providing tangible benefits to taxpayers and local employees.
Local government + YMCA partnerships are designed to be flexible and scalable, allowing terms to be tailored to local priorities and adjusted over time as community needs evolve.
Timeline of Community Center Discussions
Your Voice Matters
Help shape the future of our community by advocating for a City + YMCA community center partnership
We appreciate our dedicated community of supporters and members. You allow us to serve the Grove City community every day, and with your support, we will continue to help all of our Grove City neighbors build a healthy spirit, mind and body.
Contact City Council
Contact City Council through phone calls, emails, or letters and ask them to consider a YMCA community center partnership.
Attend City Council Meetings
Join us at City Council meetings to show your support and consider speaking during public comment.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dolly Crespo, Grove City YMCA Executive Director, at dcrespo@ymcacolumbus.org or 614-389-4567 x5510
EMC Research
A City + YMCA partnership is what Grove City voters desire. A 2025 independent research poll confirms that Grove City voters strongly prefer a City-YMCA joint venture over a wholly City-owned and operated facility — making collaboration not only the most cost-effective path, but the most widely supported.
TAXES
59% of Voters
Would vote “no” to reject a tax measure to fund a new community center.
IMPORTANCE
62% of Voters
Disagree with the statement that it is vitally important for Grove City to have a new community center, even if it means raising taxes.
PREFERENCE
75% of Voters
Support the YMCA’s alternative plan to expand the Grove City YMCA in partnership with the City, in comparison to the City’s plan.
A Better Solution for Grove City
Smarter Use of Taxpayer Dollars & Resources
Faster Timeline: Meeting Community Needs Today
Effective Partnerships that Enhance, Not Duplicate
Taxpayer:
Value:
A partnership between Grove City and the YMCA could deliver significant savings for taxpayers. By joining forces, Grove City could mitigate the steep capital costs of a new community center while ensuring every taxpayer dollar goes further. Partnership with the Y means the City can invest in more kids, more families and more community impact without raising taxes unnecessarily and expending community resources.
Faster
Timeline:
The Grove City YMCA is delivering transformational impact today. While a new city-run community center is filled with hypotheticals, high-costs and unknown roadblocks, the Grove City Y is already here for you, serving five generations.
Community
Benefits:
With a legacy of serving communities and expertise in facility operations, program design and community engagement, partnering with the Grove City YMCA frees the City to use their expertise to focus on matters that affect your life every day. It would mean that the City would not compete against a local non-profit that has loyally served the community for 22 years. Read more about the Y's impact in Grove City.
Living Our Cause
Grove City deserves a community resource that is safe, inclusive and responsive to local needs. With decades of experience serving five generations across Central Ohio and recognition as national leaders and experts in Youth Development, the YMCA model has proven to deliver programs that bring people together, from child care and swim lessons to youth development, fitness and senior wellness. This history isn’t about the Y, it's about what we’ve been able to do together: create a trusted, welcoming space where every neighbor can connect, grow and thrive.
Connecting Our Neighbors
“The community you form, even if you don't realize it. You see someone from your class at the grocery store or at a restaurant. You are creating connections.” - Patty H.
“The people, old, young, babies & kids...Not only opportunities to become strong and healthy but also to have relationships and make a difference in each other's lives.” - Nannette M.
Strengthening Families
“My family and I moved to Grove City a year ago. We wanted to join a gym (as well as pool memberships), and the YMCA was highly recommended. We have been members for a few months now, and I can't say enough about how incredible the Grove City YMCA location is. The staff is friendly, resourceful, and the facility is very well-maintained/clean...And, most importantly, I feel safe at the Grove City YMCA. I want to give thanks also for all the athletic/workout programs you provide for adults and children. We are so grateful to be members of the Grove City YMCA!!” - Stacey D.
“Child Watch has allowed me to take care of my own health postpartum while also giving my children time to play and interact with other kids. The YMCA has become a wonderful part of our family’s daily rhythm that is something both I and my children look forward to.” - Sydnee L.
Stay Connected
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Contact Us: Dolly Crespo, Executive Director
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Grove City YMCA
3600 Discovery Drive
Grove City, Ohio 43123
