Columbus State YMCA
Columbus State Community College is exploring a partnership with the YMCA of Central Ohio to bring students access to free child care and a brand-new, state-of-the-art community center on its downtown campus, while also allowing students to use any YMCA throughout central Ohio. Columbus State and the YMCA are united in their commitment to helping individuals reach their full potential by advancing student success, increasing access to health and fitness resources, and providing real-life support to those who need it most.
Students vote yes
The student votes have been tallied, and 90.8% – a strong majority of voting students – voted in support of a proposed Student Recreation Fee of up to $65 per semester that would fund a new Columbus State YMCA. Overall, 12.3% of eligible voters (2,347 out of 19,107 students) cast ballots Sept. 16-30. College Credit Plus and registered apprenticeship students were not eligible, since they would not be subject to the fee. The fee would start in the fall semester of 2028.
What’s next?
The supportive vote allows the college to bring the proposal forward to the Columbus State Board of Trustees and Ohio Department of Higher Education for consideration. If both approve the plan for Columbus State YMCA, design work would begin on the 55,000-square-foot facility.
Responding to Student Needs
In surveys, students have asked for a place to work out, recreation, a welcoming space to gather, and support for student parents who need reliable, affordable child care while attending classes. This 55,000-square-foot facility, to be located at Long Street and Cleveland Avenue, would address many of those needs. The Columbus State YMCA would include:
Flexible, drop-in child care facilities
Green space
Fitness center
Walking path
Outdoor tennis and pickleball courts
Indoor swimming pool
Gymnasium
Basketball courts
Locker rooms
The project would be funded primarily by a $65-per-semester student fee that's the subject of a student vote set for Sept. 16-30. If students support the fee and the project is approved by college and state leaders, the fee would be collected starting Autumn 2028, when the building is expected to open. Student access to other YMCA locations would begin in Summer 2026 and continue indefinitely, allowing students to access recreation and fitness facilities wherever it's most convenient.
Access for All
Columbus State and the YMCA of Central Ohio are working together to create a stronger, more supportive college experience by removing common barriers to student success. The development of a YMCA on the Columbus State campus aims to expand access to resources and programs that aid in student success, like help with child care, fitness and wellness programs, a state-of-the-art space for recreation and community-building, and enhanced learning experiences for some academic programs, like Sport and Exercise Studies.
The Columbus State YMCA would serve undergraduate students enrolled in for-credit programs, employees who opt in to paying the fee, and members of the general public who have a membership. Free drop-in child care would be reserved for Columbus State student parents.
A Shared Commitment to Community
Licensed Child Care
CState students would be able to utilize drop-in child care in a nurturing, safe environment for up to five hours per day at no additional cost to them.
Child Care
State-of-the-Art Facilities
We’re planning for cardio and strength spaces, a gymnasium, wellness studios and an aquatics area featuring a lap pool and other amenities.
Explore Fitness
Sport and Exercise Studies
Home to multiple labs and an instructional space, the new recreation and fitness center would also serve as a learning lab for the college’s Sport and Exercise Studies program, providing on-site clinical settings for students.
Hands-On learning
Enhanced Student Experiences
The proposed Columbus State YMCA will enhance the student experience by offering holistic support: spaces to connect with others, resources to support well-being, and opportunities to find balance between school, work, and life so students can thrive academically, socially, and personally.