Friday, Jan. 16, 2025 | View in browser
Good morning,
Check out this week's news on Summer Camp registration info, MLK Day Celebration, winter programs, and more.
 Make Camp Registration a Breeze!
Want a faster checkout on registration day? Complete your camper’s Camp Emergency Form on Amilia before February 7. Forms not completed in advance must be completed during checkout before payment.
Each camper needs:
- Photo
- Allergies or medical conditions
- ADA accommodations
- Authorized pick-up person(s)
- Emergency contacts
Mark your calendar for these important upcoming dates.
- February 7 – Online registration opens for Evanston residents
- February 9 – In-person registration opens for Evanston residents
- February 16 – Registration opens for nonresidents
Questions? Call 311 at 847-448-4311 or email recsupport@cityofevanston.org
 Community Garden Lottery is Open
Registration is open for Evanston’s Community Garden Lottery. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this is your chance to grow fresh produce, connect with neighbors, and enjoy Evanston’s community gardens. Register thru March 3. Questions? Call 847-448-8256.
 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration: January 17
During the Civil Rights Movement, hundreds of thousands of young people were on the front lines, engaging in non-violent sit-ins, school strikes, boycotts, marches, and demonstrations. On Nov. 14, 1960, six-year-old Ruby Bridges was escorted to the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans by her mother and U.S. Marshals, due to violent mobs who were against having their school integrated with negro students. Bridges was undeterred, and her brave act was a milestone in the Civil Rights Movement. Understanding Ruby's and others' contributions is crucial to fully appreciating the movement and the part young people played in driving social progress. The 2026 City of Evanston’s MLK Day of Celebration at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center will honor the courage of these youthful freedom fighters.
Event details
Date: January 17
Time: 12 p.m.
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
Cost: Free
 Wild Night Out - "Nature Superheroes": January 23
Parents can enjoy a fun night out, as kids enjoy an evening of activities together with the Ecology Center! This month's theme is "Nature Superheroes", as we will discover the superpowers of animals for inspiration to create our own natural superheroes. We will enjoy games, crafts, critter visits, and outdoor exploration before making s'mores around the fire pit. Kids should be fed prior to drop off and we will provide s'mores.
Event details
Date: Friday, January 23
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: $33 R/$42.94 NR
Register online or call (847) 448-8256.
 Las Caras Lindas Opening Reception: January 23
The exhibition, which is featured at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center Gallery through March 24, draws inspiration from the lyrics of "Las Caras Lindas" by Catalino Curet Alonso, capturing the vibrant essence of the West African diaspora in the Americas. The exhibition highlights the shared heritage and cultural vitality of communities in Cuba and the United States.
Opening reception
Date: Friday, January 23
Time: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Noyes Cultural Arts Center
Cost: Free
The exhibit is available for viewing through March 24.
 Indoor Farmers' Market: January 24
The Indoor Farmers’ Market at the Evanston Ecology Center continues on select Saturdays thru April. Shop local vendors and enjoy your favorite farm-fresh finds all winter long.
Event details
Date: Saturday, January 24
Time: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: Free
View the indoor market schedule.
In between shopping for fresh foods, you can take fun winter classes at the Ecology Center starting at 10 a.m. Register at links below.
 Kintsugi Workshop: January 24
Participants will be introduced to the delicate and meditative process of kintsugi—an ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, emphasizing beauty in imperfection and the value of restoration with local artist Sharon Meyers who continues to study this art form with elders in Kyoto.
Event details
Date: Saturday, January 24
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Noyes Cultural Arts Center
Cost: $85 R/$110.62 NR
Register
 Homemade Skincare - Scrubs & Salves: January 24
Take some time to prioritize self-care and fight winter dryness with a homemade body scrub and salve. We will talk about the benefits of using salves, scrubs, and various herbs. You will then have the opportunity to create your own creation to use for yourself or give as a gift.
Event details
Date: Saturday, January 24
Time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: $22 R/$28.63 NR
Register online or call (847) 448-8256.
 K.I.S.S. Dance (Kids Invite Someone Special): February 15
Join our Kids Invite Someone Special Dance, where kids and their favorite
grown-up can twirl, laugh and make unforgettable memories together.
Dress up, hit the dance floor, and enjoy sweet treats, music and fun.
Event details
Date: Sunday, February 15
Time: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
Cost: $30 per couple
Register
 Black History Month Family Game Night: February 27
Bring the whole family out for a night of fun, laughter, and learning! Celebrate Black History Month with games that highlight culture, history, and community pride. Enjoy trivia, team challenges, and music, while connecting with friends and neighbors. It’s an evening of joyful celebration for all ages.
Event details
Date: Friday, February 27
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
Cost: Free
 S'Mores on the Square: March 7
Warm up with s'mores over fire pits at Fountain Square.
Event details
Date: Saturday, March 7
Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Fountain Square
Cost: Free
Fill your winter with fun by exploring classes, events, and activities for all ages in our Winter Program Guide or on our new registration platform—both available at www.cityofevanston.org/recreation.
Check out a few of the classes we're offering this winter below and then discover dozens of other Parks and Rec programs.
 Family Rock
In Family Rock, we all rock together, with the youngest children learning from the older children! This movement-based program uses music to facilitate learning. Activities include the use of rhythm instruments and movement props, working on both gross and fine motor skills, including balance and coordination, as well as imaginative play. Register now.
 More Than Basic Drawing
Have you always wanted to learn to draw or has it been ages since you drew and you are feeling a bit rusty? Join us for a “More than Basics Drawing.” Students will work primarily from still life, develop their drawing skills and have fun working with other art enthusiast. For ages 55+. Register now.
 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: aeberhardt@cityofevanston.org
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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