Friday, February 14, 2025 | View in browser
Good morning,
Check out this week's Parks & Recreation e-news featuring information registration for registration for Summer Camp and Spring programs, free Black History Month events, and more.
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Register for Spring Classes and Events
Registration for Spring classes and events is now open for Evanston residents and opens for non-residents on February 17. Find upcoming classes, events, and programs in our 2025 Spring Program Guide.
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 Register Now for Summer Camp
Evanston Parks & Rec Summer Camp is filling up FAST! Don’t let your little explorer miss out on a summer packed with fun, friends, and unforgettable memories. Spots are going fast—register today!
Online and in-person registration is open now for Evanston residents and non-residents.
Register at cityofevanston.org/register.
Find the perfect fit for your kids in the 2025 Summer Camp Guide:
Summer Camp Guide in English
Summer Camp Guide in Spanish
 Dog Beach Passes Available February 17
The Evanston Parks & Recreation Department is pleased to announce that the Evanston Dog Beach will officially open for the 2025 season on Saturday, March 1.
The dog beach, located just south of Clark Street Beach (1811 Sheridan Rd.), is open seasonally from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. All patrons must have a valid dog beach pass to enter.
Purchasing a Dog Beach Pass
Dog beach passes will be available in person beginning Monday, February 19 on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the following locations:
- Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave.
- Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St.
- Chandler-Newberger Community Center, 1028 Central St.
- Prieto Community Center, 430 Asbury Ave.
- Robert Crown Community Center, 1801 Main St. (Dog beach passes available from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily at Robert Crown only)
Dog beach passes are free for residents (60201 and 60202 only), and are $200 (1st dog) and $75 (2nd dog) for non-residents. Individuals will need to bring a completed vaccination verification form for their pet.
Dog Beach closures and updates are provided through the Dog Beach e-newsletter and the online beach status webpage.
 Happy Valentine's Day!
The Evanston Ecology Center team rounded up some local critters to help spread the love! Whether you're celebrating with a special someone, family, friends—or your own furry (or scaly!) companions—we hope your day is filled with joy, kindness, and plenty of heart.
💌💖 Wishing you a love-filled day from all of us at Evanston Parks & Recreation!
 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
 Needle Felted Scent Diffusers: February 20
Learn the basics of needle felting by creating your own wool scent diffusers—an eco-friendly way to freshen spaces like a bathroom, office, car or laundry hamper. Participants will craft seasonal-shaped diffusers, such as a charming hedgehog, using wool and needle-felting techniques. They will also choose from a variety of essential oil scents to add to their creations. Children must be accompanied by an enrolled adult.
Event details:
Date: Thursday, February 20
Hours: 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Location: Prieto Community Center
Cost: $35 R/$46 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
 That Art Thing We Do, A Conversation with Black Evanston Artists: February 22
Join us for That Art Thing We Do, a compelling on-stage conversation with three Black Evanston artists. Hear their stories, creative inspirations, and unique perspectives in an engaging discussion that celebrates Evanston’s thriving artistic community.
A post-event reception will feature light appetizers, wine, and live music.
This free community event is open to all.
Event details:
Date: Saturday, February 22
Hours: 7 p.m.
Location: Noyes Cultural Arts Center
Cost: Free, but please reserve a spot
 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.
 Maple Syruping 101: February 22
Late winter is the season of sap! Learn the basics of identifying maple trees, the science behind sap flow, and how to tap trees and make maple syrup on your own property. Participants will also receive a tapping kit and guide to help them get started. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Event details:
Date: Saturday, February 22
Hours: 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Lighthouse Beach Fog Houses
Cost: $20 R/$26 NR
Register
 DIY Beeswax Wraps: February 27
Learn how to make your own reusable beeswax wrap—both stylish and practical—while saving money and reducing plastic use. Ecology Center staff will provide materials and instructions. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Event details:
Date: Thursday, February 27
Hours: 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Location: Prieto Community Center
Cost: $18 R/$24 NR
Register
 Summer Sports Camp
Team sports, exciting field trips, beach days, and plenty of action-packed fun await at Sports Camp! Campers will develop their skills through a mix of instruction and play, fostering individual growth in a supportive and engaging environment.
Whether aiming for personal bests or just enjoying the game, every camper will have the chance to build confidence, make new friends and, most importantly, have a blast! Register now.
 Vacation Adventure: March 24-28
“Take off” from the Robert Crown “airport” for a fun-filled vacation of active play and exploration. Participants will create passports and explore different countries to learn about their food, art and culture. Each day will feature an art project, food sampling and music representative of the country being visited. Please pack a peanut-free lunch. An afternoon snack will be provided. 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 our upcoming classes, workshops, school days off activities, and special events.
 Join the Game Time Kids Youth Dodgeball League
Led by experienced coaches who accommodate all skill levels, this league keeps the action exciting with different dodgeball variations—ensuring fun, engagement, and skill-building.
Kids will develop agility, quick decision-making, leadership, and teamwork—all while playing with soft dodgeballs for safety. Teams will compete throughout the season to determine playoff seeding, leading up to an epic playoff showdown and championship match. Register now.
 Spring Youth Boxing: Train Your Mind and Body
Looking for a way to boost confidence, improve focus and build strength? Spring Youth Boxing is the perfect opportunity to sharpen both mind and body while learning the fundamentals of the sport.
Boxing isn’t just about throwing punches—it’s about discipline, agility and mental toughness. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, our program teaches essential techniques while emphasizing self-control and perseverance. Register now.
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.
 Drop-in Fitness at Robert Crown
Looking for a fun and flexible way to stay active? Robert Crown Community Center is now offering drop-in fitness classes—no pre-registration required!
Cardio Strength for Adults – Jump-start your day with a high-energy workout on Wednesdays from 7 to 8 a.m. Cost is $20 per class.
Active Play for Kids – Let the little ones burn off some energy with engaging activities on Saturdays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $15 per class.
Join us for a great workout—just drop in and get moving!
 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:
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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.
 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:
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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!
 Are You a Gymnastics Coach? Join Our Team!
Evanston is seeking competitive gymnastics coaches. Interested? Contact Kathryn Dolan at 847-448-8680.
 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
Sign up as a food vendor for our popular Starlight Series of free summer movies and concerts. Apply now.
 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.
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
Prieto 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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