LYNN — It’s been a long haul, with twists and turns and a pandemic that stood in the way last year. But the YMCA of Metro North will open its new Lynn facility May 7.
In preparation for the opening, tours of the new facility will begin next week, said Metro North CEO Kathleen Walsh.
The new 70,000 square-foot facility, which stands next to the current building on Neptune Boulevard, announced in January that it is being named for Tom Demakes, CEO of Old Neighborhood Foods. Demakes has been one of the YMCA’s main benefactors.
“It’s been a long road to opening this new building,” Walsh said. “We’ve had delays in construction, site environmental restorations, and a host of other challenges, but believe me, the wait was worth it.
“When you see what we’ve done with this place, it will amaze you,” Walsh said. “It’s one of the most advanced YMCAs in the Commonwealth and the facility and its features are simply just beautiful.”
The Demakes Family YMCA’s amenities include an aquatics center with two pools and an indoor splash pad; gymnasium; a regulation-sized basketball court; fitness, strength, and cardio areas; three group exercise studios with a dedicated cycling studio; an indoor track; an adventure warrior obstacle course; and an outdoor playground.
“This pandemic called attention to how vital exercise and healthy social activities are in maintaining our physical and mental wellness,” says Andrea Baez, senior executive director of the new Lynn Y. “This new facility is a community-centered place where our neighbors can safely come together, socialize, work out, learn, and play. It will inspire people to get back on track. It’s exactly what we need right now.”
Lynn lifted its second round of restrictions on indoor gyms on February 1. Since then, the YMCA began to launch its opening plan, which includes 30 days of pre-opening tours and events leading up to its grand opening.
“This new building is going to be something special and will be a feather in the cap of our city,” said Demakes. “People who see the construction happening have no idea how incredible this building will be. Once they see it and use it, they are going to be thrilled and so proud that this new YMCA is right on their back doorstep.”
In addition to its health and fitness amenities, the new YMCA will include a healthy kitchen and café, an adolescent behavioral health clinic, a technology center, four Y Academy preschool classrooms, and cooking and nutrition programs for youth.
Tours for the public will begin March 17, Baez said.
“We set aside special tour days for families during school vacation week, time for our neighbors and longtime supporters in Ward 6 to get a special tour, weekend hours for city and frontline workers, special senior tour hours, and others,” says Baez. “It’s an inspiration to have this building opening now and a sign of hope that we may start getting back to doing the things we love.”
The facility will open with all public health and safety recommendations in place. YMCA of Metro North members will be required to wear a mask inside while working out. Also, reservations for pool lanes, group classes, and gym time will be required; and capacity limits will be capped at current state and city guidance.
Opening-day events will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony honoring Demakes and other invited dignitaries who supported the building’s development.
To see the schedule and book a tour, go to https://www.ymcametronorth.org/lynntour.
To take a virtual tour, go to https://www.ymcametronorth.org/lynntour.
