JCC President Daniel DeMarte, left, and YMCA interim Chief Executive Officer John Barber discuss the $43 million project at JCC’s Athletic Complex during the Chautauqua County Legislature meeting. The project would serve both entities. P-J photo by Gregory Bacon

The Jamestown Area YMCA and Jamestown Community College are launching the first phase of The JAY Wellness Center in May.

Following planning and the approval of the YMCA’s 2026 budget, the first phase of the YMCA-JCC partnership will transition YMCA membership-based wellness activities in Jamestown to the JCC campus, utilizing the athletic facilities currently known as Total Fitness beginning in May 2026. The move allows the YMCA to continue providing wellness services while planning for a fully outfitted, modern wellness center in the future.

“This step moves us closer to a shared vision of expanded, accessible wellness opportunities for our entire community,” said George Panebianco, president of the Jamestown YMCA Board of Directors. “Our goal to develop a new, shared YMCA in partnership with JCC remains unchanged and undeterred. This move allows us to begin that collaboration immediately to strengthen our long-term impact, while also remaining fiscally responsible.”

The downtown YMCA will remain open and active, continuing to serve the community through programs, including: The Teen Center, day and holiday camps, administrative offices, youth basketball leagues, and select adult sports and activities.

As part of the transition, downtown wellness amenities — including pools, locker rooms, and fitness spaces — will be retired. Planning will begin for new uses of available space within the building, including opportunities for future partners that align with the YMCA’s mission and programming.

The YMCA-JCC partnership will continue in two phases. In addition to the YMCA’s May transition to the Jamestown campus, Phase I also focuses on upgrades to JCC’s athletic fields and Physical Education Complex, laying the groundwork for more collaboration in Phase Two. Phase II will center on the development of a fully integrated, modern JAY Wellness Center.

“The JAY represents an important step forward for our campus and our community,” said JCC president Daniel DeMarte. “This partnership allows us to expand access to wellness resources while building a sustainable model that benefits students, employees, and community members alike.”