Thursday, August 7, 2025 | View in browser
Read below for information about fall parks and recreation programming, free community events, construction updates, and more!
Plan out your fall fun with Parks & Rec 🍂
Evanston's Parks and Recreation Fall Program Guide is now available online. From the Zombie Scramble to sports programming and nature-based play, we have tons of fall fun in store! Registration opens for Evanston residents on Monday, August 11, and for non-residents on August 18. Dive into the guide and start planning your fall schedule today.
 Enjoy community events all weekend long
Feel the back-to-school spirit: Be Strong Families is hosting their annual Back to School Family Fun Fest on Sat., Aug. 9, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Robert Crown Community Center. This free event features backpack giveaways, ice skating, arts and crafts, a resource fair, and much more!
Sip and stroll: Join Downtown Evanston for their final Evanston Cars & Coffee of the summer. Held behind the Evanston Public Library, this community event will take place on Sun., Aug. 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stroll through vintage cars while enjoying a lively atmosphere and sipping on coffee for purchase from Outside Coffee.
Experience Pass Over: Head to the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre for the final weekend of Pass Over, which integrates poetry, humor, and humanity in a rare and politically charged play exposing the experiences of young black men in a world that refuses to see them. Purchase your tickets today!
 Click image to play video.
Learn the ins and outs of biking in the city 🚲
The City and Evanston Public Library's free Summer Cycling Education Series is in full swing! These hands-on classes, facilitated by The Recyclery, help riders of all ages and skill levels bike safely and confidently in the city. With three classes left this year, now's the time to sign up and learn everything from how to properly lock your bike to using hand signals.
Register today: Visit cityofevanston.org/cyclingeducationseries, call 847-448-8600, or register in person at the Evanston Public Library.
 Welcome, Tower 22!
The Evanston Fire Department has announced the addition of its first-ever mid-mount tower truck, now in service at Station 2. Designed to navigate Evanston’s unique urban landscape, Tower 22 offers improved maneuverability, clearance, and advanced safety features, enhancing both response times and firefighter protection. This vehicle replaces the aging 2011 Tiller Truck. Learn more.
More News and Events
August is Water Quality Month! 
Did you know that in 2024, the EPA set its first-ever drinking water regulations for PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals”? Evanston’s Water Production Bureau is dedicated to delivering a safe, reliable supply of drinking water to our community every day. Learn more about how we’re keeping your water clean and safe.
Downtown sidewalk improvements are underway
Sidewalk removal work on Benson Avenue between Church and Clark Streets began on Tuesday as part of the City’s 2025 Alley and Sidewalk Improvements Project. Additional improvements will occur along Clark Street and the east side of Benson from Davis to Clark. Business access will remain open. More info.
Cultural Arts Awards nomination deadline extended
The Evanston Arts Council has extended the nomination period for the 2025 Cultural Arts Awards to Thurs., Aug. 29. The original deadline was August 1. The awards celebrate outstanding contributions to the arts in Evanston, and community members are encouraged to submit nominations for local artists, organizations, and advocates. Submit a nomination.
Zombie Scramble registration is now open
Celebrate 10 years of the Zombie Scramble! Dodge zombies, keep your flags, and grab a limited-edition shirt from sponsor Anchorfish Printing. Registration is open now at cityofevanston.org/register.
Sewer Root Treatment Begins August 13
The City will begin treating approximately 22,000 feet of combined sewer mains to control root growth using a U.S. EPA-approved foaming herbicide on August 13. The treatment targets roots in the sewers without harming the trees above. Work will take place in the south and east parts of the city.
Read personal stories from Evanston's reparations recipients
Shorefront Legacy Center’s Intergenerational Interview Project was an eight-week Evanston program that connected local students with recipients of the City’s reparations initiative to share and preserve personal stories. Funded by the Field Foundation, the project taught oral history techniques while fostering powerful cross-generational relationships. Check it out!
Learn about Preservation Commission volunteer opportunities
The Evanston Preservation Commission is exploring the development of a new volunteer corps to help preserve and celebrate our city's cultural heritage. The Commission needs your input as it shapes a program that will offer training, meaningful volunteer roles, and flexible ways to get involved. Take our short survey to share your thoughts.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
Adoptable Pets of the Month: Meet Polly & Beans
Looking to add some extra toes and love to your life? Meet Polly and Beans, two irresistible polydactyl kittens currently stealing hearts at the Evanston Animal Shelter!
Polly is a curious little explorer, always ready for her next adventure. Beans is her snuggly sidekick, whose soothing purrs are the ultimate stress relief. Together, they’re the perfect combo of playful and sweet, and they’re just two of the many kittens currently looking for loving homes.
There are many cats and kittens currently available for adoption at the Evanston Animal Shelter, so head over and find your new furry friend.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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