EPR e-News: Summer program registration, beach passes, Earth Day, upcoming events, and more

City of Evanston, Illinois sent this bulletin at 04/11/2025 10:21 AM CDT

Friday, April 11, 2025 | View in browser

Good morning,

Check out this week's Parks & Recreation e-news featuring information on Summer program registration, beach passes, Earth Day, upcoming events, and more.

Upcoming Events

Spring Sound Meditation: April 11 & May 9

Join sound meditation facilitator and musician Jay Taylor for an hour-long immersive experience. Lie back and relax as you listen to the singing bowls. The session will begin with a brief introduction and some light guided breathing. Following the meditation, the instructor will share some final thoughts on the experience. No prior experience or skills are required. Bring a yoga mat, blanket, and pillow, to make yourself comfortable.

Event details:
Date: April 11 & May 9
Hours: 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Location: Prieto Community Center
Cost: $25 R/$33 NR
Register

Dress Up Tea: April 12

Are you a fan of Bridgerton, Victoria, Downton Abbey, or any swoon-worthy period drama? Here’s your chance to don your finest attire and enjoy an elegant afternoon in the beautifully preserved 1890s Noyes Cultural Arts Center.

Sip tea, delicately nibble cookies, and bask in the charm of a bygone era. Rumor has it there may be appearances from fairies or princesses—and who knows, perhaps even a dance or two?

Admire the fashions, mingle with fellow guests, and embrace the magic of a truly timeless gathering.

Event details:
Date: Saturday, April 12
Hours: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Noyes Cultural Arts Center
Cost: $5
Register

The Old Lady Project: April 14

Attend The Old Lady Project staged readings to view this year's three winning entries. The Old Lady Project seeks to encourage development of scripts and screenplays featuring significant roles for female identifying characters over 55, a demographic mostly unseen in mainstream media. Winners will receive a staged reading of their script by professional actors.

Event details:
Date: Monday, April 14
Hours: 7 p.m.
Location: Noyes Cultural Arts Center, Piven Theatre
Cost: $10
Buy tickets

Arboretum Egg Hunt: April 19

Hop into Spring at the Annual Arboretum Egg Hunt! Explore Eggleston Park as you search for hidden eggs, then stick around for a variety of festive activities. Families can enjoy entertainment, games, face painting, and arts and crafts stations. All children must be registered in advance. Accompanying adults attend for free.

Event details:
Date: Saturday, April 19
Hours: 10 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Location: Eggleston Park
Cost: $12 R/$16 NR
Register

Earth Day Fest: April 26

Join us for a fun, free, and family-friendly Earth Day Fest at the Ladd Arboretum. Discover Evanston’s vibrant eco-community through hands-on activities, inspiring resources, and nature-filled fun.

Event details:
Date: Saturday, April 26
Time: 12 p.m.–3 p.m.
Location: Ladd Arboretum
Cost: Free

For accessibility accommodations, call 847-866-2919 or email disabilityservices@cityofevanston.org.

WOW (We're Out Walking): April 26

Step Into Spring at Evanston’s WOW Kickoff Event! Get ready to move, groove and celebrate community wellness at Evanston’s 14th annual We’re Out Walking (WOW) kickoff event. This free event kicks off the 16-week WOW program, which includes group walks, health, nutrition and fitness classes, t-shirts, and more!

This free, family-friendly event is packed with fun — enjoy a live DJ, delicious eats from the Soul & Smoke food truck, a bounce house for the kids, local fitness vendors, inspiring speakers, exciting raffles, prizes and live fitness demonstrations.

Whether you’re looking to kickstart a healthier lifestyle or just have a great time with neighbors, the WOW kickoff has something for everyone.

Event details:
Date: Saturday, April 26
Time: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Location: ETHS, Willie May Fieldhouse
Cost: Free

To register for the 16-week WOW program, visit cityofevanston.org/WOW .

My City, Your City, Our City First Friday: May 2

Head to Mason Park Evanston's “My City, Your City, Our City” First Friday event. This free, family-friendly community-building event will feature food, music, outdoor games, BINGO, basketball, an obstacle course, raffle prizes and more.

Event details:
Date: Friday, May 2
Time: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Location: Mason Park
Cost: Free

Lakeshore Shuffle 5k Run & Walk: May 3

Join us for the Lakeshore Shuffle 5K on May 3, 2025! Enjoy a scenic race along Evanston’s lakefront with stunning views of Lake Michigan. Whether you're running, walking, or using a stroller or mobility aid, everyone is welcome!

Event details:
Start/Finish: Arrington Lagoon (1647 Sheridan Rd.)
Race Time: 9 a.m. start
Packet Pick-Up: April 30–May 2 (locations vary); race-day pick-up available.
Cost: $38 R/$49 NR (No refunds for cancellations due to weather.)

This timed race includes a finisher’s medal, a mental health awareness station, and a poster-making station. Strollers require an additional fee. Spectators are welcome.

Want to volunteer? Sign up here.

Questions? Email kgrundin@cityofevanston.org.

Downtown Evanston Farmers Market Opens
May 3

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Downtown Evanston Farmers Market as the season kicks off on Saturday, May 3.

The market will be open every Saturday through November 1, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at University Place and Oak Avenue. Shoppers can enjoy fresh produce, artisan foods and live entertainment throughout the season.

Join friends and neighbors in supporting local farmers and vendors, and be part of this special milestone year for one of Evanston’s favorite traditions.

Community Sing-Along: May 7

Chandler Newberger is excited to present a Community Sing-Along — a fun and festive afternoon filled with music, movement, and community spirit!

All ages are welcome to join in singing with D65 students. Come tap your feet, sway with the beat, and enjoy a lively afternoon of music and togetherness.

Event details
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Time: 1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Chandler Newberger North Gym

This is a FREE event, but registration is required. Call 847-448-8252 to register.

Mother’s Day House Walk: May 11

Celebrate five decades of history and community at the Evanston History Center’s 50th annual Mother’s Day House Walk. This beloved tradition invites attendees to step inside some of Evanston’s most stunning and historically significant homes, each offering a unique story.

The selected homes showcase architectural significance, rich histories and beautifully preserved interiors.

The event will also feature a trolley service, snacks at the Arrington Lagoon Café, a plein air paint-out with Evanston Made on the Dawes House grounds, commemorative totes, live music and more.

Event details:
Date: Sunday, May 11 (Mother’s Day)
Time: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Various historic homes throughout Evanston
Cost: $45 - $65
Buy tickets

Honeypot: May 17 – June 1

Presented by the Wirtz Center at Northwestern University and Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, Honeypot is a powerful and poetic stage adaptation of E. Patrick Johnson’s groundbreaking book, adapted by D. Soyini Madison and co-directed by Madison and Tim Rhoze.

Blending oral history with magical realism, Honeypot gives voice to the real-life stories of Black Southern women who love women. Through vivid storytelling, original music, and choreography, these women’s experiences—ranging from coming out and love to faith, family, and activism—unfold in a deeply moving exploration of identity, resilience, and joy.

Event details:
Performance schedule:
Saturday, May 17, 7 p.m. – Preview
Sunday, May 18, 3 p.m. – Opening
Saturday, May 24, 7 p.m.
Sunday, May 25, 3 p.m.
Saturday, May 31, 7 p.m.
Sunday, June 1, 3 p.m.
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre
Cost: Students - $10; general admission - $30
Get tickets

After School and Days Off Programs

Registration for 2025-2026 Afterschool Programs Now Open!

Registration is now open for afterschool programs for the 2025-2026 school year. We offer two outstanding programs: Kid Zone at Fleetwood-Jourdain and Afterschool Adventure at Robert Crown. Register on April 1 at cityofevanston.org/recreation.

Robert Crown Day Off Camp: April 18

Make sure your child has a day filled with fun and engagement at the Robert Crown Day Off School Camp on April 18. This all-day camp is for ages 5 - 12. Please pack a nut free lunch. Appropriate shoes/outdoor clothing are required. An afternoon snack will be provided. Register.

April Day Off School Camp

With no school on April 18th, enjoy a day full of nature camp activities! We will learn how to go birding, play nature games, visit with live animals, make nature crafts, enjoy themed stories, and outdoor exploration. Please pack a nut free lunch. An afternoon snack will be provided. Register online or call the Ecology Center at (847) 448-8256.

Summer Camp Spotlight

Learn-to-Row Camps

Experience the power of teamwork and learn the fundamentals of rowing with our expert coaches! This fun, inclusive, and safe camp will teach you how to row as a unit while building confidence and new skills on the water.

Session dates and times:
June 16–20 & June 23–27 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m. & 6 p.m.–8 p.m.
July 7–11 | 6 p.m.–8 p.m.
Cost: $100 (free for students who qualify for free or reduced-price school lunch)
Who Can Join? Rising 7th and 8th graders living in Evanston.

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.

Classes & Programs

Registration for our Spring programming is still open. View all our upcoming classes, workshops, school days off activities, and special events.

Join Evanston’s Synchronized Skating Teams

Interested in being part of a synchronized skating team? Evanston offers exciting opportunities through our Aspire and International Judging System (IJS) level synchro skating programs.

The U.S. Figure Skating Aspire program serves as a bridge between learn-to-skate group classes and full U.S. Figure Skating membership. Designed to develop both athleticism and artistry, Aspire builds a strong foundation for success—on and off the ice. The program includes power skills, freeskate-level instruction, off-ice conditioning and parent education sessions.

Summer Madness 2K25 Youth Basketball Tournament

Get ready for Summer Madness 2K25, Evanston’s premier youth basketball tournament. Known for its tough, gritty play, this event brings together boys and girls for spirited competition and team-building.

Participants will battle for the gold while learning key values like sportsmanship, perseverance and teamwork. It’s a high-energy mix of fun and hard work where iron sharpens iron—and only the most unified team rises to the top.

Rookie Division (Kindergarten–2nd Grade)
Our youngest athletes will participate in a unique blend of skill development and gameplay. Each session is split between guided drills and competitive scrimmages, helping players build a strong foundation while having fun on the court.

Summer Madness Adult Basketball League

Looking for a competitive and fun way to kick off your week this summer? Look no further than Evanston’s Summer Madness Adult Basketball League.

Gather your crew and hit the court for a season of fast-paced games, team spirit and bragging rights. Whether you're chasing the title or just looking to stay active, this league is your shot to be crowned Royalty of the Court.

Play Time and Drop-in Activities

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:

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.

Tennis/Pickleball Outdoor Court Reservations

The outdoor tennis/pickleball court nets are up, and so is our online court reservation system. Secure your spot in advance at cityofevanston.org/courts. The courts are still available for free play on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ecology Birthday Parties

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 birthday experience. We are now booking May-July birthday parties. Call 847-448-8256 for information or f

Fill out a party request form at: Ecology Birthday Party at Prieto Community Center Request Form

Dementia Friendly Tip Sheet

This month's tip sheet answers some frequently asked questions and introduces resources for those living with dementia.

Get Involved

Volunteer with the Ecology Center

We are so grateful to all of our wonderful volunteers who have supported us recently, including those who helped paint wooden eggs for our Egg Hunt event. Your time and effort make a huge difference!

Looking ahead, we have more exciting volunteer opportunities available! You can help with special event support, garden workdays, and various program activities. If you’re interested in getting involved, visit our Volunteer Page to learn more and sign up for upcoming dates.

Thank you again to all our volunteers – we couldn’t do it without you!

Help Shape the Future of Evanston’s Parks and Green Spaces

The City invites community members to review and provide feedback on the Draft Parks and Green Space Strategic Plan—a forward-thinking framework that will guide the future of Evanston’s parks and recreation system for years to come.

This comprehensive plan was developed through in-depth data analysis and meaningful community engagement. It outlines key goals to ensure Evanston’s parks, green spaces, and recreational facilities continue to meet the evolving needs of our community.

Key priorities include:

Creating recreation programming that reflects community interests
Recommending infrastructure and investment priorities
Identifying new amenities and park enhancements
Improving vegetation maintenance and green space management
Supporting capital grant applications
Establishing a long-term capital investment strategy
Integrating green infrastructure where appropriate

Community members are encouraged to review the draft plan and submit feedback and comments by May 9, 2025.

Sensory Tool Drive for Autism Acceptance Month

In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, the City of Evanston is collecting new or gently used sensory items through its Sensory Tool Drive, running from April 1 to April 18.

Donations will be used to create Sensory Toolkits for the Evanston Police Department and the Community Assistance Response and Engagement (C.A.R.E.) Team. These kits will help support autistic and neurodivergent individuals during emergency situations by promoting calm, focus and self-regulation.

Suggested donation items include noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools that spin or squish, weighted lap pads, comfort items such as small stuffed animals, and small notebooks or whiteboards.

Donations can be dropped off at any Evanston community center. For more information, contact Lauren Ruiz, manager of the Inclusion & Accessibility Division and ADA coordinator, at lruiz@cityofevanston.org or (847) 424-5496.

Upcoming Board & Committee Meetings

Dementia Friendly Committee: April 8 at 3 p.m., Levy Center
Commission on Aging & Disabilities: April 10 at 3 p.m., Evanston Public Library
Parks & Recreation Board: April 17 at 6 p.m., Robert Crown
ADA Committee: April 24 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

Support Evanston Parks & Recreation

Your donation will help support lakefront upkeep and the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theater.

Donate now

Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend,

The City of Evanston’s Parks and Recreation Team

Parks, Recreation and Community Services

2100 Ridge Ave., Evanston, IL 60201
847-448-4311

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