Friday, January 24, 2025 | View in browser
Good Morning,
Check out this week's Parks & Recreation e-news featuring information on summer camp registration, outdoor ice skating at the Arrington Lagoon, Light the Night, Valentine's Day activities, and more.
 Summer camp registration opens Feb. 1
Get ready, Evanston! Summer camp registration opens soon. Evanston residents can register for summer camps online beginning at 8 a.m. on February 1 and in-person beginning at 10 a.m. on February 3. Non-resident registration opens at 10 a.m. on February 10.
Start planning your summer by exploring the 2025 Summer Camp Guide in advance of registration:
Summer Camp Guide in English
Summer Camp Guide in Spanish
 Campamento de Verano para Hablantes de Español
Nuevo en 2025! Únete a nuestro campamento para hablantes de español, que ofrece una experiencia bilingüe y cultural mientras disfrutas de lecciones de idioma y actividades divertidas de todo tipo en español. El campamento contará con manualidades, juegos, tradiciones hispanas
auténticas, actividades al aire libre y mucho más.
Ofrecemos cuatro sesiones de dos semanas, que se llevarán a cabo entre el 9 de Junio y el 1ro de Agosto. Las sesiones serán de 9:00 a. m. a 12:15 p. m. para niños de 4 a 6 años, y de 12:45 p. m. a 4:00 p. m. para niños de 7 a 10 años. El costo es de $330 para residentes y $413 para no residentes.
Las inscripciones comienzan el 1ro de Febrero para los residentes de Evanston y el 10 de Febrero para los que no son residentes.
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Spring is Coming on February 5
Our Spring Program Guide will be published on February 5 in advance of registration opening for Evanston residents on February 10 and for non-residents on February 17.
Register and explore the Spring Guide at cityofevanston.org/recreation.
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 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 café will be open this Saturday and Sunday, January 25 and 26, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering cocoa, coffee, and snacks for purchase. Guests can also enjoy access to a warming room during operating hours.
  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
 Energize Your Home with Winter Aromatherapy: January 31
Learn fun ways to incorporate fresh fragrances into your home this winter by making your own natural cleaning solutions and stove potpourri that will engage your senses, liven up your home, and are sustainable. Ages 12 years and up are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Event details:
Date: Friday, January 31
Time: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: South End Community Center
Cost: $18 R/$24 NR
 All That Glows: February 1
Join us for a night hike. We will gather around a campfire, enjoy hot chocolate and s’mores, and go on a glow-in-the-dark scavenger hunt around the habitats of Lighthouse Beach. We will also learn about our senses at night and adaptations of nocturnal animals. If there is enough snow, we will use snowshoes on our hike. Children must be accompanied by an enrolled adult.
Event details:
Date: Saturday, February 1
Hours: 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Lighthouse Beach Fog Houses
Cost: $15 R/$20 NR
Register.
 Candle Making: February 1
The winter season is a time to celebrate holidays, festivals, and traditions that use candles to brighten up the darkest time of the year. Learn how to make candles that you can use to incorporate light and fragrances into your home. We will decorate and make our own candles to take home. Ages 10 years and up; children must be accompanied by an enrolled adult.
Event details:
Date: Saturday, February 1
Hours: 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Lighthouse Beach Fog Houses
Cost: $23 R/$30 NR
Register
 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 5 p.m.
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
Cost: $15
Register
 Ecology Half Day Camp: February 5
Kids can spend their half day off of school exploring the natural wonders of Lighthouse Beach through nature adventures, games, critter visits, and crafts! Participants should dress for the weather and bring a nut free lunch. Note: As some Evanston schools have an 11 a.m. dismissal time and others have a 12:05 p.m. dismissal, drop off for Ecology Half Day Camp is between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Please let us know if you will be dropping off a bit later.
Event details:
Date: Wednesday, February 5
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Lighthouse Beach Fog Houses
Cost: $60 R/$78 NR
Register
 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 R/$29 NR
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. to 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Ridgeville Park Community House
Cost: $30 R/$40 NR
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 R/$20 NR
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.
2025-26 School Year: Registration opens April 1.
 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 still 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.
 Late registration available for winter preschool gymnastic classes
Our instructors work with children to improve their coordination, balance, flexibility, and general motor skills in a fun, safe environment. Gymnasts will explore a wide variety of new movements and activities at their own pace, and will be gently introduced to the more structured schedule and rules of school-age gymnastics classes. Register now.
 Move and Groove Line Dance Class
Get your feet moving and your body grooving as you flow to the rhythms of Soul, Pop, Latin, and a ‘lil bit of Country. Line dancing is a fun way to exercise your brain, work on balance, and improve your stamina and memory, all with low impact to your joints. It’s also a great way to socialize, have fun, and make new friends. Each class is customized to the level of those attending. Each week we add to the previous week’s list of dances, emphasize proper step technique and how to combine them, in order to build your repertoire of line dancing skills. Register now.
 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! We're 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, January 12 through March 16
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Time: 1 p.m. to 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!
 Food vendors needed for Summer 2025
Sign up as a food vendor for our popular Starlight Series of free summer movies and concerts. Apply now.
 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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