J-Zone: Linking The Generations
It Begins with the Children Capital and Endowment Campaign will raise funds for a stunning new addition at the JCC on College Avenue. The J-Zone, an 8,500 square foot addition, will serve the next generation of pre-school and elementary school children with a variety of cutting edge fitness, play and interactive gaming equipment and programs.

As part of this new addition, a new cafe serving coffee, juice and other refreshments will be built to provide wonderful opportunities for socialization, observation and relaxation.

Kids want to play! It is a natural need in young people that serves an important purpose, and prepares their bodies, minds and hearts for life. More and more, however, we are finding play opportunities for our youth quite limited. From rising dangers in the world we live to more sedentary lifestyles and conveniences such as television and electronic games, we are seeing an alarming decline in the fitness levels of our youth.

Our vision is to offer parents a safe, state of the art multi-purpose youth activity center and gymnasium where kids can play and families can interact and socialize with other JCC families.

The College Avenue JCC location has a special place in many people's hearts. Many parents now send their children to JCC preschool or camp programs that they attended as children themselves. Many have fond memories of "growing up at the Center" and forming the foundation for lasting friendships while participating in youth sports, youth groups or just hanging out with friends.

Currently, the JCC does not have a dedicated space for youth activities and interaction. This project will create an innovative children and youth fitness center and gym that include age specific activity areas, multipurpose space for birthday parties and games and a family-friendly space for community engagement. J-Zone will provide a positive and fun-filled environment for children so they not only learn an appreciation for health and fitness that will continue into adulthood, but also keep them connected, active and engaged in Jewish life as they grow at the JCC.

A closer look at the J-Zone
The 8,500 square foot addition, located adjacent to the current gymnasium, will include:

• A court for basketball, indoor soccer, dodge ball and a variety of youth-related court sports plus climbing wall. The addition will free up availability in adult gyms for more leagues and play.
• Youth-centered and engaging fitness equipment with sections that can be utilized individually, in pairs, small groups or with a trainer/coach.

• Interactive "exer-gaming" and "exer-tainment" equipment - these games compel kids to get up and move. These innovative games involve the player in dance, aerobics, kick-boxing, sports moves, martial arts, virtual window washing, or other forms of physical activity and exertion as the way to interact within the game.
• Separate and age-appropriate play areas for younger siblings/children - so the whole family can enjoy the space together.
• Coffee/Juice bar to offer a dedicated area with seating for parents to observe, socialize, relax and enjoy.
• Multi-purpose self-enclosed space for parties, meetings, group gatherings, etc. Birthday party packages and rental opportunities will be offered.

The J-Zone will be open and accessible to members during regular building operating hours. Where equipment requires staff supervision, a weekly schedule of available hours will be designed.

A Typical Day in the J-Zone
Early Morning:
Preschool gym class
"Mommy and Me" exercise/play class
Parenting Speaker Series

Early Afternoon
Mah Jong tournament for adults
Mitey Mites sports program
Silver Sneakers group fitness class

Afterschool
Birthday Party
Kaleidoscope group fitness class
Personal/Sports-specific training for youth and teens
Healthy Cooking Demonstration

Evening
Group Exercise class for youth and teens
Recreational sports league for youth and teens
Parent/Child tournament
Rental (i.e. Boy/Girl Scout meeting)

Please support the It Begins with the Children Campaign by clicking on the "Donate Now" button below, or contact Carol Folkerth at (614) 559-6223.

Click on the "forward" button at the bottom of the screen below
to view a video presentation on the J-Zone.