Friday, April 5, 2024 | View in browser
Good Morning,
Check out this week's Parks & Recreation e-news featuring information about the Evanston Skate Park, accessibility improvements, special events, youth classes, and more.
Parks and Recreation Department is Hiring
The Parks and Recreation Department is hiring for several positions including some new ones! Apply today at the links below.
Get ready for summer!  
Beach passes will be available beginning Monday, April 15. Season beach passes are free for Evanston residents. Learn more.
Levy Fitness Center Accessibility Updates
Tactile buttons have been added to three fitness machines in the Levy Senior Center's Fitness Room to provide increased access for individuals who are blind or have low vision. The machines, which include an exercise bike, a treadmill, and a NuStep machine, have small signs posted on them to alert community members of the adaptations. These buttons provide access for individuals who cannot see the printed words or symbols on the panels to navigate common controls on the equipment such as "start," "stop," and "increase incline."
Short orientations will be provided upon request by Levy Center staff. The Parks & Rec team is committed to promoting a culture of accessibility and inclusivity. Please contact disabilityservices@cityofevanston.org with any questions, feedback, or accommodation requests.
Transportation Program (Access Evanston)
The current Brinks program will be expiring at the end of May as the City prepares for a new program with MJM Innovations. This will be the same program, but will have a different look, with more customer service add-ons. More details coming soon.
Evanston Skate Park Grand Opening
Join in tomorrow, Sat., April 6, from noon to 2 p.m., for the official grand opening celebration of the Evanston Skate Park. Witness the moment as we cut the ribbon and inaugurate this exciting new space for skaters of all levels.
Piano in the Park
Come play a Piano in the Park at Talmadge Park between April 6 and June 2! The donated piano will be freely available to play during park hours.
Solar Eclipse in the Parks
Join us as we gather with fellow skywatchers to witness the breathtaking spectacle of the moon passing between the Earth and the sun, casting its shadow upon our planet. Bring along your family, friends, and picnic blankets as we come together to marvel at the wonders of the universe on April 8.
Visit the Robert Crown Front Desk from 12:30 to 2:15 p.m. to pick up your solar glasses, as supplies last. The Ecology Center staff will be ready to greet you at Ingraham Park with telescopes, solar glasses, and binoculars from 1:30 to 3 p.m. as the peak of the eclipse is at 2:07 p.m.!
Open Mic Night at Noyes Cultural Arts Center
Bring your words, poems, lyrics, pieces of memoirs and novels to Word Salad at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center on Fri., April 12 at 7 p.m. This event is free and open to all ages.
Art Swap at Noyes Gallery
Spring cleaning? Come Swap your art at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center. The event is free, but you must register in advance. Sign up today.
Dress Up Tea!
Dig out your dress up clothes and come to an all ages tea at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center on Sat., April 13 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Pre-registration is required.
Candle Making Class
Need a night out? Girls night or date night, candle making is the solution! Space is limited, secure your spot now.
Coffee & (Beach) Clean Up
Join lakefront staff at Clark Street Beach for morning coffee (hot chocolate for kids) and donuts before hitting the sand for a beach cleanup. Clean-up supplies will be provided. The event is free but we ask that you register in advance so we know how many people to expect. Register today.
Earth Day
Join us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Evanston Ecology Center with the first Earth Day Fest, a free event that honors our beautiful planet and its inhabitants. While the Ecology Center is currently closed for upgrades, we're not letting that stop us from throwing a party on Sat., April 20, from noon to 3 p.m., at Ingraham Park.
The City's Parks and Recreation Department, with support from Public Works and the Office of Sustainability, has organized an amazing lineup of games, activities, resources, tree plantings, and volunteer opportunities.
Lakeshore Shuffle
Get your running shoes ready! On Sat., April 27, the tranquil lakeshore will come alive with the spirited footsteps of participants in the Lakeshore Shuffle 5K Run & Walk.
Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Michigan as you participate in the Lakeshore Shuffle 5K. This event offers a unique fusion of scenic beauty and energetic competition, catering to both seasoned runners and walkers. Join us for a morning of camaraderie, fitness, and fun, as we shuffle along Evanston's stunning lakefront path.
For more information, visit our registration page: cityofevanston.org/register.
A Night to Remember at Levy Senior Center
Join us on Fri., May 3, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., for A Night to Remember. Enjoy live music by the Stingrays playing 50's and 60's music, and exciting raffles. There will also be delicious food and drinks to purchase. Proceeds from the event will go to Levy Senior Center renovations. Register by Fri., April 19 online or by calling the Levy Front Desk at 847-448-8250.
Evanston Rides!
Get ready to pedal into 2024 as part of Downtown Evanston's new collaboration with the Evanston Transit Alliance and Chicago Family Biking/Evanston Kidical Mass. From May through October, we're bringing you two fantastic series of monthly bike rides that promise fun, fitness, and a whole lot of community spirit! The Evanston Parks & Recreation Department will be on-site at Family Rides with free giveaways for riders, as well as information on local bike routes and general bike safety! All of the rides will either start, end, or pass through some part of Downtown Evanston. All rides are free, but please register in advance. More info.
Robert Crown Flea Market
Dive into a world of treasures at our upcoming flea market extravaganza on Sat., May 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Robert Crown Community Center! Whether you're a collector, a bargain hunter, or just love browsing unique finds, this event has it all! From vintage clothing to handmade crafts, antiques, and more, there's something to delight every taste and budget.
Vendor applications are open until May 4. Call 847-448-8258 for more information. Table spaces are available for $40 each and must be reserved in advance. Please register online at cityofevanston.org/register.
Infant Move and Grow
When you bring your infant or emerging toddler to Move and Grow, you will meet other families, play, enjoy music, and build community. The Blue Room is the perfect space for infants to get some “tummy time” and explore movement. Registration is open online.
Make Your Own Terrarium
Come join Ecology Center staff at the Levy Center, as we will teach you how to make your own terrarium – a mini-Earth in a jar. We will provide moss, rocks, plants, and more to decorate your terrariums, while learning about how living things interact with their environment. At the end of the class, you’ll be able to take home your own mini-Earth! This class will be in Craft Room A. To register for this program, please call the Ecology Center at 847-448-8256 or register online.
Frets Away
Find your musical community and develop your skills with fun, folk-style, adult group classes for all levels, taught by Paula McKernan. To register, please call either the Robert Crown Center at 847-448-8258, Chandler-Newberger Center at 847-448-8252, or do so online.
Adult Fitness with Brendan Behan
Sculpt your body and elevate your fitness levels with our invigorating Adult Fitness and Dance classes. Led by the experienced Brendan Behan, these classes offer a perfect blend of dynamic workouts and captivating dance routines suitable for all skill levels. Register online or by calling 847-448-8258.
Ecology Half Day Camp
Once school is done for the day, come to Lighthouse Beach for an afternoon of exploring natural wonders through nature play, games, hands-on activities, and crafts. Make sure to dress for the weather and bring a nut- free lunch for this half day camp. Register online or by calling 847-448-8256.
Wild Weekends
Come and enjoy a live animal presentation by a wildlife conservation organization at the Levy Center with your friends and family! You will have the opportunity to meet a variety of amazing creatures (such as porcupines, skunks, lynxes, and more) and learn about their important roles in their native habitats. The animal presentation will start at 7 p.m., but you can join us earlier at 6:30 p.m. for some fun activities. To register for this program, please call the Ecology Center at 847-448-8256 or register online.
Pickleball Classes at Levy
Join us for an exhilarating journey into the fast-paced world of Pickleball! Led by certified instructor Carl Rosenthal, our workshops cater to players of all levels, from beginners eager to learn the basics to advanced/ intermediates seeking to refine their skills.
Workshops kick off the week of April 29. Secure your spot today and get ready to elevate your Pickleball game at the Levy Senior Center.
Pop-up Play Forest
In this nature play pop-up program at the Harbert-Payne Park forest, kids can make new friends, explore, build forts, climb, and play in nature with guidance from Ecology Center staff. By spending time with new friends in nature, kids can build a world of memories and a lifelong relationship with the natural world. Children need to be accompanied by a caregiver. To register for this program, please call the Ecology Center at 847-448-8256 or register online.
Painting with Kathy Gemperle
Unleash your creativity in our diverse painting classes, where you can explore the ethereal fluidity of watercolor, the traditional elegance of Chinese brush painting, and even capture the essence of your beloved pet on canvas. Led by the experienced artist Kathy Gemperle, each class offers a unique opportunity to hone your skills and express your individual style. Register online or call 847-448-8258.
Spring into our programs
The full Spring Program Guide is now available. This digital only issue provides hundreds of recreation programs, special events, and ways to keep you healthy, active, and having fun this season. To register for any of our programs, visit cityofevanston.org/register.
Pee Wee Sports Camp
In this camp, popular children’s games are combined with fun sports activities. Campers will feel comfortable in a noncompetitive and supportive atmosphere as they learn new games and make new friends. Throughout camp we will encourage campers to improve their ability to play on a team and grow as individuals. Register here.
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.
James Park Sports Camp
Team sports, field trips, beach days, individual accomplishments and tons of fun await your camper at Sports Camp! Guided by counselors, our sports camp will introduce participants to a variety of sports along with traditional camp and playground activities. Instruction and play are combined in each sport to encourage individual skill improvement and action in a non-pressuring and exciting atmosphere. Register today.
Resilience & Mental Illness with Major General Gregg F. Martin, USA(RET)
Join the Levy Senior Center and No Shame on U on Sun., May 19, at 6:15 p.m., for a program about resilience and mental Illness. Participate in a conversation with Major General Gregg F. Martin, USA (RET.) who is the author of Bipolar General: My Forever War with Mental Illness.
Major General Martin served on active duty in the Army for 36 years. He is a combat veteran, Airborne Ranger, engineer-qualified soldier, and army strategist. He is also a Bipolar Disorder survivor and on a mission to share his story to save lives and to stop the stigma of living with mental illness.
The event will begin with a Mental Health Activity Fair at 6:15 p.m. and the main program will begin at 7 p.m. Pre-registration is required.
Dive into Community Engagement: Attend Parks and Recreation Community Meetings
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 let's build a stronger community together.
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.
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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