Friday, June 14, 2024 | View in browser
Good Morning,
Check out this week's Parks & Recreation e-news featuring information about Juneteenth celebrations, the South End Community Center open house, free movies and concerts, camp, classes, and more!
 Juneteenth Celebrations June 15 - 30
Join us for Evanston's 5th Annual Juneteenth Parade & Celebrations on Saturday, June 15!
The parade, hosted by Evanston Present and Future, will kick off at 11 a.m., traveling from the Robert Crown Community Center to Ingraham Park. This year’s parade will be led by Grand Marshal, 2nd Ward Councilmember Krissie Harris. View parade information at kemonehendricks.com.
Stick around after the parade, for “A Soulful Juneteenth Celebration”, which will take place between noon and 4 p.m. at Ingraham Park. Enjoy an afternoon of art, music, food, and speakers, hosted by the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre and Evanston Parks & Recreation.
Another commemoration of Juneteenth is the performance of "1619: The Journey of A People - A Musical" by Ted Williams III will take place June 15 – 30 at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theater in the Noyes Cultural Center, 927 Noyes St. The musical packs generations of history into a beautiful musical theater experience that traces the African-American journey towards freedom and equality. Productions are on Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 5:30 p.m. Visit fjtheatre.com to purchase tickets.
 Jamming Jean Concert presenting Midnight Sun: June 14
Join us Friday, June 14, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., for a summer Jamming Jean concert with Chicago's iconic Midnight Sun, a musical powerhouse renowned for their remarkable precision and dedication to delivering the finest Funk and R&B tunes. Since their inception in 1976, they've become a cherished institution in the Chicago music scene.
The free concert takes place in James Park outside the Levy Senior Center. Enjoy dinner from the Azteca Cocina food truck, and be sure to bring a lawn chair for maximum comfort.
 Starlight Concert and Movie Series: "Elemental" on June 15 and the STEAM Quartet on June 18
Enjoy another week of Starlight Movies and Concerts in the Park!
Starlight Movie: Bring your family and friends to McCulloch Park, located between Jenks Street and Livingston Street, for a movie night on Saturday, June 15. The featured film will be Disney's 2023 animated film "Elemental," which will begin at 7 p.m.
Starlight Concert: Head to Clark Square, 801 Sheridan Road, on Tuesday, June 18, for the next Starlight Concert! Enjoy music by the The STEAM Quartet. The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m.
 Canoe the Canal: June 16
Celebrate Father's Day weekend with a canoeing adventure for ages 5 years and up on the North Shore Channel on June 16 at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at Dammrich Rowing Center, 3220 Oakton St, Skokie. Canoes, paddles, PFDs, and basic paddling instruction provided. Each boat will also have a river scavenger hunt provided, as we will look for signs of wildlife, including: herons, belted kingfishers, turtles, white-tailed deer, and more. Please dress for the weather. 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.
 Family Campfire - "Celebrate Summer Solstice": June 20
Enjoy a fun night around the Lighthouse Beach fire circle with a Summer Solstice-themed Family Campfire program on June 20 and June 22. Each evening will include stories, s’mores, and sosltice-themed nature activities. Space is limited, pre-registration is required. 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.
 South End Community Center Open House: June 22
Join us on Saturday, June 22 for a sneak peek of our newest community center—South End Community Center, located at 430 Asbury Ave. The open house, which will take place from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., will feature gymnastics, critter visits, preschool tours, boccia demos, and open play. Keep watching our social media and newsletters for more details in the coming weeks.
We will be hosting sensory-friendly experiences from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and again from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
 Solstice Cyanotypes Class
Join us on June 22 for a nature-themed cyanotype class to celebrate the longest days of the year. Cyanotype printing uses the Sun's UV rays to create an X-Ray of flowers, leaves, feathers, and more, leaving a beautiful blue print. Instruction will be provided. All experience levels are welcome and materials will be provided for you. To register for this program, please call the Ecology Center at 847-448-8256 or register online.
 Food Truck Fest and Barbie Movie: June 29
The City’s 2024 Starlight Movie and Food Truck Fest will take place on Saturday, June 29, at Ingraham Park. The feature film will be the blockbuster hit "Barbie" (2023, ASL), which will begin at 6:30 p.m. Food trucks will be on-site beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Attendees will enjoy delicious offerings from a variety of food trucks, including Firehouse Grill, Soul & Smoke, C & W Market and Ice Cream Parlor, Bluestone, Bumbu Roux, Yum Dum Truck, Sweet Ride, El Zoro Tacos, Travelin' Tom's Coffee of Norwood Park, El Azteca, and Kona Ice.
 Glow in the Park: July 12
Come to Ingraham Park on Friday, July 12, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., to experience an evening filled with glowing surprises, music, and activities for all ages. Whether you're a glow-in-the-dark enthusiast or just looking for a fun night out, this event is for you.
Wear white and cover yourself with every color at the neon paint station. Then, snap a selfie in the black light photo booth and hit the dance floor to move to the beat while being splashed with even more neon paint. La Cocinita Evanston will be on-site serving delicious food to fuel this dance party. Tickets are required, purchase your ticket today!
City Swimming Beaches Are Open
Dempster St. Beach Watercraft Rentals
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Make a reservation online for a kayak, sailboat or paddleboard or at the Dempster St. Beach Office at 1251 Lake Shore Blvd.
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Free Meals for Youth: Summer Food Service Program
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The City's Summer Food Program provides free cold breakfasts and lunches, Monday through Friday, to ages 1 to 18 at multiple locations. |
Farmer's Market
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The Downtown Evanston Outdoor Farmers' Market is open Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. thru November 2 at University Avenue at Oak Street. Learn more. |
Free Access to Fishing
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This free program is open thru August from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Lovelace Park. Program includes equipment and bait. Children under the 16 don't need a fishing license but must be accompanied by an adult. Illinois fishing licenses can be purchased at the park. |
Summer 2024 Program Guide
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The online version of the Summer 2024 Program Guide is now available.
This digital-only issue showcase a wealth of recreation programs, special events, and opportunities to stay active, healthy, and entertained this summer.
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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!
Pee Wee Sports Camp
In this camp for ages 4 - 6 at Leahy Park, popular children’s games are combined with fun sports activities. Campers 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. Next camp begins on July 1. Register for the fun!
Sports & Aquatic Camp
The Sports and Aquatic Camp for ages 12 to 13 meets in the mornings to play a variety of sports at Mason Park. The afternoons will be packed with traditional aquatics camp fun. Campers will start at the Mason Park shelter to participate in sports activities, then be bused to Dempster Beach to join the afternoon session of the Aquatics Camp. Next camp starts on July 1. Register to join the FUN!
Beach Volleyball Camp
Sign up today for one-week sessions of Beach Volleyball Camp at Clark Street Beach. Campers will learn the rules, fine-tune their skills, and pick up valuable strategy tips. Coaches will concentrate on the fundamentals of passing, setting, spiking, and learning to overhand serve in organized games. Campers will be divided by age and ability level. The sand adds a whole new dimension – are you ready? Sign up!
Basketball 101 & 201 Camp
Catch, dribble, pass and shoot at Currey Park! This program will introduce your children to the game of basketball, whether they are beginners or want to develop their skills to get to the next level. Older kids will fine-tune their basketball skills by working on advanced skills. Drills of dribbling, passing, shooting, and defense will be taught. Sign up online today!
Morning Hatha Yoga Class
Join a morning Hatha Yoga Class at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center from June 20 to August 1 at 7 a.m.. Register online.
Community Accupunture
Looking for new ways to relax? Try Community Acupuncture at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center. There are so many benefits and our instructor is ready to educate and demonstrate them for you. Sign up today
 Now Hiring Gymnastics Coaches and Instructors!
The City of Evanston has a variety of gymnastic positions available. Apply online. 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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