e-News: New parking pilot, beach passes, and more!

City of Evanston, Illinois sent this bulletin at 04/03/2025 06:27 PM CDT

Thursday, April 3, 2025 | View in browser

Good afternoon,

Read below for information about the 1st Saturday 3-Hour Free Parking Pilot, beach passes, parks and recreation highlights, and more!

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First Saturday Free 3-Hour Parking Pilot

Evanston City Council passed a First Saturday Free Parking Pilot to boost local business access and economic growth. From Saturday, April 5 through the end of the year, metered parking will be free from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month.

How it works: During these designated hours, parking meters will not require payment, and a message will be displayed on the ParkEvanston app to inform drivers. No codes or special actions will be needed.

Limitations & exclusions: The free parking offer applies only to metered parking spaces and does not include parking garages or lots. Parking outside of these hours will be subject to standard rates.

Pick up your 2025 Beach Passes on April 14

Get ready for beach season! Starting April 14, season beach passes will be available. Swimming beaches will open Memorial Day weekend.

Beach passes/daily tickets are a must! Even though beaches will be free to Evanston residents again this year, all beach patrons must present a season beach pass or daily ticket to enter the beach.

Where can I pick up my pass? Starting April 14, passes may be picked up with proof of residency (60201 and 60202) from the Robert Crown Community Center, Levy Center, Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, Chandler-Newberger Community Center, and Prieto Community Center.

What if I don't live in Evanston? Non-Evanston residents must purchase a season beach pass or daily beach ticket to access Evanston's swimming beaches. Learn more.

All things parks & recreation!

Looking for a summer gig? Join the Evanston Parks and Recreation team! The department is hiring for a variety of fun and rewarding roles, including camp counselors, lifeguards, park maintenance staff, gate attendants, inclusion assistants, and more. Apply today.

Help shape the future of our parks and green spaces: The City's Draft Parks and Green Space Strategic Plan is now available for review. We want your feedback! Share your comments online by May 9. This long-term plan outlines how we’ll invest in and care for our parks for years to come!

Summer programming awaits! The Summer Program Guide will be published on Mon., April 7, featuring a range of classes, programs, and events for all ages. Registration opens for Evanston residents on April 14.

Spring clean with free Bulk Trash Pickup

Dispose of bulk items this spring as part of the City's Bulk Trash Pickup program! Collections take place on Fridays, April 4 through 25, according to residents' normal refuse pickup day.

Did you receive your City Services Guide in the mail? If not, check out our online version or pick up a copy at one of our community centers. This helpful guide contains street cleaning maps and schedules, and other public works, refuse, and forestry information.

More News and Events

☕ Get to know members of the C.A.R.E. team

Join the Evanston Crisis Alternative Response Evanston team for coffee and conversation on the first Tuesday of every month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stop by, sip coffee, and discuss community issues in a relaxed setting.

Savor global flavors on Central Street

Participate in Central Street Evanston’s first Restaurant Week, April 7-13! Enjoy special menus from 13 local spots, from French and Asian cuisine to pub grub, pizza, and desserts. Plus, get two free hours of parking along Central Street; no codes or check-ins are needed.

Donate sensory tools for Autism Acceptance Month

Drop off new or gently used sensory items through April 18 at any Evanston Community Center. These tools will help create Sensory Toolkits for the Police Department and C.A.R.E. team, providing support for Autistic and Neurodivergent individuals during emergencies.

Take the Reparations Business Climate Survey

The City’s Reparations Committee is surveying Evanston business owners to understand local business challenges. If you're an Evanston-based business, complete the survey to help inform policy and support growth.

A message about REAL IDs

Due to an increased demand for REAL IDs, the Illinois Secretary of State is encouraging folks to make sure they truly need one before the enforcement date on May 7. U.S. passports, Global Entry cards, military IDs, and individuals under 18 are not required to have a REAL ID for domestic flights or federal facility access. More info.

🚧 North Shore Sewer Rehabilitation Project to Begin April 7

Inliner Solutions will begin the North Shore Sewer Rehabilitation Project on April 7, installing three manholes along Sheridan Road. Expect traffic delays and lane closures, with work anticipated to be completed by May 5.

Traffic disruptions expected near NU Jacobs Center, April 4-11

From April 4 to April 11, NU contractors will begin excavation at the southwest corner of Jacobs Center (Sheridan and Foster), with 15-20 trucks expected daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Trucks will enter via Foster across Sheridan, causing brief traffic disruptions with flaggers.

Save the Date: District 65 Community Conversations

District 65 is seeking input on potential school closures or consolidations. Join in-person meetings to discuss how to reimagine and reinvest for the future of public education in Evanston/Skokie:

April 10, 6:30-8 p.m. at Chute Middle School
April 11, 9:30-11 a.m. at Fleetwood Jourdain Community Center
April 15, 6:30-8 p.m. at Nichols Middle School.

Get Engaged

Community Calendar

Breaking ground for Northlight Theatre

Photo credit: Greg Inda

#ICYMI - Northlight Theatre officially broke ground last week on its future home at 1012 Church St. in Evanston! Nearly 100 people from Northlight and the City of Evanston gathered to celebrate the milestone.

While it may be an empty lot now, this marks the exciting beginning of construction for Northlight’s new home after nearly three decades in Skokie.
With $26.2 million raised toward the $32 million project, the new venue will feature 285 seats, state-of-the-art tech, a box office, bar/café, rehearsal space, and gathering areas for the community to enjoy.