Friday, May 23, 2025  |  View in browser

Good morning, 

Check out this week's Parks & Recreation e-news featuring information on beaches, summer free lunch, summer programs, upcoming events, and more.

Top Stories

Beaches Open May 24—Get Your Beach Passes!

Evanston’s public swimming beaches will officially open for the season on Saturday, May 24—and beach passes are now available.

To ensure all community members have access to our beautiful lakefront, the City of Evanston is offering free season beach passes to Evanston residents (ZIP codes 60201 & 60202). Residents can pick up passes for their household by providing proof of residency.

Passes will be available at Dempster Street Beach office from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and during regular business hours at the following locations:

• Robert Crown Community Center

• Levy Senior Center

• Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center

• Chandler-Newberger Community Center

• Prieto Community Center

New for 2025: Families who live outside of Evanston but have students enrolled in School District 65 or ETHS are now also eligible to receive free season beach passes.

Non-Evanston residents who are not eligible for free passes must purchase a season pass or daily beach ticket to enjoy Evanston’s swimming beaches.

No Throw Zones: This summer, "No Throw Zones" have been expanded at all swimming beaches. These designated areas offer a quieter space free of airborne recreational equipment like balls, frisbees, and kites. Signs and mobi-mats (blue accessible paths) will mark the zones. For more details, visit the City’s Accessibility web page.

For more information, visit cityofevanston.org/beaches or call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents can simply dial 311 while in Evanston.

Meet Our New Accessibility Advisors

The City’s Parks & Recreation Inclusion & Accessibility Division is thrilled to welcome two new team members: Trent Oatman and Alice Eakes. As Accessibility Advisors, Trent and Alice will support the City’s ADA Coordinator by providing accessibility training, evaluating programs and facilities, and helping make Evanston more inclusive for all.

A resident since 2024, Trent brings lived experience as an Autistic individual with Cerebral Palsy. He’s passionate about educating the community on the ADA and creating a more disability-friendly Evanston.

A longtime Evanston homeowner, Alice has been blind most of her life and uses a guide dog. She brings years of advocacy experience and is committed to improving access to City resources and events for everyone.

Free Summer Meals for Kids and Teens

This summer, Evanston is offering free breakfast and lunch for youth ages 1–18 at convenient locations across the city—no sign-up or income requirements needed! Just drop in!

Dates: June 9 – August 8
Days: Monday–Friday
Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
No service on June 19 and July 4

Meal Sites:

• Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
• Robert Crown Community Center
• Mason Park
• Dawes School

Improvements Made to Bent Park

We’re excited to announce that Bent Park, 2524 Cowper Ave., has been refreshed and is ready for you to enjoy! Recent improvements include a complete upgrade to the park’s washroom facilities—just in time for summer fun.

Join us as we celebrate the park’s reopening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, May 23 at 2 p.m. All community members are welcome.

Celebrate World Bee Day with Us!

In honor of World Bee Day (May 20), our Ecology team is sharing a buzz-worthy video series straight from the Evanston apiary! Learn fascinating honeybee facts and get answers to your top bee questions, including:

• Why do bee colonies have only one queen?

• What should you do if a bee flies near you?

• What happens when a bee stings you?

• How do bees select a queen?

• Why do bees swarm?

Watch the full series on our Instagram, Facebook and Youtube channels and join the conversation as we highlight the vital role bees play in our ecosystem.

Want to dive deeper?
Register for our Honeybees 101 Workshop on Friday, May 31, 2–3:30 p.m. at the Eggleston Park Apiary.

Let’s keep the buzz going—and protect our pollinators!

Upcoming Events

Family Fishing Basics: May 23

Have you ever wanted to take family or friends fishing but aren’t sure where to start? Perfect! Bring your enthusiasm and we’ll teach you everything you need to know in this introductory course. Instruction, equipment, and bait are provided. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. An Illinois fishing license is required for anyone actively fishing that is 16 years or older.

Event details
Date: Friday, May 23
Time: 6:30-8pm
Location: Lovelace Park Pond
Cost: $10 R/$13 NR
Register online or call (847) 448-8256.

Honeypot: thru 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.

Performance schedule: 
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

Levy Center Free Class Week: May 27 - June 1

Discover your new favorite way to stay active! From May 27 through June 1, the Levy Senior Center is offering a full week of free fitness classes—including strength training, cardio, Zumba, SilverSneakers, tai chi, and yoga—for those 55 years and up.

No registration is needed to attend in person—just show up and join the fun. View class descriptions.

Prefer to participate virtually? Registration is required for hybrid classes. Simply call the Levy front desk at 847-448-8250 or stop by to sign up.

Family Campfire: May 30 & 31

Join Ecology Center staff and other families for our fun-filled family campfires with a variety of nature themes! Each evening includes stories or songs, nature activities, and the ever-popular s’mores.

Event details
Date: Friday and Saturday, May 30 and May 31
Time: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Lighthouse Beach Fire Circle
Cost: $10 R/$13 NR
Register online or call (847) 448-8256.

Honeybees 101 Workshop: May 31

Join us for Honeybees 101, an engaging, hands-on introduction to the world of honeybees! Learn about these essential pollinators and their role in our ecosystem. Participants will get up close with a beehive and gain beginner beekeeping knowledge.

Event details
Date: Saturday, May 31
Time: 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Eggleston Park
Cost: $20 R/$26 NR
Register

Evanston Rides: May 31, June 3

Downtown Evanston is teaming up with Evanston Transit Alliance and Chicago Family Biking/Evanston Kidical Mass to bring a full season of community bike rides from May through October 2025.

The Evanston Rides series features two monthly ride options designed for all ages and experience levels:

• Adult rides led by Evanston Transit Alliance

• Family rides led by Chicago Family Biking and Evanston Kidical Mass

Each ride will start, end or pass through Downtown Evanston. All rides are free, but participants are asked to register in advance to help organizers prepare. Helmets are required.

First Rides of the Season:

• Family Ride, Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m.
• Adult Social Ride, Tuesday, June 3, 5:30 p.m.

Explore ride schedule and register.

Blissful Sound Meditation: June 4

Join us on Wednesday, June 4 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for a peaceful 90-minute acoustic sound meditation with Preston Klik. Held in the Levy Senior Center courtyard, this immersive experience features soothing tones from gongs, crystal bowls, flutes, and more. This is designed to gently guide you into deep relaxation. All equipment is provided, just bring yourself.

Event details
Date: Wednesday, June 4
Time: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Levy Senior Center
Cost: $45 R/$59 NR
Register

First Fridays: June 6

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

Event details
Date: Friday, June 6
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Mason Park (Church Street and Florence Avenue)
Cost: Free

Summer Jam and Lit Fest: June 7

Join us for the Summer Jam and Lit Fest for a lively afternoon filled with live music, food, creativity and fun activities for all ages. Come jam with us and celebrate community, culture, and creativity.

Event details
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Fleetwood Jourdain Community Center
Cost: Free, but please register online

Glow in the Park: July 11

Join us for Glow in the Park – a nighttime dance party like no other! First 100 people to register get a FREE swag bag!

Black lights, neon paint, and rockin' music combine for a glowing good nighttime dance party! Dance to the beat, paint yourself with glow paint, and take a photo in a blacklight photo booth.

Event details
Date: Friday, July 11
Time: 7–10 p.m.
Location: Ingraham Park
Cost: $6 R / $8 NR
Register

Lakefront News and Activities

Accepting Applications for Church Street
Boat Launch

Get ready for boating season! Submit your application to secure your spot at the Church Street Boat Launch. Complete an online application and a City of Evanston Recreation staff member will reach out to you for payment.

Permits are available at the Dempster Street Beach Office May 10  thru Labor Day. The beach office is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from May 10-June 6, and then 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. starting June 7. Learn more.

Guest Beach Tickets Now Available for Evanston Residents

Planning a beach day with out-of-town friends or family? Evanston residents can now purchase discounted daily guest beach tickets for just $5 each to share the summer fun!

Key details:

• $5 per ticket

• Limit of 20 guest tickets per household per season

• Only residents in ZIP codes 60201 or 60202 are eligible

• Tickets must be purchased directly by the Evanston resident

• Proof of residency is required at the time of purchase

Guest tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day of your visit.

Questions? Call 311.

Arrington Lagoon Café Hours

Grab a bite by the beach! Evanston’s Arrington Lagoon Café, 1631 Sheridan Road, is now open Tuesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by for your morning coffee, a sweet treat, or a lakeside lunch while soaking in those beautiful Evanston views!

Downtown Evanston Farmer's Market

Farmer's Market Open Every Saturday thru November 1

Join us every Saturday through November 1, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (early shopping for seniors & those with disabilities starts at 7 a.m.) at University Place & Oak Ave, behind the Hilton Garden Inn.

• Named Best Farmers Market – Suburbs by Better Chicago, this season is packed with: 70+ local vendors
• Live music every market day
• Spud Club 
• Fresh produce, flowers, cheeses, baked goods & more

Shop local, eat fresh, and celebrate 50 years of Evanston tradition. Learn more.

Starlight Movies and Concerts Schedule

2025 Free Starlight Concert and Movie Series Begins in June

Evanston's 2025 Starlight Concert & Movie Series will feature six outdoor concerts and four outdoor movies at park locations throughout the summer. 

Starlight concerts will kick off on June 10, and take place on specified Tuesdays, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Starlight Movies return on Friday, June 27, with a special screening of Wicked (2024, PG) and the annual Food Truck Fest. 

Community members are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks. 

For more information visit cityofevanston.org/starlight or call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may simply dial 311 in Evanston.

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. To register, contact Robert Crown at 847-866-5949 or Fleetwood at 847-449-8254.

Summer Camp Spotlight

Early Childhood Arts Camp at Noyes Cultural Arts Center

Give your little ones a summer of creativity and fun! The Noyes Cultural Arts Center is offering its Early Childhood Arts Camp, specially designed for children ages 3.5 to 5.5 years.

This four-week camp is packed with imaginative experiences, including themed stories, painting, crafts, water play, and time in a big maker space. It offers all the artistic exploration of the Immersion in the Arts Camp, but tailored for younger campers. Register now.

Camp Kaleidoscope

Give your child a summer full of creativity, exploration and fun at Camp Kaleidoscope, held at the Chandler-Newberger Community Center. Designed for children ages 3.5 to 5.5, the camp encourages young participants to express themselves, build independence and ease into the structure of a camp setting. Register now.

Superheroes Dance Camp

It’s a bird... it’s a plane... it’s a dancing superhero! This nonstop, hip-hop inspired summer camp is designed for the boundless energy of kids — our everyday heroes.

Campers will show off their hip-hop dance moves while enjoying a fun-filled week that includes dance classes, art projects, a superhero skit, and games such as scavenger hunts and obstacle courses. It’s your child’s chance to save the day! Family and friends are invited to a special performance on Friday. Register now.

Beginning Gymnastics Camp 

Get ready to roll, jump, and flip into summer with Beginning Gymnastics Camp at the Chandler-Newberger Community Center! This fun and engaging camp is designed for children ages 5–12 and welcomes all skill levels—including those with no prior experience.

Campers will learn and perfect basic gymnastics skills on bars, beam, floor, and vault through age-appropriate drills and activities. This camp is ideal for students in Beginning I, Beginning II, or Tumbling I. Register now.

Preschool Gymnastics Camp Returns to Chandler 

Help your little ones build confidence, coordination, and skills this summer at the Preschool Gymnastics Camp, hosted by the Chandler-Newberger Community Center.

Designed for children ages 3.5 to 5.5 years, this engaging camp focuses on improving balance, flexibility, and general motor skills in a fun and safe environment. Campers will be introduced to basic skills on bars, beam, floor, and vault, with instruction tailored to young learners. Register now.

Accessible Recreation Gaming Camp

Get immersed in the world of tabletop role-playing with Multifaceted Worlds: Gaming Connections. With a focus on fostering accessible, diverse and equitable environments—both in our imaginations and in the real world—participants will explore character creation, apprentice with professional dungeon masters, and take on costume quests and prop building.This program helps develop gaming skills, confidence and leadership. 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.

Classes & Programs

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

Evanston Summer Registration Open

Looking for fun and engaging activities this summer? Registration for Summer classes and activities is open for Evanston residents and non-residents.

We offer everything from arts and athletics to outdoor adventures and family-friendly events—perfect for making the most of the summer season.

For more information and to view the guide when it becomes available, visit cityofevanston.org/recreation.

Learn American Sign Language This Summer

Looking to learn a new language and connect with the Deaf community? Join us for Adult ASL (American Sign Language) Classes at the Prieto Community Center June 25 - July 30.

This six-week introductory course is taught by a Deaf instructor from the Chicago Hearing Society (CHS) and will cover the basics of ASL in a supportive and engaging environment. Register now.

Introductory Martial Arts for Women

Looking to build confidence, strength, and self-defense skills in a welcoming environment? Join Introductory Martial Arts for Women this summer at the Levy Center. This non-competitive Taekwon-do class is designed for women ages 12 and up, with a focus on empowerment, safety, and fun. Taught by experienced black belt instructors Ellen Lonnquist (she/her) and Yseult Presto (she/they), this program offers both mental and physical benefits in a supportive space. Register now.

Play Time and Drop-in Activities

Ecology Birthday Parties

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 Friday, 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Saturday through Sunday, 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.

Get Involved

Upcoming Board & Committee Meetings

• Commission on Aging & Disabilities: May 8 at 3 p.m., Evanston Public Library
• Dementia Friendly Committee: May 13 at 3 p.m., Levy Center 
• Parks & Recreation Board: May 15 at 6 p.m., Robert Crown
• ADA Committee: May 22 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