Friday, January 17, 2025 | View in browser
Good Morning,
Check out this week's Parks & Recreation e-news featuring information on the Summer Camp info, sledding, MLK celebration, events, classes, and more.
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2025 Summer Camp Guide now available!
Start planning your summer with the 2025 Summer Camp Guide in advance of registration, which opens for Evanston residents online on February 1. Registration for non-residents opens February 10.
Summer Camp Guide in English
Summer Camp Guide in Spanish
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Winter weather is upon us. Review some friendly reminders about sledding safety in James Park. Learn more.
 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: Saturday, 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
Join us on Saturday, January 18th for a "Tropical Escape" staycation at the Levy Center! We will be partnering with a wildlife education organization to meet amazing animals up close and learn about actions that we can take to help protect their ecosystems. Join us at 6:30pm for an introduction craft activity with the presentation beginning at 7pm.
Event details:
Date: Saturday, January 18
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Levy Center
Cost: $12 resident/$16 non-resident
Please note: Children must be accompanied by an enrolled adult.
Spots are limited, so secure your place today! Register now.
 Make Your Own Skin Care Salves: January 24
Take some time to prioritize self-care and fight winter dryness by learning to make a homemade salve and body scrub. We will talk about the benefits of using salves, scrubs, and various herbs. You will then have the opportunity to create your own creation to use for yourself or give as a gift.
Event details:
Date: Friday, January 18
Time: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: South End Community Center
Cost: $22 resident/$29 non-resident
 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: Saturday, 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: Saturday, 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.
 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.
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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.
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.
 Discover nature with the Ecology Center's Saplings & Oaks
Enjoy the wonders of nature this winter! Through stories, crafts, play, snow activities, scavenger hunts, and more, children and caregivers will explore a different nature theme each week, as we connect with and embrace the beauty of winter on Thursdays, January 23 through March 13 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Lighthouse Beach.
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Details: Classes are primarily outdoors (weather permitting) and we will have access to the heated classrooms, as well. A caregiver is required to attend with each child.
Register online or call the Ecology Center at 847-448-8256.
 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:
 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:
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Residents: $10 per child, $7 for each additional child
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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.
 Evanston Skates Into Action: Drop-In Hockey Opportunities Open Now!
Evanston hockey enthusiasts, lace up your skates! The city is offering two exciting drop-in hockey opportunities now through June 6. Whether you're a seasoned player or just looking to hit the ice, there's a session for you.
Pick-Up Hockey is perfect for players 16 and older seeking unregulated games and a fast-paced environment. Sessions run Monday through Friday from 12:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Stick & Puck welcomes players of all ages and skill levels. It’s a great chance to hone your skills . Sessions are available Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Each session is $14 per player, so grab your stick and join the fun. For more details, call 847-448-8258.
 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:
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Dates: Sundays, Jan. 12 through March 16
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Time: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
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Location: Robert Crown Community Center
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Fee: $19 per session
No need to register in advance—just drop in and start creating!
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DFEI Tip Sheet January 2025
Get essential information on the importance of resilience in embracing life with dementia through reflection and tangible steps to support yourself and those around you. Learn more.
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 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
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