Here For Good - FAQ

Why was the YMCA asking Grove City Council to consider a partnership?

The YMCA believed a partnership with the City of Grove City would have been the most cost-effective and community-centered path forward. As a nonprofit community partner with more than 20 years of experience serving Grove City, the YMCA brings established facilities, programs, staff and expertise in meeting the needs of residents across generations. A City + YMCA partnership would have expanded access to services, avoided unnecessary duplication and maximized the value of public investment — rather than using taxpayer dollars to create a new system from the ground up. While Council ultimately voted to move forward with a city-owned and city-operated community center at Pinnacle Park, the YMCA remains committed to serving Grove City and being a trusted nonprofit partner in the community.

What would a YMCA partnership have meant for Grove City residents?

A partnership would have allowed Grove City to expand community recreation and wellness services while leveraging the YMCA’s expertise in operating community centers, programs and membership-based services. In addition, it would have built on the existing Grove City YMCA at Fryer Park — including discounts and expanded access to high-quality wellness spaces, youth and family programming/activities, aquatics, chronic disease prevention/management and senior programs — rather than creating a separate, competing facility.

What does Grove City Council’s decision to move forward with a city-owned and city-operated community center mean?

Grove City Council has voted to move forward with a city-owned and city-operated community center at Pinnacle Park, independent of the YMCA. The YMCA respects City Council’s decision and remains committed to serving Grove City families.

The YMCA continues to believe that building on the community’s existing YMCA infrastructure and expertise through a partnership would have been a more efficient and cost-effective path, while expanding access and avoiding duplication of services. A new city-owned and city-operated center will require significant investment in construction, staffing, operations and ongoing support, creating new costs and an ongoing burden for taxpayers and the community.

While the YMCA does not believe a separate city-owned and city-operated center is the best path forward, we will continue to look for opportunities to support Grove City residents and work collaboratively with the City when possible.

What are the benefits of City + YMCA partnerships?

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.

YMCA–local government partnerships are designed to be flexible and scalable, allowing terms to be tailored to local priorities and adjusted over time as community needs evolve. This approach enables municipalities to expand services and community access while minimizing operational burden and financial exposure, supported by a trusted nonprofit partner with deep regional experience.

Does the YMCA partner with other cities or local governments?

Yes. Across Central Ohio, the YMCA has established community center partnerships with the City of Delaware, Liberty Township/City of Powell, the City of Reynoldsburg and the City of Whitehall. These community centers are city-owned and YMCA-operated, allowing for expanded services and community access while minimizing operational burden for the City and taxpayers. These vital partnerships serve as a powerful example of what is possible when local governments and nonprofits join together to serve their community — giving residents more resources while preserving taxpayer dollars.

Would a City + YMCA partnership have saved money for taxpayers?

A City + YMCA joint venture would have saved the City and taxpayers approximately $40.15 million in the first 20 years alone in capital and operating costs while providing the same facility size and scope as a City-only venture. In addition, it would have allowed taxpayer dollars to go toward critical safety and infrastructure that enhance the community and reduce traffic instead of being used to duplicate existing services and facilities. 

The City’s planned community center will require an income tax increase to support ongoing operating costs, which are estimated at $5 million annually, along with membership fees for residents. The City is planning to put a 0.5% income tax increase on the ballot to help fund these operating costs. During an April 20, 2026 presentation, Grove City estimated the annual operating subsidy for a city-operated community center will be $2.5 million in year one. In comparison, YMCA community centers do not use taxpayer funds for operations.

Has the YMCA cost the City of Grove City money in the past?

No. Since opening its doors, the Grove City YMCA has operated at no cost to the City of Grove City or taxpayers. At the same time, the YMCA has reinvested more than $4.2 million back into the community through financial assistance for programs and membership.

Why is the YMCA talking about financial assistance?

Financial assistance is one of the clearest ways the YMCA reinvests in Grove City. Over the years, the Y has provided more than $4.2 million in support, helping ensure programs and membership remain accessible regardless of financial circumstance. This reflects the YMCA’s nonprofit mission to remove cost as a barrier to participation.

Will programs for children and families increase at the Y?

The YMCA has deep experience serving children and families through youth development, child care, day camp, swim lessons, youth sports and family programming. We are dedicated to expanding that programming for families in Grove City and throughout the region.

What does this mean for seniors and older adults?

The YMCA serves people across all ages and life stages. For older adults, the Y will continue to provide opportunities for fitness, social connection, healthy aging, chronic disease prevention and management, and community belonging. Through programs like SilverSneakers, the YMCA is dedicated to supporting accessible wellness options for seniors and older adults, and this will continue to be a priority area of service for the Grove City YMCA.

What does this mean for seniors and older adults?

The YMCA serves people across all ages and life stages. For older adults, the Y provides opportunities for fitness, social connection, healthy aging, chronic disease prevention and community belonging. Through programs like SilverSneakers, the YMCA helps support accessible wellness options for seniors and older adults.

Is the YMCA against Grove City having more recreation options?

No. The YMCA supports expanded recreation, wellness and community gathering opportunities for Grove City residents. The question is not whether Grove City should invest in these services, but how the City can do so in the most responsible and sustainable way for taxpayers and the community.

How can I continue to support the YMCA?

The support of our members, volunteers, donors and advocates has meant so much throughout this process, and we're incredibly grateful. The best way to support the YMCA is by continuing to be part of our community — whether that's through your membership, participating in programs, volunteering, making a charitable gift or sharing your YMCA story with others. Every act of support helps us continue creating opportunities for children, families, seniors and neighbors across Grove City.

Will the YMCA continue to serve Grove City?

Yes. The Grove City YMCA is here to stay. For over two decades, we've been proud to serve this community through youth programs, health and wellness, swim lessons, camp, child care, financial assistance and opportunities for people of all ages to connect and belong. We look forward to continuing that work for decades to come.

What does Grove City Council’s decision mean for the future of the YMCA?

On July 20, 2026, Grove City Council voted to move forward with developing a city-owned and city-operated community center rather than pursuing a partnership with the YMCA. While we are disappointed that our collaborative proposal was not selected, the decision does not change the YMCA's mission or our commitment to serving Grove City. We remain focused on strengthening our existing YMCA, providing multigenerational programming that meets the needs of five generations and creating opportunities for people of all ages to learn, grow and thrive.

Will membership or programs change?

No. Your membership, programs and services are not affected by Council's decision. The Grove City YMCA will continue offering the programs and services our members and community rely on, and we'll continue looking for opportunities to enhance our impact and meet the evolving needs of Grove City.

Can the YMCA still partner with the City of Grove City in the future?

The YMCA has a long history of partnering with communities to expand access and strengthen local services, and we remain open to opportunities to collaborate whenever they align with the needs of Grove City residents. While Council has chosen to move forward with a city-owned and city-operated community center, we remain committed to being a positive community partner and working alongside local leaders whenever opportunities arise to better serve our community.