EPR e-News: Summer Camp registration, Spring Program Guide, new name for South End, Valentine's Day activities, and more.

City of Evanston, Illinois sent this bulletin at 02/07/2025 10:01 AM CST

Friday, February 7, 2025 | View in browser

Good morning,

Check out this week's Parks & Recreation e-news featuring information on release of the Spring Program Guide, Summer Camp registration, a new name for South End, Valentine's Day activities, and more.

Dog Beach Update

The Evanston Dog Beach is open. Using the Dog Beach is at your own risk and requires extra caution, especially during the winter months.

Dog Beach closure and reopening updates will be provided through the Dog Beach e-newsletter and the online beach status webpage.

Upcoming Events

Adventures in Letterboxing: February 8 & 15

Letterboxing is a fun and exciting activity that can take you on adventures to nearby natural areas and amazing places around the world! In this two-day class, parents and children (or friend pairs) will learn to become part of the letterboxing community by carving their own signature stamp, learning the letterboxing rules, making their own letterbox, and going on a hunt to find each other’s hidden caches throughout the Lighthouse Beach habitats. The fee covers each participant pair for both classes and all supplies.

Event details:

Date: Saturdays, February 8 and February 15
Hours: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Lighthouse Beach Fog Houses
Cost (two sessions): $42 R/$55 NR per participant pair
Register

Fullpower Self-Defense: February 9

Learn skills to protect yourself from assault and other dangers in this 2-hour workshop.

Event details:

Date: Sunday, February 9
Time: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Levy Senior Center
Cost: $35
Register

Block Printed Tea Towels: February 15

Learn the art and craft of block printing as we explore the techniques of carving, inking, and printing. We'll teach you how to carve a nature-inspired block print stamp and transfer the design onto a tea towel. You're welcome to bring your own printed or hand drawn design to carve, as well. Learn the skills needed to keep printing in the future as you continue to experiment with design and materials.

Event details:

Date: Saturday, February 15
Hours: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Lighthouse Beach Fog Houses
Cost: $34 R/$45 NR
Register

Free Family Game Night Celebrates Black History Month: February 21

Join the celebration at a Free Family Game Night in honor of Black History Month! Enjoy an evening of board games, trivia challenges, music, dancing, and refreshments with family and friends.

Event details:

Date: Friday, February 21
Hours: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
Cost: Free
Information: Call 847-448-8254

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.

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.

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 still open. View all our upcoming classes, workshops, school days off activities, and special events.

Infant Gymnastics with a Grownup

With a parent/guardian and our instructors’ assistance, your tot will enjoy free play on the gymnastics equipment, explore new obstacle courses, and be introduced to various age-appropriate gymnastics skills each week. This class is a great way for your little one to climb and play with supervision. Parents/guardians must attend with their child. 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.

Legendary Showdown Adult League

Calling all Evanston Basketball Legends! Adult basketball league 21+ come with your squad or register as an individual. Either way, now is the time to showcase your skills on the court. Register now.

Play Time and Drop-in Activities

Let’s Play Drop-In

Looking for a fun and flexible activity for your kids? The Prieto 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.

Host a Birthday Party at the Prieto Center

Give your kids a thrill by having their birthday party at the Prieto Community Center. We offer nature-themed experiences—and free play—for an unforgettable experience. Call 847-448-8256 for 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, January 12 through March 16
Time: 1 p.m. to 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

Call for Farmers' Market Performers

Are you a musician or performer looking for a free space to perform this summer? Apply for a space at the Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market.

Food vendors needed for Summer 2025

Seeking Bids for Boat Ramp Dredging

The Parks and Recreation is seeking bids for mechanical dredging at the Church Street Boat Ramp. For more information, please contact Linda Thomas, purchasing specialist, at lithomas@cityofevanston.org.

Upcoming Board & Committee Meetings

Dementia Friendly Committee: February 11 at 3 p.m., Levy Center
Commission on Aging & Disabilities: February 13 at 3 p.m., Levy Center
Parks & Recreation Board: February 20 at 6 p.m., Room 4900 of the Morton Civic Center
ADA Committee: February 27 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.