Columbus State YMCA Campus Facility Plans Near Student Vote, Approval

Columbus State Community College and the YMCA of Central Ohio have proposed a partnership to build a $38 million, 50,000-square-foot YMCA facility on the college's downtown campus at the corner of Long Street and Cleveland Avenue. This new facility aims to enhance student wellness and success by offering amenities including a gymnasium, pickleball courts, an indoor track, a lap pool, wellness studios, and a drop-in child care center providing up to five hours of free daily care for student parents. Funding would primarily come from a new student fee of up to $65 per semester, which will be subject to a student vote this fall before proceeding to the college's Board of Trustees and the Ohio Department of Higher Education for approval. Columbus State President David Harrison emphasized that the partnership addresses non-academic barriers affecting students, especially those who work or have children, while YMCA CEO Tony Collins highlighted its potential to drive growth in the Discovery District. The project would transform part of the college's existing parking lot and is expected to open by Autumn Semester 2028, providing a community asset beyond just the student body. The proposal follows the closure of the previous downtown YMCA and represents a significant upgrade over the college's current limited wellness facilities.