EPR e-News: Tennis and pickleball court improvements, Halloween season fun, recreation programs, and more

City of Evanston, Illinois sent this bulletin at 10/03/2025 11:21 AM CDT

Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 | View in browser

Good morning,

Check out this week's news on tennis and pickleball court improvements, Halloween season fun, recreation programs, and more.

News

Tennis and Pickleball Court Update

We’re excited to share that improvements to the courts at James, Leahy, Ackerman, and Mason Parks are nearing completion. Substantial completion is scheduled for October 17.

At James Park, the project involves converting the existing six tennis courts into fifteen new pickleball courts. Meanwhile, at Leahy Park, Ackerman Park and Mason Park, the existing tennis courts are being renovated.

Thank you for your patience as we work to enhance our facilities and provide high-quality courts for everyone to enjoy.

A Perfect Fall Day at Harvest Fest

What a day at Harvest Fest! Families filled Eggleston Park with laughter, creativity, and fall spirit. From pumpkin decorating and scarecrow-making to live music, crafts, and farm tours, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

A big thank-you to everyone who joined us and made this free community celebration such a seasonal favorite. We can’t wait to celebrate with you again next year!

Exciting News: A New Registration Platform is Coming!

Evanston Parks & Recreation is launching a brand-new, improved registration platform this October. The new system will make it easier than ever to:

Manage your household account
Find and register for programs
Rent facilities
Explore events and activities

The platform will go live just in time for Winter program registration in November. You’ll access the new platform at the same address: cityofevanston.org/recreation.

Stay tuned—more details and step-by-step guidance will be shared soon to help you get started with ease.

Celebrate the Grand Reopening of the Evanston Ecology Center

Join us for the grand reopening of the Evanston Ecology Center on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 3 p.m. at 2024 McCormick Blvd. The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours of the renovated facility, and previews of upcoming programs—including the Indoor Farmers Market, a Wild Weekends animal presentation, Thanksgiving Break Camp, and more.

The City of Evanston began major renovations of the Ecology Center in 2024, the 50th anniversary of its founding. The much-needed updates modernize the building and prepare it to serve the community for the next 50 years.

Highlights of the renovation include:

A new reception desk and waiting area
Renovated classroom
Updated restrooms
Refreshed office spaces
LEED Gold certification
All-electric mechanical systems, making the facility zero on-site carbon emissions

Help celebrate this milestone and explore the new ways the Ecology Center will connect the community to nature.

Upcoming Events

Fall Forest Night Hike: October 3

Take a fall night hike through the Ladd Arboretum as we test our nighttime senses and compare them to those of nocturnal animals. Learn why some creatures make noise at night while others remain silent, and discover the unique adaptations and important roles of often misunderstood nocturnal wildlife. After the hike, gather around the campfire and enjoy s’mores. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Event details
Date: Friday, October 3
Time: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Ladd Arboretum
Cost: $15 R/$20 NR
Register

Jack-O-Lantern Workshop: October 3 & 10

Create a one-of-a-kind jack-o’-lantern out of clay that you can enjoy year after year! In the first week, you’ll design and sculpt your piece; in the second week, you’ll decorate it with glaze.

Event details
Date: Fridays, October 3 and October 10
Time: 6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Location: Robert Crown Center
Ages: 5 years and up
Cost: $52 R/$68 NR
Register

Apple Cider Taste Off: October 4

It’s time for a cider showdown! Join us this Saturday as four local favorites—2024’s reigning champ Lyons Fruit Farm, Piedt Acres, K&K Farms and Gast Farms—go head-to-head in a delicious battle for bragging rights.

Sample four classic apple ciders plus one specialty cider and then cast your vote for the winner! Sampling will take place in the middle of the market by the dining tables.

Come thirsty, bring your friends, and help crown the 2025 champion!

Event details
Date: Saturday, October 4
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market, University Place & Oak Ave., behind the Hilton Garden Inn
Cost: Free

Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market: October 4

Sweet, ripe, and ready—don’t miss this Saturday’s Evanston Farmers’ Market, where the season’s best fruits and fresh finds await.

Event details
Date: Saturday, October 4
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (early shopping for seniors & those with disabilities starts at 7 a.m.)
Location: University Place & Oak Ave., behind the Hilton Garden Inn
Cost: Free

Astronomy in the Parks: October 4

Kick off World Space Week and reconnect with the night sky, as we look through the Chicago Astronomer’s telescope at the moon, Saturn, and other fall celestial sights! Come prepared with any questions you have about the night sky, as our guide will give us a tour of the wonders beyond our planet. Then enjoy marshmallows and other festivities around the campfire. The Arrington Lagoon Cafe ("Cafe Au Lake") will be open late for food and drinks. All participants attending must register. Rain date is October 11th.

Event details
Date: Saturday, October 4
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Arrington Lagoon at Dawes Park
Cost: $15 R/$20 NR
Register online or call (847) 448-8256.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Join the Dementia Evanston Walkers: October 4

Support the fight against Alzheimer’s by walking with the Dementia Evanston Walkers in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This inspiring event brings our community together to honor loved ones, raise awareness and help fund critical research and support programs.

Event details
Date: Saturday, October 4
Location: Lincoln Park Grove, Chicago
Register for the walk

Fall Nature BioBlitz: October 5

Join us for an exciting Fall Nature BioBlitz as we explore the ecosystems of Lighthouse Beach! Participants will work together to identify and catalog as many plant, animal, and fungi species as possible using field guides and the iNaturalist app. All ages are invited to contribute, as we will see how many species we can find together. Any children need to be accompanied by an enrolled adult.

Event details
Date: Sunday, October 5
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Meeting Location: Lighthouse Beach Fog Houses
Cost: $10 R/$13 NR
Register

Unrestricted Open Stage: October 8

Looking for a space to share your creativity? The Noyes Upstairs Gallery invites you to Unrestricted: An Open Stage, a free evening of performances where anything goes. Sing, play, read, dance—or just come and enjoy the talent of your community.

Event details
Date: Wednesday, October 8 and November 5
Hours: 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Meeting Location: Noyes Cultural Arts Center
Cost: Free

Fall Sound Meditation: October 9

Join sound meditation facilitator Jay Taylor for an hour-long immersive experience. Lie back and relax as the singing bowls enter the sonic landscape. Our session will start with a brief introduction to meditation followed by some light guided breathing, easing you into a meditative state. No prior experience, skills or beliefs are required to participate. Please bring your own yoga mat, blanket, and pillow to make yourself comfortable.

Event details
Date: Thursday, October 9
Hours: 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Meeting Location: Ecology Center
Cost: $25 R/$33 NR
Register

Pumpkin Playdate: October 10

Join us for a cozy, creative, and fun-filled evening at our Pumpkin Play Date. Get into the fall spirit as we paint and decorate pumpkins together, with all supplies provided and plenty of room for imagination. Whether you're crafting a spooky face or a sparkly masterpiece, this is the perfect seasonal activity for kids and parents alike. The evening includes time to play in our Let's Play space and light snacks and refreshments will be served.

Event details
Date: Friday, October 10
Hours: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Meeting Location: Prieto Community Center
Cost: $12 R/$15 NR
Register

Art Swap: October 11

Bring art, get art! The Noyes Gallery, in partnership with Evanston Made, invites artists and collectors to bring new energy into their homes and studios at this free community Art Swap.

Bring up to four pieces of artwork small enough to carry, with your contact information attached, and display them on our tables. After a fun drawing of numbers from a hat, participants will choose a new piece to take home. Enjoy light refreshments, socializing, and the chance to connect with fellow art lovers.

Event details
Date: Saturday, October 11
Hours: 3 p.m.
Meeting Location: Noyes Cultural Arts Center Gallery
Cost: Free, but registration required
Register

Costume Swap: October 11

Get ready for Halloween in style. The Noyes Gallery invites you to our Annual Costume Swap—a fun and eco-friendly way to refresh your costume collection. Bring last season’s spooky fashions to help replenish the Costume Shop, or pick out something new-to-you for this year’s celebrations. It’s the perfect way to recycle, reuse, and spark creativity while connecting with neighbors.

Event details
Date: Saturday, October 11
Hours: 1-3 p.m.
Meeting Location: Noyes Cultural Arts Center, Room 225
Cost: Free

Muddy Muddy Sunday Mini Retreat: October 12

Take a break with a unique retreat that celebrates earth, creativity, and community. Muddy Muddy Sunday begins with earth-inspired movement and yoga, followed by storytelling and restorative mud facials paired with a calming sound bath.

Guests will enjoy a tasting menu of foods grown in mud—like wild rice, Brussels sprouts, and cranberries—before wrapping up the day with a hands-on clay play session.

Event details
Date: Sunday, October 12
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Meeting Location: Noyes Cultural Arts Center
Cost: $100 R/$130 NR
Register

Zombie Scramble: October 18

Celebrate a decade of the undead at the 10th Annual Zombie Scramble! This thrilling event challenges you to make it through a zombie-infested course with your “lives” — represented by flags on a flag football belt — still intact. As you navigate the haunted trail, zombies will try to snatch your flags.

To commemorate 10 years of heart-pounding fun, our Presenting Sponsor, Anchorfish Printing, will be on site creating and selling limited-edition shirts exclusively for this milestone event. Don’t miss your chance to grab one and show off your survivor (or zombie) pride!

Are you ready to run for your life?

Event details
Date: Saturday, October 18
Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Ladd Arboretum
Cost: $35 R/$46 NR
Register

D.A.S.H. & G.O.: Disabled Adult Social Hour & Gaming Opportunity
October 21, November 5 & 18

Looking for a fun, welcoming way to connect with others in the community? Join D.A.S.H. & G.O. (Disabled Adult Social Hour & Gaming Opportunity) — a free, peer-run gathering for adults (18 and up) who identify as disabled. Bring your favorite game and any adapted equipment you may need, and enjoy an afternoon of connection, laughter, and play.

Event details
Dates: Wednesday, Tuesday, October 21; Wednesday, November 5; Tuesday, November 18
Hours: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Meeting Location: Prieto Community Center
Cost: Free

Note: Staff supervision will not be provided.

This program is presented in collaboration with the Inclusion & Accessibility Division of Evanston Parks & Recreation. No registration required. For more information, email lruiz@cityofevanston.org or call 847-708-7300.

Bug-a-Boo: October 25

Join us for our annual family-friendly Halloween event celebrating the amazing creatures found in nature! Meet costumed volunteers dressed as animals and learn fun facts as you explore the Ladd Arboretum. After your outdoor adventure, enjoy s’mores around the campfire and take part in Halloween-themed games. All participants, including adults, must register.

Event details
Date: Saturday, October 25
Time: 4:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: $11 R/$15 NR
Register

Trunk or Treat: October 31

Firetrucks, police cars, construction vehicles, and other unique rides will be on display at this year’s Trunk or Treat! Held in the Robert Crown Community Center Parking Lot off Main Street, young trick-or-treaters can collect candy while enjoying how vehicles “dress up” for Halloween. This safe and festive event is the perfect way to celebrate the season.

Event details
Date: Friday, Oct. 31
Time: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Robert Crown Community Center Parking Lot (off Main Street)
Cost: Free

Calling all vehicles! We’re looking for cars, trucks, and unique rides to be part of the fun. Fill out this form to join the fun.

Thank you to Goldfish Swim School of Evanston for supporting this free community event!

Fall Classes

Register for our Fall programming at cityofevanston.org/recreation. View all our upcoming classes, camps, workshops, school days off activities, and special events in the Fall Program Guide.

Little Book Club

Introduce your child to the joy of reading and learning through play at Chandler Community Center. The Little Book Club is a pre-literacy program designed for our youngest students, ages 1 (walkers) to 4 years. Each week between October 23 and December 18 features a read-aloud story, a fun craft, a sensory bin, and more—helping children build early literacy skills, foster social interaction, and develop valuable interpersonal skills. Register now.

Little Learners Club

Help your toddler get ready for preschool in a fun and engaging way! The Little Learners Club combines stories, activities, routines, and play to build important skills in communication, socialization, and independence. Caregivers will be guided to gradually give participants more independence, preparing them for the preschool setting while encouraging growth through play with peers. The club meets October 23 thru December 18 at Chandler Community Center. Register now.

Infant Expressions

Support your baby’s earliest communication skills in a fun and nurturing environment. Infant Expressions focuses on helping little ones ages 0–15 months develop their first gestures, signs, and vocalizations while giving caregivers practical tools to encourage language at home.

Each session includes small-group book reading, music, sensory and motor play, and strategies for caregivers to foster growth outside of class. Class meets weekly from October 15 to November 19 at Chandler Community Center. Register now.

Cook 'N W/Kids

Does your child show interest in cooking? Clinging to you like a magnet in the kitchen? Cook'n With Kids is a perfect fit for them! Join us as we explore the kitchen and all of its goodness while practicing kitchen safety and creating fun snacks. Register now.

Jamberry Music

Bond with your child through nursery rhymes, circle songs, movement, puppets, and instrument exploration! Activities will introduce musical concepts, self-regulation, and motor skills. Note: Child must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older.
Register now for Chandler classes.
Register now for Prieto classes.

After School and School Days Off

School’s Out? Cool Out!

Make the most of your day off from school at the Robert Crown Community Center! Kids ages 5–12 can enjoy a full day of fun, including field trips, arts and crafts, ice skating, and games.

Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Robert Crown Community Center
Register in person at Robert Crown
More information: aeberhardt@cityofevanston.org

Kid Zone After-School Program

The Kid Zone after-school/school days out is packed with enriching activities that blend learning and fun. From homework help and educational games to sports, arts and creative workshops, there's something for every child's interest. We emphasize teamwork, creativity and positive social interactions. Plus we've got you covered on school holidays as well. Available for kids ages 5-12.

Time: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Days: Monday - Friday
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
Register by calling 847-448-8254

After School Adventure at Robert Crown

Blast off into an afternoon of fun and learning with After School Adventure at the Robert Crown Community Center! Students will enjoy a variety of enrichment activities that keep them active, engaged, and inspired, including homework help, arts and science activities, snacks and cooking classes, ice skating, and more.

Who We Serve
Students in District 65
Ages 5–12

Hours
3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday–Friday
11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on School Improvement Days

Location: Robert Crown Community Center
Register in person at Robert Crown
More information: aeerbhardt@cityofevanston.org

Play Time, Drop-in Activities, and Rentals

Time Together: Open Play for Little Ones

Looking for a fun and social way to spend time with your little ones? Time Together is the perfect open-play program for children ages birth through 5 years with a parent or caregiver.

Our welcoming spaces are filled with climbing equipment, blocks, soft mats, puzzles, and a cozy book nook. It’s an ideal spot for morning playdates, no-school days, or simply giving your preschooler a place to explore while older siblings are in school. Best of all, Time Together offers opportunities for both kids and adults to make new friends while enjoying safe, active play indoors during the colder months.

Weekly schedule at Chandler Newberger Center:

Mondays, 4–6 p.m.
Blue Room: Games, puzzles, books, blocks, and more.
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
South Gym (Gymnastics): Open gym play with mats, balls, and floor equipment. (Note: Not all gymnastics equipment will be available.)
Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
North Gym: Indoor playground fun with slides, playhouses, bikes, balls, and books.
Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Blue Room: Games, puzzles, books, blocks, and more.

Get a drop-in play punch pass.

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.

Tennis/Pickleball Outdoor Court Reservations

Tennis and Pickleball courts can be reserved online by community members. If a court is reserved, the person or group with the reservation has priority at that time — even if the court is in use. When no reservation is scheduled, courts are open to everyone on a first-come, first-served basis. Standard “rack-up” rules apply. Secure your spot in advance at cityofevanston.org/courts.

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

Get Involved

Donate to the Mayor’s Holiday Food, Book & Toy Drive

This holiday season, you can make a lasting impact right here in Evanston. Through the Evanston Parks Foundation, your financial gift helps provide food, books, and toys for families in need—ensuring every neighbor has a brighter holiday season.

Your generosity goes directly to supporting the Mayor’s Holiday Food, Book & Toy Drive, bringing warmth and joy to households across our community.

Give today and help us reach more families than ever before.

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.