Friday, March 14, 2025 | View in browser
Good morning,
Check out this week's Parks & Recreation e-news featuring information on Spring break camps, Arrington Lagoon Cafe hours, registration for Summer Camp and Spring programs, and more.
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Register 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!
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 New Hours for Arrington Lagoon Cafe
Starting March 15, the Arrington Lagoon Café (1631 Sheridan Road) will be serving up delicious breakfast items, snacks, and drinks from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., Tuesday–Sunday!
Enjoy your morning by the lagoon now through April 13—and stay tuned for expanded hours as we roll into late spring and summer!
 Free Financial Literacy Workshops: March and April
Take control of your finances with our engaging Financial Literacy Workshop series. Hosted at the Ecology Center, these sessions cover essential financial topics to help you reach your personal goals.
Workshop Schedule:
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Session 1: Personal Finance Objectives – March 15
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Session 2: Increasing Income – March 18 and March 22
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Session 3: Planning and Budgeting – April 5
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Session 4: Savings & Payment Accounts – April 8 and April 12
Sessions are offered Tuesdays from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Join one or all sessions—no prior knowledge required.
The workshops are free but registration is required.
 Much Ado About Nothing: March 14-16
Get ready for an unforgettable performance as the young actors of Evanston Children’s Theatre take the stage in Much Ado About Nothing! This classic Shakespearean comedy, filled with witty banter, mistaken identities, and romance, is brought to life by a talented cast of local youth.
Event details:
Date: Friday-Sunday, March 14-16
Hours: March 14, 7 p.m.; March 15, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., March 16, 3 p.m.
Location: Levy Senior Center
Cost: $12
Get tickets now.
 Silent Disco - Dance Like Nobody’s Listening: March 14
Experience the ultimate dance party—in complete silence! Well…almost. Join us for a Silent Disco, where you control the music through wireless headphones and switch between multiple DJ channels. Whether you’re into pop, hip-hop, or throwback jams, there’s a beat for everyone!
Food, beer and wine will be available for purchase at the event.
Event details:
Date: Friday, March 14
Hours:6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Location: Robert Crown Community Center
Cost: $9 R/$12 NR
Register
 Wild & Scenic Film Festival: March 14
The Wild & Scenic Film Festival, an annual event celebrating environmental activism and storytelling, returns to Evanston this spring. Hosted in collaboration with the Evanston Environmental Association (EEA) and the City of Evanston, the festival showcases inspiring films that highlight the beauty of nature and the importance of conservation.
Event details:
Date: Friday, March 14
Hours: 7 p.m.
Location: Rotary International, 1560 Sherman Ave.
Cost: $15
Get tickets
 Create with Critters: March 15
Meet live critters from the Ecology Center and study them up close while creating art inspired by their unique shapes and physical adaptations. Each class features a different animal-themed project, including clay turtles in March and leopard gecko camouflage-inspired beaded lizard keychains in April.
Event details:
Dates/Times: March 15 (2-3:30pm) & April 5 (10-11:30am)
Location: Prieto Community Center
Cost: $17 R/$22 NR per class
Register
 Plant A Flower Day: March 15
Celebrate National Plant a Flower Day with a flower “paint and plant” workshop! Participants will decorate a terracotta flower pot and receive soil and flower seedlings to create their own unique arrangements. The fee includes a flower pot, flowers and decorating supplies. Caregiver and child pairs are welcome to sign up together or separately.
Event details:
Date: March 15
Hours: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Location: Levy Center (Hackberry Room)
Cost: $28 R/$37 NR
Register
 Spring Equinox Campfire: March 21
Celebrate the first full day of spring with a campfire at Lighthouse Beach, complete with s’mores! We will participate in spring equinox traditions that incorporate nature and celebrate the return of longer days, flowers, birds, and the growing season.
Event details:
Date: March 21
Hours: 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Location: Lighthouse Beach Fire Circle
Cost: $12 R/$16 NR
Register
 Cardio Drumming: March 27
Join us at the Levy Senior Center for a high-energy cardio drumming class. This fun, interactive workout blends drumming and cardio exercises, improving coordination, boosting heart health and reducing stress. The class is open to all fitness levels, with no experience necessary, and all equipment provided. Registration is required, and space is limited.
Event details:
Date: Thursday, March 27
Hours: 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Levy Senior Center
Cost: $22 Levy member/$30 non-member
Registration: In person, online, or call 847-448-8250
 Flight & Aerodynamics Spring Break Camps
Discover the Thrill of Flight and Drones. Students will explore the principles of flight, engineering, and innovation. From designing and testing aerodynamic models to piloting drones, this hands-on experience will spark creativity, critical thinking, and a love for STEM. Register now.
 Ecology Spring Break Camp: March 24-28
Celebrate spring break with a fun exploration of nature. Campers will learn about biomimicry, dream up inventions and build creations inspired by nature’s designs and animal engineers. Each day brings a new adventure, featuring games, crafts, critter visits and a field trip to the Museum of Science and Industry. Afternoon snacks will be provided. Dress for the weather and bring a nut-free lunch. 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.
 Vacation Adventure Jr.: March 24-28
In our "junior" edition of Vacation Adventure, our smallest explorers will be introduced to the "around the world" experience through play based exploration of music, art, dance, food and culture from lands afar. Small groups are formed to promote individualized attention and social distancing. Children 3 and older must be toilet trained. Register now.
 Wildflower Camp (Ages 3-4 yrs)
Join a two-week session of the Ecology Center for Wildflower Summer Camp. Children, ages 3-4 years, will enjoy a summer of adventures in nature. This preschool program is designed to develop small and large motor skills, creativity, and imagination while exploring science and the joys of nature. Daily activities combine outdoor exploration with play, crafts, stories, songs, critter visits with live animals, and other nature discoveries. Register now.
 Spanish Summer Camp
Spanish Summer Camp offers a fun and immersive experience where children explore Spanish through games, music, art, and interactive activities. Campers will gain confidence in speaking Spanish while enjoying a dynamic and engaging environment. Register now.
 Chicago Bulls Youth Hoops Summer Camp
Registration is open for Bulls Kid Nation Summer Camps & Clinics, which take place August 11-15. Join us at programs this summer in Evanston and across the area. Youth Hoops programs give kids of all skill levels ages 5-14 the opportunity to take their game to the next level by learning and practicing the fundamentals of basketball including shooting, dribbling, defense, and more. Register for Evanston camps:
 Pay for Camp by May 5
As we prepare for an amazing season, we want to remind you to complete your camp payment by the May 5, 2025, deadline to secure your spot.
Important: Any participant with an unpaid balance after May 5 will be removed from their camp group. If you register for a camp after this date, payment will be required in full at checkout.
How to Pay Your Balance Online
- Visit cityofevanston.org/register
- Log into your Online Recreation account
- Click your name/account number in the top right
- Select "Pay Balances" to complete your payment
Need financial assistance? Evanston offers a sliding scale fee assistance program for Summer Camps. Learn more.
Registration for our winter programming is still open. View all our upcoming classes, workshops, school days off activities, and special events.
 Indoor Skating Alternatives
The two ice sheets at the Robert Crown Community Center are currently closed due to an unexpected mechanical failure. During this time, patrons can still access the walking track, other programming, and other non-ice facilities, which will operate according to their regularly scheduled hours.
Our goal is to ensure that repairs are completed quickly so that all scheduled programming may resume as soon as conditions permit. While we work to reopen the ice, above are locations of skating locations in neighboring towns.
We apologize for any inconvenience this closure might cause and will provide updates as they become available.
 Ecology Spring Nature Classes
Join the Ecology Center for two early childhood nature classes this spring at the Lighthouse Beach Fog House classrooms!
Forest School Play Group: Sun, flowers, water, bugs and birds—spring is one of the best times to discover nature’s amazing changes. Using the Forest School model, we’ll go on an adventure, exploring the natural world through building, inventing, running, climbing, discovering and imaginative play. Parents must attend with children under 3.
Saplings & Oaks: In this activity-structured early learning class, children and caregivers will explore nature through stories, crafts, games, science discovery and imaginative play. Each week features a different spring theme. Classes are primarily outdoors, weather permitting.
Register online for Forest School Play Group and Saplings & Oaks or by calling the Ecology Center at (847) 448-8256.
 Join the Action: 4th and 5th Grade Elite Flag Football League
Sign up today for the 4th and 5th Grade Flag Football Elite League. The season includes a five-game regular schedule followed by an exciting playoff tournament in the final week. All players receive an official league jersey. The championship team will earn medals and a team trophy. Register now.
 4th and 5th Grade Soccer League
Sign your child up for the exciting 4th and 5th Grade Soccer League! Teams will compete in a six-game season. Times of games vary weekly between 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Register by March 24. Register now.
 4th and 5th Grade Tennis League
Register your child for the 4th and 5th Grade Tennis League. Practices begin the week of March 31, with weekly sessions guided by dedicated instructors. Matches will be held on Sundays at Evanston Township High School starting April 6. Match times vary weekly between noon and 3 p.m. Whether new or experienced, all players are welcome to join this fun and friendly league. Register now.
 4th and 5th Grade Track: Get Ready, Set, Run
Sign your child up for the 4th and 5th Grade Track program. Volunteer coaches and school organizers will lead practices, teaching track fundamentals and fostering teamwork. Participants will gain confidence and improve their athletic skills while having fun. All ability levels are welcome. Join us this season to encourage fitness, friendly competition and sportsmanship. Register now.
 Brazilian Soccer Skills Clinic
Give your young athlete the opportunity to train with some of the most experienced international coaches at the Brazilian Soccer Skills Clinic! Hosted by the Brazilian United Soccer Academy, this premier training program runs on Tuesdays from April 8 to May 20.
Designed to enhance technical, tactical, and physical skills, the clinic also fosters personal development beyond the game. Coaches recognize the unique qualities of each player, shaping not only their performance on the field but also their growth as individuals. Register now.
 Step Into the Ring: Senior Boxing
Join our new Senior Boxing program, specially designed for adults age 60 and older. Instructor Mark Carlson will lead this exciting spring class focused on building strength, boosting endurance, teaching self-defense skills and relieving stress. All fitness levels are welcome—no experience necessary! 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.
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DFEI Tip Sheet April 2025
Sharing a dementia diagnosis isn't easy. Learn tips on how to talk to children about dementia. Learn more.
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 Upcoming Board & Committee Meetings
- Dementia Friendly Committee: March 11 at 3 p.m., Levy Center
- Commission on Aging & Disabilities: March 13 at 3 p.m., Levy Center
- Parks & Recreation Board: March 20 at 6 p.m., Levy Center
- ADA Committee: March 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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