Did you know the Y offers squash? Pickleball may be the latest craze and we certainly love it at the Y but did you know that the Y has squash courts, too?
The Y has a long history of squash; the original Y on Pleasant Street had two singles courts and when the Lynch/van Otterloo Y was designed, three singles and one hardball doubles court were included. We are proud to be one of the only Ys with hardball doubles courts in the Greater Boston area. Our squash courts are located adjacent to the fitness floor with racquets to share and a great group of squash players ready to welcome new players of all skill levels.
Like pickleball, squash is a sport for all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Our squash courts are available to members. If you are new to squash and want to learn to play we encourage you to join us every third Thursday of the month when we host a Hit Night, which welcomes beginners to come in and play. The next Hit Night is Thursday, Feb. 16, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Racquets and other gear are available to use so you can try the sport before getting your own gear.
Each weekend, Round Robin play allows for varying levels to play while socializing and building community. We also host numerous tournaments and competitions throughout the year. This spring, we will host our annual club championship. We are always looking to welcome new people to the courts. Many thanks to our Community Squash Council that helps to ensure equity and accessibility. This core group of volunteers has helped us align with the U.S. Squash Community Affiliate Program. They also ensure our Y can continue to provide scholarships to anyone in need of assistance through our annual Raise a Racquet (RAR) fundraiser to support our annual campaign. Last year, RAR raised more than $12,000. We’re also excited to grow our youth program. We welcome professional squash players to our courts for private lessons, and ask members of our squash community to offer facilitated open play times and clinics for youth. For more information about squash at the Y, please visit northshoreymca.org/lynchvan-otterloo-squash.
Looking for fun for the kids February school vacation week?
The Y offers member benefits for the whole family, including activities all week like open gym time, open swim time and more. Plus, a full day program is available for after-school participants from Swampscott and Marblehead. Check our online schedules at northshoreymca.org/schedules for up to date offerings.
The YMCA of the North Shore has announced its 2023 road races with seven races, including the Rhino Run 10K in Beverly on Sunday, April 30, and our very own Head to the Hill 5k in Marblehead on Sunday, May 21. The Head to the Hill Road Race supports our camp scholarships. The race starts at 9 a.m. at the Lynch/van Otterloo Early Learning Center entrance at the back parking lot. The 3.1 mile route will take you through scenic Swampscott and back to the Y. Learn more at northshoreymca.org/programs/2023-road-races.
Space is filling up at Children’s Island summer camp! Experience the magic of Children’s Island, a beautiful ocean oasis in Marblehead Harbor that has been operating for more than 65 years.
For registration questions, contact Paula Fessenden, fessendenp@northshoreymca.org. For Sports Camp, contact Nick Harshaw, harshawn@northshoreymca.org. For Gymnastics Camp, contact Kaitlyn Hall, hallk@northshoreymca.org.
The Y is more fun with friends
Refer a friend to the Y and we will thank you with a free month of membership while your friend receives a $0 enrollment fee. Visit the Welcome Center or reach out to Membership Director Jane Rizza at rizzaj@northshoreymca.org.
About the YMCA The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits, strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For more than 160 years, the YMCA of the North Shore has been the foundation of the community. It serves more than 40,000 members and program participants in 25 cities and towns across the North Shore and in southern New Hampshire.
