Augusta South YMCA Update

As the lease at the Tobacco Road location approaches its expiration, the YMCA has made the difficult decision not to enter into a new long-term lease for the Augusta South YMCA. This decision follows a careful evaluation of the lease, the pending sale of the shopping center, the long-term financial sustainability of the current location, and the future of YMCA service in South Augusta.

While we are not moving forward with a long-term lease at this location, we continue to explore potential short-term occupancy options that could allow us to remain in the facility for a limited time if circumstances allow. At the same time, we are actively exploring future partnerships and opportunities to continue serving families, members, and the South Augusta community. The YMCA’s commitment to South Augusta remains as strong as ever. Our goal is not simply to maintain a building, but to ensure we can provide YMCA programs and services in a way that is sustainable for years to come.

Members will receive additional updates the week of July 20, 2026, including information about timelines, membership options, and program transitions as more details become available. Please continue to visit this page for updates and answers to frequently asked questions throughout this transition.

Augusta South YMCA Update – July 21, 2026

For more than 20 years, the Augusta South YMCA has been a pillar of the South Augusta community, where families have built healthy habits, children have grown, friendships have formed and lives have been strengthened. Our commitment to serving South Augusta remains as strong today as it always has been.

As we shared previously, we made the difficult decision not to renew a long-term lease at our Tobacco Road location. After years of operating at a financial loss, we knew that committing to another long-term lease at this location was not financially sustainable for our YMCA.

Since sharing our decision not to renew a long-term lease, we’ve continued conversations with elected officials, churches, community organizations and other potential funding partners to identify a sustainable path forward. Our goal is not simply to remain in this facility, but to ensure the YMCA can continue serving the South Augusta community for generations to come.

At this time, our anticipated final day of operation for the Augusta South YMCA is September 14, 2026. However, we are actively exploring short-term funding opportunities that could allow us to continue operating at our current facility while a long-term, sustainable solution takes shape. While we cannot make any guarantees today, we wanted our members to know these conversations are ongoing and remain a priority.

Regardless of what happens with our current facility, our mission in South Augusta will continue. We have identified alternative locations for our core youth programs, like PrimeTime Afterschool and summer camp, and are developing plans to continue other key programs and mission-based services throughout the community.

We will continue providing updates through email, our website and our social media channels. Thank you for your continued support, encouragement and prayers as we seek wisdom, strong partnerships and the right opportunities for the future of YMCA service in South Augusta.

For more than 20 years, the Augusta South YMCA has been a pillar of the South Augusta community. While our time at the current Tobacco Road location is coming to an end, our commitment to serving South Augusta remains as strong as ever.

Here’s the latest information and what you can expect moving forward.

Facility Update
After careful consideration, the difficult decision was made not to renew a long-term lease at our current Tobacco Road location. We are actively exploring an opportunity that could allow us to remain at our current location through the end of 2027. While nothing has been finalized, we are diligently working to evaluate every option.

We will provide an update to members during the week of July 20. Updates will be communicated through email, posted in the branch and added to this webpage. Until then, Augusta South YMCA will continue operating its normal schedule.

Programs Update
• Summer Day Camp will continue through the end of summer with no interruption. A location has been secured for next summer (2027) to accommodate the same enrollment levels of 2026.

• PrimeTime Afterschool programs at Jamestown and Wheeless Road Elementary Schools will continue through YMCA Youth Development.

    • Students from Jamestown will be transported by bus to our Prime Time program at Deer Chase Elementary.
      Students from Wheeless Road will be transported to Bayvale Elementary.

Looking Ahead
The Family YMCA of Greater Augusta is not leaving South Augusta. Our bed program, childcare services, food program and other outreach services will still continue at partner locations.

We are actively working with local elected officials, churches and community partners to identify a new wellness location that will allow us to serve South Augusta for generations to come. Our goal is to establish a sustainable, long-term home where families can continue to grow, connect and thrive.

We appreciate your patience, support and trust as we navigate this transition. This page will be updated as new information becomes available.

UPDATE June 11th, 2026

Dear Augusta South YMCA Members,

We wanted you to hear this news directly from us.

For more than 20 years, the Augusta South YMCA has served this community in many different ways. Together, we have celebrated milestones, built friendships, strengthened families, improved health, and transformed lives. As the community has changed over the years, the YMCA has evolved alongside it, always focused on meeting the needs of those we serve.

Our current lease at the Tobacco Road Shopping Center expires at the end of October. As the shopping center is being sold, we have been evaluating the long-term sustainability of the YMCA at this location. After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision not to renew a long-term lease at the Tobacco Road facility.

While this chapter in this building is coming to a close, our commitment to South Augusta is not. We believe there is still a need for the YMCA in this community, and we are actively looking for the gaps where we are needed most and exploring partnerships, opportunities, and alternative ways to continue serving the area.

For now, it is business as usual. We will continue serving our members and community with excellence through the remainder of our lease and will keep you informed as plans develop.

First and foremost, we ask for your prayers as we seek wisdom and discernment for the future of YMCA service in South Augusta. Most importantly, continue supporting the YMCA through your membership, program participation, volunteer service, and charitable giving. Your commitment sends a powerful message that the YMCA is needed, wanted, and supported in South Augusta. Every membership, every program registration, and every act of support helps tell the story of the impact this YMCA has made and can continue to make in the lives of families throughout our community.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives over the years. We are grateful for your trust, your support, and the opportunity to serve this community together.

Catie McCauley
President and CEO
Family YMCA of Greater Augusta

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the YMCA not renewing the lease?

Several factors led to this decision. We made the difficult decision not to renew a long-term lease at the Tobacco Road location. After years of operating at a financial loss, we knew committing to another long-term lease at this location was not financially sustainable.

While this location is closing, our commitment to South Augusta is not. We’re actively exploring future opportunities to continue serving this community in new ways.

Our current anticipated final day of operation is September 14. At the same time, we are actively pursuing short-term funding opportunities that could allow us to continue operating at our current Tobacco Road location while a long-term solution takes shape.

Your membership will be honored at all area YMCA locations. Our team will be happy to help you find the location, classes and programs that best fit your needs.

We absolutely believe South Augusta continues to need the YMCA. Our goal is to ensure the YMCA can continue serving this community for generations to come. We are actively working with elected officials and community partners to identify a sustainable path forward.

We appreciate everyone who cares about the future of the YMCA in South Augusta. One of the best ways to support that future is to remain engaged with the YMCA – continue your membership, participate in programs at our other locations, volunteer, give, and share ideas for future partnerships and opportunities. Your continued support helps demonstrate that the YMCA remains needed and valued in South Augusta.

Sign up at the form below and provide your email to keep up to date. You can also share ideas you have for the future South Augusta YMCA by writing into the message field on the form.

We hope to keep as many Augusta South classes as we can using other Y space or community space in South Augusta. Group exercise classes are offered at YMCA locations throughout the CSRA. Our team is happy to help members find comparable classes, instructors, and locations whenever possible. Additional information will be shared as schedules are finalized.

We are committed to ensuring continuity for families enrolled in PrimeTime Afterschool. Families enrolling for the upcoming school year will receive additional information and support.

  • Students enrolled in Jamestown PrimeTime will be transported by bus to Deer Chase Elementary PrimeTime each afternoon.
  • Students enrolled in Wheeless Road PrimeTime will be transported by bus to Bayvale Elementary each afternoon.

Some programs may transition to other YMCA locations where possible. We are actively exploring partnerships and future opportunities to continue serving this community in meaningful ways.

Sign Up for Updates Regarding Augusta South YMCA Transition