05/31/2026
A Letter from the Chair:
I joined the Greater South East Area Commission in 2020 because I wanted to advocate for something our community has needed for years: a recreation center. In 2021, I became Chair of the Commission, and on Saturday, May 30, our community suffered a tremendous loss with the closure of the Jerry L. Garver YMCA.
Every opportunity I have had, I have raised the need for a recreation center in Southeast Columbus with Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, Columbus City Council President Shannon G. Hardin, and Columbus Recreation and Parks Department leadership.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, after learning about successful partnerships between the YMCA of Central Ohio and cities such as Gahanna and Reynoldsburg, I asked Mayor Ginther during a public Zoom meeting whether a similar partnership could be created in our area utilizing the existing Jerry L. Garver YMCA. He told me he would look into it. I also suggested exploring partnerships with nearby suburban recreation centers to provide affordable access for Southeast Columbus residents who live closer to those facilities. Again, I was told it was a great idea and that it would be explored.
This past winter, as our Commission celebrated its 10th anniversary, I once again reminded Mayor Ginther about the opportunity to preserve recreational services in our community by purchasing the Jerry L. Garver YMCA and allowing the YMCA to continue operating it. Once again, I was told that discussions were underway and that we should “stay tuned.”
Then, a couple months ago, I learned that the YMCA property was being redeveloped for public housing. To say I was frustrated would be an understatement. After reviewing architectural drawings, it became apparent that these discussions had likely been taking place for months, yet neither the Commission nor the broader community had been engaged. Decisions of this magnitude should not happen behind closed doors without community input. Membership input!
When I asked why the facility could not be preserved, I was told the City had considered purchasing it but determined the building was in poor condition. A building that is only 30 years old? That explanation was difficult to accept. When I raised my concerns with Council President Hardin, I received the same response: cost.
Coincidentally, Gender Road Park is being built not even a mile from the existing YMCA, and is located adjacent to a Metro Park. “Why couldn’t a new Rec Center have been built there and operated by the YMCA, if the existing Y was in such bad condition”, I kept asking. Let me be clear: our residents did not ask for another park. We asked for, and continue to need, a recreation center. Parks and recreation centers serve very different purposes. A recreation center provides year-round access to fitness, wellness, youth programming, senior services, community gathering spaces, and opportunities that improve quality of life for residents of all ages.
It is also fair to ask: if the YMCA facility was beyond repair, why is the YMCA moving forward with plans for a new facility near Columbus State Community College? Why was investment possible elsewhere but not here? Many residents feel that once again, Southeast Columbus has been asked to accept less while resources are directed to inner city Columbus.
The Jerry L. Garver YMCA opened in 1995 and was renamed in 1997 to honor Jerry Garver upon his retirement after years of leadership and service to the YMCA of Central Ohio. One has to wonder what Mr. Garver would think today if he could see the outcome.
After the news became public, YMCA Executive Director Tony Collins contacted me and indicated he had been trying to reach me. I found that difficult to understand, as I have always been accessible. Mr. Collins previously worked for Columbus Recreation and Parks and is well aware that Area Commissions meet monthly. Yet neither the Commission nor the community received meaningful information while discussions regarding the future of the YMCA were taking place among the YMCA, Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, and the City of Columbus. Ultimately, residents were informed after decisions had already been made. I was even told that our residents could simply use the Reynoldsburg YMCA instead. For many in our community, that response misses the point entirely.
The Greater South East Area Commission will meet on June 15 to discuss a zoning variance related to the YMCA property. Information regarding the meeting location will be posted on the Greater South East Area Commission public page.
While we may not be able to reverse the decisions that have already been made, we can make our voices heard. The residents of Southeast Columbus deserve to be included in conversations that affect their community. Recreation, health, wellness, youth programming, and community gathering spaces matter. The services provided by the YMCA mattered. And the need for a recreation center in Southeast Columbus remains as important today as it was when I first joined the Commission in 2020.
I encourage residents to stay engaged, attend meetings, and continue advocating for the recreational resources our community deserves.
Here is the YMCA’s link for Q&A
https://ymcacolumbus.org/garverfaq
Sincerely,
Chair Vangela Barnes
Greater South East Area Commission
A Message to Our CommunityThe Jerry L. Garver YMCA has proudly served Southeast Franklin County for more than 30 years, and we are deeply grateful to all who been part of our community.The YMCA of Central Ohio has announced that the Jerry L. Garver YMCA will permanently close on May 30, 2026. We rec...
