Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The new facility would include:

• Drop-in child care for up to five hours per day.
• Access to all fitness and aquatic spaces at the new facility.
• Access to all YMCAs in central Ohio, as well as YMCAs nationwide through the YMCA's nationwide membership program.
• Most group fitness classes.
• YMCA360, the YMCA’s app offering group exercise classes, youth sports training and more for use on the go.

Columbus State Community College is proposing this partnership to meet several key student needs. Students have consistently expressed a desire for a dedicated fitness space on campus, more accessible child care options, and a central, welcoming space to gather and build community. This partnership with the YMCA is designed to address these specific requests and enhance the overall student experience.

The partnership would give the Sports and Exercise Science program dedicated space for labs. The labs would include exercise equipment for coursework.

hands-on learning

This project would not affect tuition costs. However, a new $65-per-semester fee would be added, starting in Autumn 2028, for all full- and part-time students enrolled in for-credit programs once the facility opens. Students enrolled in College Credit Plus, noncredit, and registered apprenticeship programs would be exempt from the fee and the vote.

The fee will be a flat rate of no more than $65 per semester and would be applied to student costs beginning Autumn 2028. The fee will cover students' access to the new facility, free child care, and access to all other YMCA locations.

Yes, this would be a mandatory activity fee for all students except those enrolled in CCP, noncredit, and registered apprenticeship programs, similar to other fees that support campus services and programs. The fee would be automatically included in your semester bill.

The fee would be charged each semester students are enrolled in for-credit programs, beginning in Autumn 2028. Students enrolled in CCP, noncredit programs, and registered apprenticeship programs would be exempt from the proposed fee and vote.

If students support the fee and Columbus State and state leaders approve the proposal, the facility is anticipated to open in 2028.

If students support the fee and Columbus State and state leaders approve the proposal, students will gain access to YMCAs around central Ohio and the U.S. in Summer 2026.

The facility would be centrally located on the downtown Columbus State campus at the corner of Long Street and Cleveland Avenue.

Yes, the plan includes a four-lane lap pool and recreational aquatic areas.

Yes, a suspended indoor track is planned for the second floor, above the gym, for year-round walking and running.

Yes, the plan includes two multipurpose studios for group exercise classes.

The operating hours for the new facility are still being determined. However, they will be set to accommodate student schedules, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Explore the Facility

All eligible students would receive a YMCA membership card after their enrollment status at Columbus State is verified.

Yes. In addition to the new facility, eligible Columbus State students would gain access to all 13 YMCA of Central Ohio locations and YMCAs across Ohio and the U.S. through the YMCA’s nationwide membership program.

Your student membership would include access to most group fitness classes and the general facilities. Programs like summer camps, specialized training, and private lessons would require separate registration and payment through the YMCA. Columbus State students will be eligible for YMCA member program rates.

The new activity fee would fund your student membership with all the benefits of a standard YMCA membership, including nationwide access. The key difference is that a portion of the fee would be allocated to support the new facility on campus.

Yes, the facility would be a community center serving both Columbus State students and wider downtown community members who have a YMCA membership. 

You can visit their website at ymcacolumbus.org.

Yes, all students would have access to child care services for up to five hours per day at no additional cost.