Friday, July 11, 2025 | View in browser
Good morning,
Check out this week's Parks & Recreation e-news featuring information on the 5oth anniverFarmers' Market celebration, summer programs, upcoming events, and more.
 Celebrate 50 Years of the Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market!
Join us Saturday, July 12 for a special celebration honoring 50 years of local flavor, community, and tradition at the Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market.
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Early shopping at 7 a.m. for seniors and those with disabilities)
Location: University Place & Oak Avenue (behind the Hilton Garden Inn) Cost: Free
Enjoy everything you love about the market—live music, local vendors, fresh produce, and fun for the whole family—plus exciting anniversary specials:
Anniversary Highlights
- Raffle baskets filled with market goodies
- Free face painting at the Spud Club
- Special edition Suzie Teas cookies
- Commemorative Farmers’ Market tote bags
- “New to You” free, gently used cookbooks giveaway
Live Entertainment
- 8 a.m. – Blue Torch
- 10:30 a.m. – The Chicago Jazz Dads (center of market)
- 10:30 a.m. – Eileen Doan (southeast entrance)
Free Tastings
- Mint Creek – pulled pork
- Blaque Millennium Kitchens – spice-rubbed pulled beef
- Tasting India – spice-rubbed chicken
- Marek's Authentic Polish Food – sausages
Don’t forget to pick up $5 coupons at the non-profit booth! Available while supplies last.
 You're Invited: Dr. Jorge and Luz Maria Prieto Community Center Renaming Ceremony
Join the City of Evanston, the Prieto family, and community partners to celebrate the official renaming of the Dr. Jorge and Luz Maria Prieto Community Center
Date: Saturday, July 19
Time: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Prieto Community Center, 430 Asbury Ave.
Help us honor the lasting legacy of Dr. Jorge and Luz Maria Prieto with a morning of reflection, community, and celebration. The event will feature keynote remarks, a ceremonial sign unveiling, and community engagement opportunities.
 Celebrating a Chandler-Newberger Legend: Annett Flynn Retires After 44 Years
Annett Flynn began working at the Chandler Community Center the day it opened in 1981—and 44 years later, she’s retiring. Over the decades, Annett filled nearly every role imaginable: counselor, child care worker, office assistant, and clerk, always ready to lend a hand wherever needed.
The Evanston Bike Club (pictured stopped by Chandler this week to thank her for her service
She’s watched generations grow—preschoolers turned camp counselors, now returning with kids of their own. We thank Annett for her decades of service, warmth, and dedication to our community!
 Glow in the Park: July 11
Join us for Glow in the Park – a nighttime dance party like no other! 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
 Pinewood Derby Day: July 12
We’re excited to invite you to join us for the Pinewood Derby – a fun event where you’ll get to design and build your very own wooden car to race down a long track. This event is all about creativity, teamwork, and friendly competition. Whether you’re a first-time builder or a seasoned pro, we can’t wait to see your creations and cheer you on as you race to the finish line! Register for each set of car supplies.
Event details
Date: Saturday, July 12
Time: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Lovelace Park Picnic Shelter
Cost: $20 R/$26 NR per set of supplies
Register online or call (847) 448-8256.
 Unplug IL Day—Kick Off the 2025 Evanston Nature Passport Program: July 12
Celebrate Unplug IL Day by stepping away from screens and connecting with nature! Join us on Saturday, July 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., as we launch the 2025 Evanston Nature Passport program with free, family-friendly activities across Evanston’s natural areas.
Enjoy guided experiences including fishing, birding, scavenger hunts, plant ID hikes, and stewardship projects. Then, continue your adventure all summer long with the self-guided Nature Passport program, running July 12 through August 21.
Explore eight natural areas, playgrounds, and community gardens around Evanston. Complete each passport activity and collect a nature stamp at every stop. Submit your completed stamp page by August 21 at any City of Evanston community center or Evanston Public Library location for a chance to win exciting prizes!
Prize winners will be announced at the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, a free community event at James Park on Friday, August 22, from 7–9 p.m.
Learn more and view the full activity schedule at cityofevanston.org/naturalareas, or call the Ecology Center at (847) 448-8256.
Pick up your free Evanston Nature Passport at any Evanston Parks and Recreation Community Centers as well as both Evanston Public Library locations until August 21.
 Environmental Equity Workshop: July 16
This interactive workshop will highlight key findings, include hands-on activities, and offer a chance to connect with neighbors. Together, we can advance environmental equity—ensuring everyone in Evanston has the same opportunities for health and prosperity. Learn more and get involved in building a greener, more equitable Evanston for all.
Event details
Date: Wednesday, July 16
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Levy Senior Center, Bobby's Room
Cost: Free
 Pizza Play Party: July 18
Join us for a fun-filled summer evening at the Dr. Jorge and Luz Maria Prieto Center. Bring the whole family for a night of:
- Pizza
- Open play space and crafts
- An exciting obstacle course
Event details
Date: Friday, July 18
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Prieto Community Center
Cost per person: $10 R/$13 NR
Register
 Family Campfire: July 18 & 19
Join the Ecology Center staff for a fun campfire focused on celebrating the wonders of Our Great Lake...Lake Michigan! Each evening includes nature activities and stories, as we explore the formation of the lake, learn about its biodiversity, and gain an appreciation of how unique and precious this resource really is. We will end our evening with the ever-popular s’mores. Space is limited; pre-registration is required. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Event details
Date: Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19
Time: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Lighthouse Beach Fire Circle
Cost: $10 R/$13 NR per set of supplies
Register online or call (847) 448-8256.
 Summer Sound Meditation: July 18
Join sound meditation facilitator and musician Jay Taylor for an hour-long immersive experience in the beautiful Levy Center garden courtyard. Lie back and relax, as you listen to the singing bowls at sunset. 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. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket, and pillow (if you would like), to make yourself comfortable during this program.
Event details
Date: July 18
Hours: 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Levy Center Garden Courtyard
Cost: $25 R/$33 NR
Register
 Startlight Concert: July 22
Join us for a summer evening at the next installment of Evanston’s free Starlight Concert Series featuring Finom.
Bring a blanket, grab a bite, and enjoy an evening of high-energy Rock music. Don’t miss this free night of music and community under the summer sky.
Event details
Date: Tuesday, July 22
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Kamen Park West, 583 Asbury Ave.
Cost: Free
Food truck: Fork N Fry Mobile Poutinerie and El Zorro Tacos
Learn more
 Beaches Are Open—Get Your Beach Passes!
Evanston’s public swimming beaches are open for the season—and beach passes are available. Beaches are open from 10:30 a.m. until 8 p.m.
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 8 p.m., the Clark Street Beach office from 10:30 a.m. to 7:45 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
For more information, visit cityofevanston.org/beaches or call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents can simply dial 311 while in Evanston.
 Lakefront Rentals: Kayaks, Paddleboards, Sailboats
Make a splash this summer with Evanston’s lakefront rentals, available seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through August 17. Whether you're looking for a relaxing paddle or a breezy sail, we’ve got you covered with paddleboards, kayaks (single or double), and Barnett 1400 sailboats.
2025 Rental Rates:
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Paddleboard: $30 R /$40 NR
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Kayak: $35 R /$45 NR
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Sailboat: $40 R/ $50 NR
Each additional hour is $15
Ask about 10-hour punch passes for extra savings, and give us a call if you're interested in lessons.
Reservations can be made online or by calling 847-866-4167.
 Free Summer Food Program
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 July 4
Meal Sites:
- Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
- Robert Crown Community Center
- Mason Park
- Dawes School
 Free Access to Fishing thru August 23
You can fish with us for free this Saturday and all summer long at Lovelace Park. This popular program is a great way to introduce children ages 4 years and up to “catch-and-release” fishing. Equipment, bait, and fishing expertise are provided. Kids under age 16 don’t need a fishing license but must be accompanied by an adult. Illinois fishing licenses can be purchased at www.dnr.illinois.gov.
Event details
Date: Saturdays thru August 23
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Lovelace Park Pond (Gross Point Road and Thayer Street)
Cost: Free, no registration required
More information: Please call the Ecology Center at (847) 448-8256.
Registration for our Summer programming is open. View all our upcoming classes, camps, workshops, school days off activities, and special events.
 Womens Adult Softball
Step up to the plate and join the City of Evanston’s Women’s Adult Softball League this fall! Gather your team—or sign up solo—and enjoy a fun, competitive 8-game season at James Park. Don’t have a team? No problem! Add your name to the “looking for list” to be matched before the season begins. Register now.
 Join the Evanston Gymnastics Team
The Evanston Gymnastics Team is growing—and we’re looking for talented athletes to join our competitive program! We’re currently accepting new Compulsory and Xcel gymnasts with previous competitive experience.
Think you’re a good fit? We’d love to see what you can do!
Submit a request form today to schedule your evaluation.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of a dynamic, high-energy team that trains hard, supports one another, and shines in competition!
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Accessible Rec Gaming Camp
Get immersed in the world of tabletop role-playing with Multifaceted Worlds: Gaming Connections. Campers will explore character creation, apprentice with professional dungeon masters, and take on costume quests and prop building. Register now.
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Planning a Party, Meeting, or Special Event? We’ve Got the Perfect Space
Whether you're hosting a birthday bash, baby shower, community meeting, or family celebration, Evanston’s Parks & Recreation rental facilities offer flexible, affordable spaces to fit your needs.
Choose from a variety of rooms, community centers, and party packages across the city — perfect for both small gatherings and big milestones.
Looking to celebrate a child’s birthday? Check out our birthday party packages featuring fun themes and activities at select locations.
Spaces book up fast — plan ahead and secure your ideal date today.
Explore rental options and book online
For more info, call 847-448-4311 or email recreation@cityofevanston.org.
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:
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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
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.
 Upcoming Board & Committee Meetings
- Dementia Friendly Committee: July 8 at 3 p.m., Levy Center
- Commission on Aging & Disabilities: July 10 at 3 p.m., Morton Civic Center
- Parks & Recreation Board: July 17 at 6 p.m., Levy Center
- ADA Committee: July 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
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Support Evanston Parks & Recreation
Your donation will help support lakefront upkeep and the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theater.
Donate now
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Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend,
The City of Evanston’s Parks and Recreation Team
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