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Parking Lot Update for McGaw YMCA

Please note this important update about parking at the Y. The owner of Lot 1, the dirt parking lot on Grove Street across from the McGaw YMCA, is taking back a portion of the spaces currently used by McGaw YMCA.  As a result, parking in Lot 1 will be limited beginning September 15. Please review the resources below to understand where Staff, Members, and Resident Members may park. Lot 1 (East Side): Beginning September 15, staff may park on the YMCA side (east side) of Lot 1 during designated staff permit hours, Monday-Friday from 8:00am-4:00pm. Members may park in this section of Lot 1 outside of staff permit hours, as indicated on the Parking Lot Map. Lot 1 (West Side): The west side of Lot 1 will be reserved for Gem Museum Suites employee parking at all times. Beginning September 15, McGaw YMCA staff and members must not park in […]

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The True Cost of Housing is Not Measured in Rent

The following essay by McGaw YMCA President and CEO Monique Parsons was published in the Evanston RoundTable on July 6, 2026. A young man in his twenties moves to Evanston to start a career. He knows no one and has little savings, but he has a chance to build a life. A father going through a divorce wants to stay close to his children but cannot afford a second home while helping support the first. A transit worker struggles to keep up with rising costs despite working full time. A man loses his job, then his health, then his savings, and eventually his home. Different stories. Different circumstances. The same challenge: finding a stable place to live. When we talk about housing, we often focus on rent prices, zoning decisions, or development proposals. Those conversations matter. But they can obscure a larger truth: the cost of housing is not measured

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Improving Your Y: Annual Maintenance & Amenity Closures

McGaw YMCA’s Annual Maintenance & Amenities Closures begin August 2. During this time, certain amenities at the Y will be temporarily unavailable as we complete important repairs and improvements designed to enhance your member experience and ensure the continued care of our facilities. Alternative Pool & Fitness Options. While the pools are closed for maintenance, members are welcome to swim at the North Suburban YMCA in Northbrook. During the Fitness Center closure, members may work out at Northwestern’s Henry Crown Sports Pavilion. View Details for Access Click on the name of each location to view complete closure details. This schedule will be updated as projects progress. All completion dates are anticipated and subject to change. View as Calendar(opens in new tab)

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