Friday, February 23, 2024 | View in browser
Good Morning,
Check out this week's Parks & Recreation e-News, featuring information about Spoken Word, Owl Prowl, special events, and more.
Robert Crown Indoor Walking Track
The indoor track at the Robert Crown Community Center will be closed on Sunday, Feb. 25, due to a special event.
New Community Center coming soon...
The Parks and Recreation team is thrilled to begin programming the newly acquired community center, formerly known as Little Bean's Cafe.
Over the past week, our dedicated team members have begun to plan and develop new programs, clean the facility, and select paint colors. In the coming weeks, we anticipate providing an enriched experience through an expanded range of programs, with a particular focus on special recreation, gymnastics offerings, and special events.
This building will also serve as a temporary location for the Ecology Center, whose renovations are scheduled to begin in March. Our commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community remains steadfast, and we look forward to unveiling the new community center. Stay tuned for future updates!
Parks & Recreation special events
The City's Parks and Recreation Department is providing a sneak peek into the upcoming special events. There is a curated lineup that promises to deliver a variety of exciting experiences, from dazzling evenings to enriching activities. Be sure to mark your calendars and get ready to be part of these unforgettable moments.
Noyes Spoken Word Open Mic
Join us for Word Salad at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center on Friday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m.. Bring your poems, lyrics, memoirs, and novels. This free event welcomes all ages.
Owl Prowl
Join us tonight for an Owl Prowl! We will learn about the species of owls that live in Evanston and look at artifacts to see how their specialized ears, eyes, feathers, and talons help them find food and survive the night. We will also practice identifying different owl sounds together. At the end of our night hike, we will come together around the campfire for s'mores. Children need to be accompanied by an enrolled adult. To register for this program, please call the Ecology Center at 847-448-8256 or register online.
Saturday morning family theatre
The Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre and Ecology Center are proud to present two audience interactive short productions for families. Join us on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the Ecology Center for popcorn and refreshments at the matinee performances of "You're Not Ugly, Duckling" and "Little Ned Riding Hood." Stay afterwards for community crafts led by Ecology Center staff. Children must be accompanied by an adult (who are free to attend). To register for this program, please call the Ecology Center at 847-448-8256 or register online.
Black History Month Celebration
February is Black History Month, a time to honor the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape the nation. Join us to celebrate and recognize the rich cultural heritage, triumphs, and adversities that are a part of our country's history. This event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center.
Wild Weekends: Raptors
Come to the Ecology Center for a live animal presentation, as we learn about the amazing local raptors (aka "birds of prey") that we see in Evanston! We will be partnering with Wings and Talons, a local raptor education and conservation organization, to meet these incredible creatures up close and learn how we can take actions to help protect them. Join us early at 6:30 p.m. for an introduction activity with the animal presentation beginning at 7 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an enrolled adult. To register for this program, please call the Ecology Center at 847-448-8256 or register online.
Sing-Along Piano Concert by Andrew Blenderman
Join Andrew Blenderman for a free piano concert on Friday, March 8 at noon. The concert will take us on a musical journey to Ireland and allow us to request our favorite songs to sing.
Noyes Art Gallery presents "Children of Our Hearts"
Come check out the new exhibit, "Children of Our Hearts", honoring Ukrainian heritage paintings by Regina Bird, at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center. The Opening Reception will take place on Friday, March 8, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Legacy Parks: Honoring Black Evanston Trailblazers
In celebration of Black History Month, the City's Parks and Recreation Department invites you to explore five City parks, each proudly named after Black Evanstonians whose community contributions have left a lasting impact. More information.
Summer 2024 Program Guide
The online version of the Summer 2024 Program Guide is now available to view online. This digital-only issue provides a plethora of recreation programs, special events, and opportunities to stay active, healthy, and entertained this summer.
Summer camp jobs
As summer approaches, the Parks & Recreation Department is encouraging interested individuals to apply now for a range of seasonal employment opportunities. Applications are available online.
Drop-in Pickleball
Visit us at the Levy Senior Center every Monday and Wednesday between Noon and 3 p.m. and on Sundays between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to enjoy drop-in pickleball!
- $5 per person. Please pay at the front desk before playing
- Three lined pickleball courts are available
- Nets and balls will be provided
- Players must provide paddles
Players are responsible for organizing games and being respectful of court time. All skill levels are welcome.
Fleetwood Open Gym Schedule
The Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center has implemented a new Open Gym schedule. Play basketball and pickleball!
Arboretum Egg Hunt
Join us for a fun-filled day of springtime activities at the annual Arboretum Egg Hunt. Located in the beautiful landscapes of Eggleston Park, this family-friendly event promises an exciting adventure.
Be prepared to embark on a thrilling hunt through the park's winding paths and vibrant gardens, searching for hidden treasures. Children will eagerly scour the foliage in search of colorful eggs nestled amongst the greenery.
But the excitement doesn't end there! After the egg hunt, families can gather for a variety of festive activities and entertainment. From face painting to arts and crafts stations, there's something for everyone to enjoy. And don't forget to take some photos with our friendly mascot, who will be wandering around to spread joy and cheer.
Thrive with Pride Café: Combatting Loneliness & Increasing Intimacy
How do we connect and build meaningful relationships in the post-COVID world? This workshop with Jacqueline Boyd of The Care Plan will provide insights on shaping your social world. In particular, some strategies may be finding and getting to know new people as well as developing intimacy in your life. Increasing intimacy for you may mean dating, a more healthy touch in your life, emotional intimacy, or self-intimacy, and we'll be covering all these areas together. We benefit from close relationships as we grow older and look forward to discussing these critical issues together.
Tuesday, Feb. 27
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 420 827 2855
Bouquet Bar
For those 21 years and over, we're hosting a Bouquet Bar on Friday, March 29, at 6 p.m. The registration cost covers a glass of wine and all materials needed to create your blooming bouquet. Pre-registration is required.
Robert Crown Flea Market is now accepting vendor sign-ups
Do you have a basement, attic space, or trunk filled with items you want to rehome? The Robert Crown Community Center welcomes back its beloved flea market in the new building for the first time. Table spaces are available for $40 each and must be reserved in advance. Please register online at cityofevanston.org/register.
Jamming Jean Concert
Derrick Procell is a harmonica player who is a soulful singer with a baritone voice and a two-fisted piano player who drives the rhythm home. Together with his solid band, they dig deep into soul and blues.
The concert is free and open to the public on Friday, March 22, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., in the Maple Room at the Levy Senior Center.
Hecky’s Barbecue will be on-site with the fare for cash purchases. Grab dinner from this Evanston institution, and enjoy while you tap into the tunes. A selection of wine and beer will also be available from the cash bar.
Unleash your talents: share your skills and teach classes
Our Parks & Recreation team invites individuals from diverse backgrounds to showcase their incredible talents. If you're a budding artist, fitness guru, cooking maestro, or tech wizard - we want you to share your unique talents with our vibrant community.
Join us in creating a tapestry of skills at our Parks & Recreation Centers. You can share your love for music and performing arts, visual arts and crafts, fitness and wellness, culinary delights, or technology and innovation.
We welcome all creative proposals and ideas that are not listed. Let's transform our community spaces into lively hubs of learning and fun. Your passion could be the spark that ignites new hobbies and friendships.
Submit your program proposal today and bring your unique talents and skills to our community.
Dive into community engagement!
Attend our Parks and Recreation Committees and Board Meetings to share your ideas and shape the future of our recreational activities. Mark your calendar, participate, and help us build a stronger community.
Accessibility for all
The City of Evanston is committed to promoting a citywide culture of accessibility and inclusivity. To request an accommodation for a program, service, or activity, please call 847-866-2919 to make an ADA service request or complete a request form online.
Facility Locations and Phone Numbers
Chandler-Newberger Community Center: 847-448-8252
Levy Senior Center: 847-448-8250
Robert Crown Community Center: 847-448-8258
Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center: 847-448-8254
Ecology Center: 847-448-8256
Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend,
The City of Evanston’s Parks and Recreation Team
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