The MJCCA (Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta) is a 52-acre campus off Tilly Mill Road in Dunwoody, open to everyone, not just Jewish families. A roughly $37 million investment added the Zalik Outdoor Aquatic Center and a 15-court pickleball complex. CEO Jared Powers grew up at the J and went from camp counselor to CEO. The 2025 summer family membership was $680.
Summer in Dunwoody has a new heartbeat, and it’s the MJCCA. CEO Jared Powers, who grew up riding his bike to the J and rose from camp counselor to CEO, shares how the 52-acre campus became the city’s ultimate summer destination.
A $37 million investment upgraded both the Dunwoody campus and Camp Barney Medintz. There are day camps, a resort-style aquatic center and a 15-court pickleball complex. And yes, it’s open to everyone, even if you aren’t Jewish.
Explore camps at whatsupdunwoody.com/jcamps and summer memberships at whatsupdunwoody.com/jcc.
Listen on Apple Podcasts.
The MJCCA Is Open to Everyone
Let’s clear this up first: you don’t have to be Jewish to join the MJCCA. It’s open to all faiths, ages and abilities. You’ll see grandparents playing pickleball with grandkids, teens mentoring campers and families at the pool together. It also does a lot around interfaith connection and disability inclusion.
Meet Jared Powers
Jared moved to Atlanta at four, grew up in Sandy Springs and rode his bike to the old JCC on Tilly Mill when it was surrounded by farmland. He went to day camp, joined youth groups and became a counselor at Camp Barney Medintz in North Georgia.
After two finance degrees and some time teaching at Holcomb Bridge Middle, he came back to the J about 20 years ago in an entry-level sports job and worked his way up to CEO. He’s the kind of leader you’ll see walking the grounds and chatting at the snack bar.
The MJCCA Summer Membership
The summer membership runs mid-May through mid-September. In 2025 it was $680 for a family, which might be the best deal in town. It included:
- Three outdoor pools, including the new Zalik Outdoor Aquatic Center
- A splash pad and zero-entry pool for toddlers
- Water slides and shaded decks
- The renovated indoor fitness center and indoor pool
- The Eva G. Lipman 15-court pickleball complex
- 80-plus group exercise classes a week
- A free week of summer camp (some restrictions)
Check whatsupdunwoody.com/jcc for this year’s details.
The Pickleball Craze
The pickleball complex was planned with 12 courts, and demand pushed it to 15 by converting a basketball court. There’s a pavilion overlooking the courts with TVs, food and drinks, so it feels like a social club.
Jared said it best: “It’s one of the few sports where an entire family, grandparents down to grandkids, can play together. And even if you’re not great, you can still have fun.”
The Zalik Outdoor Aquatic Center
- Splash pad and zero-entry toddler pool
- A main pool with a big waterslide, basketball hoops and a deep end
- A quiet adult pool
- Sue Sue’s Snack Bar
It rivals a country club, right in the middle of Dunwoody.
MJCCA Day Camps
Every summer week, 800 to 900 kids fill the campus, and with 52 acres it never feels crowded. There are dozens of specialty camps, from sports to theater to cooking, plus traditional camp stuff like archery, fishing and canoeing. You can bundle camp and membership. Learn more at whatsupdunwoody.com/jcamps.
So Much More Than a Gym
- Brill Family Fitness Center
- Tennis center with six lighted courts
- Besser Gymnastics Pavilion
- Ball fields, batting cages and basketball gyms
- A boating and fishing lake
- A cooking studio
- The Morris & Rae Frank Theatre
- Dance, fitness and cycling studios
My Take
The MJCCA is one of Dunwoody’s best-kept secrets, and it shouldn’t be a secret. If you’ve got kids and you’re looking at summer plans, check it out. Here’s my newer episode, You Don’t Have to Be Jewish to Belong at the JCC.
Thinking About Moving to Dunwoody?
Read my Moving to Dunwoody guide and things to do in Dunwoody, search Dunwoody homes for sale, or text me or call 404-502-8683. Visit the MJCCA website for programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About the MJCCA
Do you have to be Jewish to join the MJCCA?
No. The MJCCA is open to everyone, of all faiths, ages and abilities.
Where is the MJCCA?
On a 52-acre campus off Tilly Mill Road in Dunwoody, GA.
How much is the MJCCA summer membership?
In 2025, the family summer membership was $680 and ran mid-May through mid-September. Check the MJCCA for current pricing.
How many pickleball courts does the MJCCA have?
15 courts at the Eva G. Lipman pickleball complex, many of them covered.