Friday, July 12, 2024  |  View in browser

Good Morning, 

Check out this week's Parks & Recreation e-news featuring information about Fall program registration, Glow in the Park, South End Community Center opening, Unplug IL Day, free movies and concerts, camps, classes, and more!

Upcoming Events

Glow in the Park: July 12, 7 - 10 p.m. 

Come to Ingraham Park on Friday, July 12, from 7 p.m. to 10 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.  Bat17 and Treats by Thomas will be on-site serving delicious food to fuel this dance party.

Tickets are required. Purchase your tickets online or at the event.

Unplug IL Day: July 13

Unplug from electronics and get to know Evanston's most amazing natural sites, as we kick off Unplug IL Day celebrations on July 13^th with the Evanston Nature Passport program. Stop by one of the guided nature activities locations or an Evanston Public Library brand to pick up your Evanston Nature Passport. Then enjoy free guided and self-guided nature activities, as you try to collect all six nature stamps on your passport along the way. Free activities will include fishing, birding, scavenger hunts, plant identification hikes, and more! Once you are done with your nature adventures, turn in your Evanston Nature Passport stamp page at a library location or community center by August 21 to be entered into a raffle for prizes and free critter visits with the Ecology Center. Winners will be announced at the free Wild & Scenic Film Festival at James Park on August 23.

Find more information on how you can participate in the Evanston Nature Passport program online or call the Ecology Center at (847) 448-8256. Register online with the Ecology Center to reserve your free Nature Passport and for more information on opportunities to explore nature in Evanston this summer. Thank you to The Blueprint Shops for sponsoring the Evanston Nature Passport program.

Introduction to Plein Air Painting: July 13

Celebrate the start of the Evanston Plein Air Festival with a workshop led by artist, three-time top 100 Finalist in the PleinAir Salon art competition (Plein air Magazine), and founder of the Evanston Plein Air festival, Mark Cleveland. The event is on July 13 at 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at Lighthouse Beach.

Learn the basic techniques to start painting outside or "en plein air" as the artist walks you through fundamentals, equipment, and approach to help you get started in this rewarding pastime. You may sketch or paint along with the artist during the event. For more information or to register for this program, please call the Ecology Center at (847) 448-8256 or register online.

Double Dutch Wednesdays: July 17, 24, 31

Summer has it's way of allowing us to remember so many great things from our youth! Join us at Fleetwood Jourdain Community Center on Wednesdays in July to show off your skills in the ropes!

Register now while there are still spots available! Register here.

Starlight Concert & Movie Series

Evanston's 2024 Starlight Concert & Movie Series features nine free outdoor concerts and 11 free outdoor movies at park locations throughout the summer. Community members will enjoy a range of talented artists and musical genres, from jazz to classic soul, to Southern rock and blues. The concert and movie schedule is available at cityofevanston.org/starlight. 

Upcoming Starlight concerts are:

• July 16, 6:30 p.m., Twiggs Park: DJ Onwa
• July 30, 6:30 p.m., Eiden Park: The Howard Levy 4 
• August 13, 6:30 p.m., James Park - sled hill: Chicken Bone 
• August 24, noon, James Park - near Levy Center: Ivy Ford Blues Band

Upcoming Starlight movies are:

• July 13, 7 p.m., Leider Park: Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021)
• July 19, 6 p.m., Lee St. Beach: Luca (2021)
• July 27, 7 p.m., Mason Park: The Color Purple (2023) 
• August 6, 6 p.m., Dawes Park at Arrington Lagoon: PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie (2023) 
• August 17, 3:30 p.m., Robert Crown Fields 1 & 2: Wonka (2024)
• August 31, 5:15 p.m., Leah LoMar Park: Wish (2023)
• August 31, 7 p.m., Leah LoMar Park: The Goonies (1985)

Astronomy at the Beach: July 20

Reconnect with the night sky along the lakefront, as we enjoy an evening of looking through the Chicago Astronomer’s telescope at summer celestial delights. The event takes place on Saturday, July 20 from 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at Clark Square Park. Come prepared with any questions that you have about the night sky, as our guide will give us a tour of the wonders beyond our planet. Then enjoy marshmallows and other nature festivities around the campfire with Ecology Center staff. For more information or to register for this program, please call the Ecology Center at (847) 448-8256 or register online.

Nature Tots & Tunes: July 25

Join the Ecology Center, Evanston Public Library, and Evanston Early Childhood Council in exploring parks throughout Evanston, as we meet live animals, read nature stories, make crafts, sing along to music, and enjoy nature in the parks through free play activities. Each program will have a different nature theme.

Our next event is on July 25 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Leah Lomar Park, 1422 Mulford St.

Families are encouraged to bring a blanket and food for these evening hangouts throughout the summer. This series is recommended for children ages 8 and under. For more information or to register for this free program, please call the Ecology Center at (847) 448-8256 or register online.

This is a family-friendly event, so bring your kids, friends, and neighbors for a night of fun and community spirit. Let’s make our neighborhood a safer, happier place together!

Location: Centennial Park, 1631 Sheridan Rd.Time: 4-9 PM

Chicken Bone Band Reschedule: August 13

We're thrilled to announce the new date for our Starlight Chicken Bone concert!

Mark your calendars:

Date: Tuesday, August 13

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: James Park - Mt. Trashmore (east side of the Park, near the playground)

We can't wait to bring you an incredible evening of funk!

Double Feature Movie Night: August 31 

Date: Saturday, August 31

Times: Wish at 5:15 PM, The Goonies at 7:00 PM

Location: Leah LoMar Park

We’ve got an amazing lineup for you:

"Wish" (2023): Dive into a magical world where dreams come true and adventures await. This enchanting new release is perfect for dreamers of all ages!

"The Goonies" (1985): Join Mikey, Brand, Chunk, and the gang on a nostalgic treasure hunt that’s full of excitement, friendship, and classic 80s fun!

NEW! Ecology Parties at South End Community Center

Book an Ecology Center birthday party at Evanston's new South End Community Center starting July 14. Rental includes a 2-hour party featuring an instructor-led program, critter visits and lots of birthday fun! Schedule at party by calling 847-448-8256.

Lakefront Activities

City Swimming Beaches Are Open

Evanston beaches are open through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2. Visit us online at cityofevanston.org/beach.

Dempster St. Beach Watercraft Rentals

Make a reservation online for a kayak, sailboat or paddleboard or at the Dempster St. Beach Office at 1251 Lake Shore Blvd.

Beach Concession Stands Now Open

Stop by Clark Street beach and Dempster Street beach concession stands for a refreshing treat throughout the summer.

Community Programs

Free Meals for Youth: Summer Food Service Program

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

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

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. Fishing licenses can be purchased online.

Camps and Classes

Summer 2024 Program Guide

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.

Ecology Summer Camp Openings (Ages 3-9 yrs)

Looking for a summer camp for the second half of summer or just a couple of weeks? The Ecology Center has limited spaces available for the next session of camp, starting July 22. Campers will explore the wonders of nature and make fun summer memories with new friends. To enroll in camp or for more information, please call the Ecology Center at (847) 448-8256 or register online. Space is limited, sign up today! Camp registration ends at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17.

Beginning Gymnastics Camp

Beginning Gymnastics Camp is a 1-week camp for ages 5-7 that introduces skills and drills that are fun, safe, and understandable for campers of varying backgrounds. Camp is structured to start training and perfecting basic skills on bars, beam, floor, and vault. This camp is appropriate for students in Beginning I, Beginning II, Tumbling I, or with no prior experience - campers will be grouped by age and gymnastics experience. The camp is held at the Chandler-Newberger Community Center. Camps are held through August. Register today.

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. 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. 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!

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

Get Engaged with Parks and Recreation

Call for National Night Out Vendors

Resource vendor opportunity!

We're excited to announce that National Night Out 2024 is just around the corner, and we want YOU to be a part of it!

Date: Tuesday, August 6

Location: Centennial Park, 1631 Sheridan Rd. Evanston, IL

National Night Out is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the community, promote your business, and support local law enforcement. We are now accepting vendor applications for services and informational booths.

How to apply: Fill out the application form by July 22, 2024.

Spaces are limited, so don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of a beloved community event.

Now Hiring Gymnastics Coaches and Instructors!

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