The YMCA of Metro North is pleased to announce that it will host a grand opening reception for its newly completed Rooftop Garden at the Demakes Family YMCA in Lynn on June 21 from 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. The reception includes friends, donors, and staff who are invited to celebrate the grand opening.
“Completing construction on the new YMCA building has been a real journey for everyone involved,” says Kathleen Walsh, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metro North. “I’m incredibly proud of my team and proud to open this beautiful garden space and event space.”
The Rooftop Garden, which was constructed by Connolly Brothers, is 8,000 square feet and boasts 160 crate garden beds for nutrition education. The children in YMCA programs who will learn how to grow, harvest, and prepare healthy foods.
“Nutrition and healthy eating are an integral part of the health education we offer to children in our programs and membership,” says Andrea Baez, Senior Branch Executive at the Demakes Family YMCA. “Along with our free meals program and cooking classes in our healthy eating kitchen, the Rooftop Garden will be a core part of our efforts to tackle food insecurity and promote healthy living.”
In addition to the vegetable and herb gardens, the Rooftop Garden at the Demakes Family YMCA will offer health and wellness classes, and a performance space. It will be rented to the public for private events.