COLUMBUS, Ohio – The YMCA of Central Ohio, a nonprofit serving central Ohio for more than 170 years, is uniquely positioned to drive regional change, connecting neighbors to essential resources for child care, kindergarten readiness, improved health and wellness and housing. Strong communities so that all people can reach their full potential are at the heart of YMCA programs and services, which span across five counties. Serving approximately 240,000 people annually, the YMCA provided more than $1.6 million in financial assistance through donations last year to help families overcome barriers and access life-changing opportunities through membership, programs, and child care.
As the YMCA of Central Ohio takes intentional action to double its impact and serve more than half a million individuals by 2035, the Y’s Board of Trustees, Real Estate Task Force and key leaders evaluate how resources are best aligned to ensure long-term impact, access and sustainability for generations to come. New projects with Columbus State, Union County Family YMCA and the addition of a fourteenth school district to the YMCA’s before and after-school care offerings are notable milestones in the first year of the YMCA’s long-term vision to double the amount of people served, while increasing access opportunities to focus areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
With central Ohio’s growing and shifting population, the YMCA and Real Estate Task Force have assessed the organization’s geographic footprint to thoughtfully balance the locations and services, ensuring sustainability to deliver critical community programs.
After 30 meaningful years of serving our community, the YMCA of Central Ohio has made the difficult decision to permanently close the Jerry L. Garver YMCA beginning May 30, 2026. The comprehensive evaluation determined that 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. This difficult decision reflects the nonprofit’s responsibility to steward resources in a way that strengthens its mission for all today while positioning the organization to serve future generations.
“As we look ahead to serving half a million people across Central Ohio by 2035, every decision we make, no matter how complex or difficult, is grounded in responsibility and care,” said Tony Collins, president and CEO of the YMCA of Central Ohio. “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.”
The YMCA has agreed to sell the property to the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, building on a long-standing partnership focused on community service. 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.
As part of this transition, impacted staff will be supported with personalized plans for opportunities of reemployment within the organization. Members are instructed to self-select one of the twelve additional YMCA locations, such as the
Reynoldsburg Community Center YMCA located five miles away, but may continue using the Jerry L. Garver YMCA through May. To avoid disruption and ensure continuity of services, the impacted location will continue Head Start and Preschool through May. The YMCA will continue serving families and youth in Southeast Franklin County with social services, and is actively pursuing alternative locations to continue day camp and preschool programming after the building closure. Additional details regarding timelines, member transitions, and next steps are being shared directly with affected staff, members, program participants and stakeholders.
About YMCA of Central Ohio
The YMCA of Central Ohio is one of the region’s leading nonprofits, strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For more than 170 years, we’ve been a place of belonging and hope — empowering children, supporting families and standing alongside our neighbors in their time of need. Together, we nurture potential, strengthen health and well-being and inspire lasting change so every neighbor can reach their full potential. For more information, visit www.ymcacolumbus.org.