Friday, January 10, 2025  |  View in browser

Good Morning, 

Check out this week's Parks & Recreation e-news featuring information on the Summer Camp Guide, outdoor ice rink, MLK celebration, events, classes, and more.

2025 Summer Camp Guide now available! Start planning your summer with the 2025 Summer Camp Guide in advance of registration, which opens on February 1. Summer Camp Guide in English Summer Camp Guide in Spanish

Join us for the Summer Camp Open House: Tonight, Jan. 10

On January 10, the Levy Center will come alive with excitement as we host the Summer Camp 2025 Open House from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This free, family-friendly event offers something for everyone. Discover a variety of camp options with info sessions tailored to help you find the perfect fit for your kids before registration opens. Enjoy activities for kids, giveaways, raffles, and refreshments throughout the evening.

Key camp dates:

• Summer Program Guide: Available now
• Camp Open House: January 10, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Levy Center
• Evanston residents: Camp registration opens February 1
• Non-residents: Camp registration opens February 10

Looking for a fun and rewarding seasonal job? Apply in person during the open house!

View a sample of what you'll find at the open house.

Grab your skates, Evanston!

The deep freeze has turned our lakefront into a winter wonderland, and Arrington Lagoon Ice Rink at Dawes Park is officially open. Glide into the season with free outdoor skating in the heart of Evanston.

The cafe will be open this Saturday and Sunday, June 11-12, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with cocoa, coffee and snacks available for purchase. The cafe also has a warming room available during those hours.

Stay safe this winter: avoid dangerous lakefront shelf ice

Community members and visitors are reminded to avoid walking on shelf ice that builds up along the lakefront. 

With the recent cold temperatures, ice is quickly forming on beaches and lakefront barriers. Walking on shelf ice is extremely dangerous for people and pets. (View shelf ice graphic.)

"People and their pets venturing onto shelf ice might believe it's stable, but hidden pockets covered by snow can easily go unnoticed," said Lakefront and Athletics Division Manager Tim Carter. "If someone falls through the ice into the water, it can take only minutes before they face life-threatening consequences".

Register for an Evanston Community Garden: January 7 - February 25

Love gardening? Don’t miss your chance to secure a spot in an Evanston community garden for the upcoming season. Registration is open January 7 through February 25.

How to enter:

• Visit the community gardens website
• Call 847-448-8256

Upcoming Events

Word Buffet Open Mic nights: January 13

Calling all poets, lyricists, storytellers, and word enthusiasts! Join us for Word Salad, a free spoken word open mic event that celebrates creativity and expression.

Bring your own words to life—whether they’re poems, lyrics, memoir excerpts, or novel snippets. No words of your own? No problem! Come to watch, listen, and soak in the magic of live spoken word performances.

Event details:

Date: January 13, February 10, March 10
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Noyes Cultural Arts Center
Cost: Free

For more information, contact Angela Allyn at 847-448-8263.

Winter Wellness Walk

Join certified nature and forest therapy guide, Sarah Abu-Absi to learn about the practice of Forest Therapy. We will learn practices to mindfully reconnect to nature and oneself in a way that supports healing and wellness to enjoy through the winter and beyond.

Event details:

• Dates: January 11
• Time: 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Location: Lighthouse Beach Fog Houses

Register online or call the Ecology Center at 847-448-8256.

Winter Sound Meditation: January 17

Join sound meditation facilitator and musician Jay Taylor for an hour-long immersive experience. Lie back and relax as you listen to the singing bowls. The session will begin with a brief introduction and some light guided breathing. Following the meditation, the instructor will share some final thoughts on the experience.

Details:

• Dates: January 17th
• Time: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Location: South End Community Center

Register online or call the Ecology Center at 847-448-8256.

Celebrate MLK Day on January 18

Join us for an inspiring MLK Day of Celebration on January 18 at noon as we honor The Black Women's Legacy in the Movement at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center.

This free community event will feature a dynamic lineup of entertainment, including West African drumming, dancing, singing, spoken word, and more. Celebrate the powerful contributions of Black women in the civil rights movement and beyond through a vibrant showcase of culture and talent.

Event details:

Date: January 18
Time: Noon
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Center
Cost: Free

No registration is needed—just bring your enthusiasm and join the celebration! Don’t miss this unforgettable tribute to history, culture, and community.

Learn About Amazing Animals: January 18

Light the Night: January 25

Experience magical solar and battery-powered light installations by local artists as they illuminate the park. Sip hot cocoa and wander through the glow.

Event details:

Date: January 25
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Tallmadge Park, 927 Noyes St.
Cost: Free

Family Valentine Day Dance: February 2

Make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable with the K.I.S.S. Dance (Kids Invite Someone Special). This event includes food, crafts, dancing, and a special photo area. 

Event details:

Date: Sunday, February 2
Time: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
Cost: $15

Register today!

Join our Valentine’s Day X’s & O’s Workshop

Looking for a creative way to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Join us for the X’s & O’s Workshop, a heartwarming gift-making party perfect for young artists! Your little one can craft a handmade masterpiece filled with love and personalized touches—nothing says "I love you" quite like a one-of-a-kind creation.

Event details:

Date: Saturday, February 8
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Chandler-Newberger Community Center
Cost: $22.25 resident/$29 non-resident

Spaces are limited, so be sure to register today! 

Bouquet Bar: Create Your Own Fresh-Cut Bouquet on February  8

Join us to explore the art of floral arrangement and create your very own hand-built bouquet. With expert guidance, you’ll design a stunning fresh-cut floral masterpiece to take home. Plus, enjoy a complimentary glass of wine as you unwind and embrace your artistic side.

All materials are provided and registration includes one glass of wine. This event is open to participants aged 21 and older.

Event details:

Date: Saturday, February 8
Time: 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Ridgeville Park Community House
Cost: $30 resident/$40 non-resident

Spaces are limited, so be sure to register today! 

Dive into the Wonders of Weather: February 22

Get ready for an electrifying evening of science and discovery! Join us for a wild weather science presentation on February 22 at the Robert Crown Community Center.

This hands-on event will feature a live science presentation and amazing experiments that explore the fascinating world of weather. Arrive early at 6:30 p.m. for an engaging introductory activity.

Event details:

Date: February 22
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Robert Crown Community Center
Cost: $15 resident/$20 non-resident

Please note: Children must be accompanied by an enrolled adult.

Spots are limited, so secure your place today! Register now.

After School and Days Off Programs

Exciting After-School Programs for Ages 5-12

Looking for engaging, fun, and enriching activities for your kids? Evanston offers dynamic after-school programs for children ages 5-12 at the Fleetwood-Jourdain and Robert Crown community centers.

• 2025-26 School Year: Registration opens April 1.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to keep your kids active, learning, and having fun after school.

School’s Out? Cool out at Robert Crown!

Looking for a fun and engaging way to keep your kids active on their day off from school? Join us at the Robert Crown Day Off School Program for a day filled with excitement, creativity, and adventure!

Each session features a unique Winter theme packed with diverse activities, including field trips, craft projects, games, and outdoor adventures. An afternoon snack will be provided. Register now.

Classes, Workshops & Programs

Registration for our winter programming is open! View all of our upcoming classes, workshops, school days off activities, and special events in our Winter Program Guide.

New gymnastics class available

Get ready to flip, tumble, and soar this winter! The Evanston Parks and Recreation Department has several new gymnastics classes at the Chandler-Newberger Community Center. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or a seasoned gymnast aiming to perfect your skills, we’ve got something for everyone.

Discover our fresh lineup of classes tailored to all ages and skill levels. These new additions are designed to keep you active, engaged, and having fun throughout the winter season.

Don’t miss out on your chance to jump into the action! Explore all our new gymnastics classes.

Kickstart fun with TOTS Soccer School!

Calling all little athletes and their parents! Get ready to explore the exciting world of soccer together at TOTS Soccer School. This unique program invites players and guardians to dive into imaginative games designed to develop fine motor skills and foster a love for the game.

Led by our talented coaches, these playful and engaging activities will spark joy as young players learn the basics of soccer with a ball at their feet. Best of all, it’s a shared experience—guardian participation is required, making it a wonderful bonding opportunity! Register now.

Discover nature with the Ecology Center's winter classes

This winter, join the Ecology Center for two exciting nature classes for little ones at the Lighthouse Beach Fog House classrooms. These hands-on programs immerse children and caregivers in the wonders of the natural world while fostering creativity, exploration, and a love for the outdoors.

Forest School Play Group

Adventure awaits with the Forest School model! Kids will explore, invent, climb, run, and build while discovering nature through imaginative play.

• Details: Parents must attend with children under age 3.

Saplings & Oaks

Transform into saplings and oaks with this early learning nature class! Through stories, crafts, play, and science, children will connect with the natural world and embrace the beauty of winter.

• Details: Classes are primarily outdoors, weather permitting. A caregiver is required.

Register online or call the Ecology Center at 847-448-8256.

Join the Youth Dodgeball League for 2nd–5th Graders

Get ready to dodge, duck, and dive into five weeks of high-energy fun! Our Dodgeball Tournament is designed for kids in grades 2–5 and is led by enthusiastic coaches skilled at accommodating players of all abilities.

Highlights:

• Exciting gameplay: Explore different forms of dodgeball to keep every session fresh and fun.
• Skill-building: Promote agility, quick decision-making, teamwork, and leadership.
• Safety first: All games use soft dodgeballs.

The action-packed season includes:

• Weeks 1–3: Teams compete to determine playoff seeding.
• Weeks 4–5: Playoffs and championship games with GTK dodgeball trophies for the winners.
• Week 6: The championship-winning team will face off against Wilmette’s champions!

Each session features four teams playing two games simultaneously in a one-hour format.

Don’t miss this chance to experience the thrill of dodgeball while building valuable skills and having a blast. Register now and let the games begin!

Empower yourself with self-protection skills

Stay safe at home or abroad with our intensive, interactive self-protection workshop designed for men and women. In this hands-on session, you’ll turn essential self-protection concepts into practical skills you can rely on.

What you’ll learn:

• Situational awareness: Quickly identify potentially dangerous situations.
• Proven techniques: Practice effective skills to deter and escape from an attacker.

This workshop provides the tools and confidence you need to protect yourself in a variety of scenarios.

Register now and take the first step toward a safer, more empowered you!

Play Time and Drop-in Activities

Let’s Play Drop-In: affordable fun at South End

Looking for a fun and flexible activity for your kids? The South End Community Center offers Let’s Play Drop-In, Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

We’ve recently lowered prices to better support families.

Pricing:

• Residents: $10 per child, $7 for each additional child
• Non-residents: $13 per child, $10 for each additional child

Stop by and let your kids enjoy a day of play while you enjoy the savings. No registration required—just drop in and let the fun begin.

Time Together Drop-In Play

Looking for fun and connection? Join Time Together at the Chandler-Newberger Community Center on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

This open-play program is for ages birth through 5 years with a parent or caregiver. Our play spaces have climbing equipment, blocks, soft mats, puzzles and a book nook. 

Bring your little ones for playtime while you connect with other parents or catch up with friends. The best part? Your first visit is free! Call 847-448-8252 for more information.

Get your hands dirty with Drop-In Pottery

Looking to refine your pottery skills in a relaxed, self-paced environment? Join us for Drop-In Pottery at the Robert Crown Community Center.

This open studio time gives you the chance to work on your projects independently, without instruction, while enjoying access to a fully equipped pottery space. Completed pieces will be fired according to our regular firing schedule, so you can take home your creations.

Details:

• Dates: Sundays, Jan. 12 through March 16
• Time: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
• Location: Robert Crown Community Center
• Fee: $19 per session

No need to register in advance—just drop in and start creating! 

Get Involved

Planning a special event in 2025?

Groups and organizations that wish to hold special events in the Evanston must submit a Special Event Permit Application by Friday, January 31.

All outdoor events planned on City property, such as a street or park, or those that significantly impact the City, are classified as special events.
Events are subject to final approval of the City's Special Events Committee and, in some cases, the City Council.

Be sure to secure your special event permit.  

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.

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.

Upcoming Board & Committee Meetings

• Dementia Friendly Committee: No meeting for January 
• Commission on Aging & Disabilities: January 9 at 3 p.m., Levy Center
• Parks & Recreation Board: January 16 at 6 p.m., Room 4900 of the Morton Civic Center
• ADA Committee: January 23 at 3 p.m., Evanston Public Library

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
South End Community Center: 847-859-7697

Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend,

The City of Evanston’s Parks and Recreation Team