FAQ's

Over the past several months, many members have asked questions about the YMCA's upcoming move to the JCC campus. We appreciate your patience as details continue to come together.

The downtown Jamestown YMCA branch is open and will not be closing, even as use of the facility changes. While wellness operations will move to the JCC YMCA Branch, the downtown YMCA will remain open and continue serving the community through youth programs, childcare, the Teen Center, housing, and administrative operations.

The Jamestown Area YMCA has proudly served our community for generations, and that mission is not changing. What is changing is where many of the wellness services currently offered at our downtown branch will be provided. Through our partnership with Jamestown Community College, the YMCA will operate Jamestown-based wellness facilities on the JCC campus with the launch of the NEW JCC YMCA Branch.

Our goal is to create a stronger, more sustainable future for the YMCA while continuing to provide the programs, relationships, and community that matter most to our members. Here are answers to frequently asked questions. 

When will the move happen?

Our current goal is to complete the transition before the start of JCC's Fall Semester.

We want to make sure the member experience is ready before we move. Rather than rushing the process, we are taking the time necessary to ensure a smooth transition. As soon as the final date is confirmed, we will communicate it widely.

Why is the YMCA making this change? Why now?

This opportunity became possible when Jamestown Community College decided to discontinue Total Fitness operations. Rather than seeing a community wellness facility close, the YMCA and JCC began exploring how we could work together to preserve and strengthen access to health and wellness services for our community.

This partnership allows the YMCA to continue providing wellness services in a more accessible, sustainable facility while preserving resources for programs and services that strengthen our community. By making this transition now, we can preserve and expand wellness opportunities, create a stronger foundation for the future, and continue building toward the long-term vision of an expanded YMCA and JCC wellness partnership.

Do I need to do anything right now?

No. Please continue using your YMCA membership as you normally would. We will provide clear instructions and information well before any changes take place.

Will my membership change?

Your YMCA membership will remain a Jamestown Area YMCA membership, which means that any member benefits or programs offered at any of our locations: Downtown, Lakewood, Heritage House Child Care, Camp Onyahsa and the NEW JCC YMCA will be available to you.  

There will be no membership rate increase as a result of this transition. Members will continue to have broad access to wellness facilities which will be focused at the JCC YMCA and the Lakewood Family YMCA.

Is the downtown Jamestown YMCA closing?

No. While fitness and aquatic operations will transition to the JCC YMCA Branch, the downtown YMCA will remain open and continue serving the community through youth sports, childcare, camps, the Teen Center, housing, and administrative operations.

What will happen to group exercise classes? Will classes be available at JCC?

Group exercise will remain a major part of the YMCA experience.

Our summer schedule remains in place today. As we prepare for the transition, we are developing a fall schedule that will move classes from the Jamestown location to JCC while continuing to offer a strong variety of classes for members.

In a recent survey, members provided us with feedback on group fitness priorities, which has informed our transition plans. Classes offered at the Lakewood YMCA are slated to continue. Our current plan is for the group exercise classes offered downtown today to continue at the JCC YMCA Branch. While fundraising for an expanded facility continues, these classes will be offered in suitable spaces in a library building near the Athletic facility for which minor renovations are planned. We anticipate a dedicated space for spin and another dedicated space for a variety of classes.   

We know group exercise is important to many of our members, and we are carefully crafting a schedule that meets the needs of those who rely on it.

What will happen to the pool?

The pool at JCC will serve as the YMCA's primary aquatic facility. The downtown pools will be retired as part of this transition.

Pool temperatures at the JCC YMCA will vary throughout the year:

• During JCC swim season, the pool will be cooler to accommodate heavy lap swimming use.
• During the off-season, the pool will be kept warmer to accommodate blended use by lap swimmers, group exercise, and swimming lessons.

Additional aquatic schedules, lap swim opportunities, and program information will be shared before the transition.

Will the diving pool be available?

Yes. The diving well is expected to be available during designated recreational swim times. There may be periods when it is unavailable due to swim lessons, team practices, special programs, or other scheduled uses.

What will the hours be?

Final operating hours are still being finalized. We intend to offer hours similar to those members currently enjoy downtown. There may be occasional adjustments due to college events or facility needs. When those situations occur, members will continue to have access to the Lakewood YMCA.

Current YMCA Summer Hours (Began June 22)

Lakewood YMCA

Monday–Friday: 5:30 am–8:00 pm

Saturday: 7:00 am–3:00 pm

Sunday: 9:00 am–1:00 pm

Jamestown YMCA

Monday–Friday: 5:30 am–8:00 pm

Saturday: 6:30 am–12:30 pm

Sunday: Closed

Holiday schedules will be communicated separately.

Any plans for a steam room or sauna at the JCC Branch?

Yes!  The plans for an expanded facility include both a steam room and sauna. In the meantime, the steam room at the Lakewood YMCA will remain available to members while fundraising for the new facility continues. 

Will YMCA members have priority access to the facility?

YMCA members will continue to have access to the facility through their YMCA membership. As a shared-use facility, certain spaces may occasionally be scheduled for academic or athletic purposes, but our partnership with JCC is specifically designed to ensure YMCA members continue to have meaningful access to wellness, aquatics, and group exercise opportunities.

What will be the relationship between JCC Students and the YMCA with this collaboration?

JCC students will have access to the JCC YMCA Branch as students. They will continue to have access to all facilities previously occupied by Total Fitness. The partnership was specifically designed so that both YMCA members and JCC students can use the facility together while maintaining meaningful access for each group.

Will the weight racks at JCC located near the track be available to Y members?

Yes! YMCA members will have access to the upstairs strength training area during facility operating hours. Periodically, portions of that space may be used by JCC athletic teams for scheduled training sessions. Schedules will be communicated so members can plan accordingly.

Who gets to use the VIP area of the locker rooms? Are they rentable?

Yes! We anticipate there will be limited ability to rent reserved lockers, similarly to how this currently works at the downtown and Lakewood branches. 

Will JCC students be able to work the Welcome Center or as lifeguards?

Yes! We expect that JCC students, including international students, will be a part of our workforce. While these students will be fully fledged YMCA employees, our agreement with the campus will include pathways that help JCC students access employment opportunities at the YMCA, including but not limited to the Welcome Center and lifeguarding. 

Will familiar Y equipment be moved to the "Total Fitness" area?

Yes! Much of the equipment members currently use at the downtown YMCA is planned to relocate to the JCC YMCA Branch, including recently updated and upgraded equipment.

Will there be another opportunity to tour the facility?

Yes! We plan to hold another member Open House closer to the transition date so members can become familiar with the facility, ask questions, and see the space before services move.

How do I stay updated on the latest transition plans and the launch of the JCC YMCA?

First, ensure we have an up-to-date email address on file with a member of our Welcome Center who can assist with any needed updates.

Also, updates are printed and made available for pickup at the Welcome Center.

Who can I contact with questions?

We know members will continue to have questions as plans are finalized.

Questions can be directed to: [email protected]

Will the YMCA still be the YMCA?

Absolutely. The YMCA's mission, values, staff, programs, and commitment to the community remain unchanged. This transition is about where wellness services are delivered, not who we are. The YMCA will continue to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

We will continue to share updates as additional information becomes available. 

Thanks,

Jamestown Area YMCA