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Check out this week's news on Summer Camp and Spring registration, dog park naming contest, upcoming events, and more.

News

Summer Camp & Spring Program Registration Is Open!

Registration for Evanston Parks & Recreation Summer Camps and Spring Programs is open. Visit cityofevanston.org/register to select your activities. Discounted resident pricing is automatically applied at checkout.

Cast Your Vote for Our New Grey Park Dog Area

The Evanston Parks and Recreation Department, together with Fourth Ward Councilmember Jonathan Nieuwsma, invites community members to vote on the name for the new off-leash dog area at Grey Park.

Thank you to all the community members who submitted name ideas. The City received 605 entries from 304 residents, making it incredibly difficult to narrow the list to just ten finalists. Evanston, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for. Now it’s your turn to cast your vote and help choose the winning name!

Finalists:

• Bark Park
• Barking Lot
• Canine Commons
• Dog E-town
• Grey Hound Park
• Paws Park
• Rover Run
• Sniffytown
• Waggly Field
• Zoomie Zone

Contest Timeline:

• Voting thru March 16: Community members vote on their favorite name. Voting ends at 10 p.m., March 16.

• March 23: Contest winner and dog park name announced at the City Council meeting.

For questions or comments, contact Lakefront and Athletics Division Manager Tim Carter at timcarter@cityofevanston.org.

STEM Launch Sparks Curiosity at Fleetwood

What a great morning at our STEM Launch on March 7 at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center!  Families enjoyed hands-on workshops, activity stations, laser tag, student sessions and a panel discussion with community partners. Participants explored STEM activities and earned swag bags along the way. Discover all the STEM activities we offer at cityofevanston.org/register

Congratulations to Our Winter Basketball League Champions!

Our winter season wrapped up March 7 with great games, teamwork and community spirit. Congratulations to this year’s division winners:

• 1st/2nd Grade Co-Ed Blue Division: Walker Team 2'
• 1st/2nd Grade Co-Ed Green Division: Orrington Team 2
• 3rd Grade Co-Ed League: Dawes
• 4th Grade Boys & Non-Binary League: Kingsley Team 1
• 5th Grade Girls & Non-Binary League: St. Joan of Arc
• 5th Grade Boys & Non-Binary League: Dewey

Thank you to all of our players, families and volunteer coaches who made this season such a success!

Registration is now open for our 4th & 5th Grade Spring Sports Leagues,  including Soccer, Tennis and Track. Register before the March 19 deadline.

Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre Announces 2026 Season

Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre has unveiled its 2026 season, featuring three plays by contemporary female playwrights that explore the African American and African diaspora experience through powerful personal and historical stories.

The season opens May 23–June 7 with Gee’s Bend by Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder. Set in an isolated Alabama community famous for its quiltmakers, the play follows generations of women navigating segregation, family struggles and the Civil Rights movement from 1939 to 2000.

Next, July 25–August 9, the theatre presents the Pulitzer Prize-nominated In the Continuum by Danai Gurira and Nikkole Salter. The play tells the parallel stories of two Black women — one in Los Angeles and one in Zimbabwe — who each discover they are pregnant and HIV positive.

The season concludes October 31–November 15 with Eleanor Burgess’s The Niceties, a provocative two-character drama in which a Black college student and her white professor clash over a paper about slavery’s role in the American Revolution.

Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre will also host the third annual Gloria Bond Clunie Playwright’s Festival on July 18–19, featuring staged readings of new works.

Purchase tickets for individual shows or get a season membership.

FJT’s Tim Rhoze Honored Among Chicago Theater Leaders Tim Rhoze, producing artistic director of Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, has been named to the Players 50 2026 list by Newcity Stage, recognizing standout leaders shaping Chicago’s theater scene. Rhoze has led the theater since 2010, championing powerful stories from the Black American and African diaspora and deepening the theater’s impact in the community. Learn more.

Upcoming Events

The Mystery of the Time Traveling Book: March 13-15

Evanston Children's Theater is proud to present The Mystery of the Time Traveling Book featuring local actors aged 8-14 years old.

Event details
Performance dates and times: Friday, March 13, 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 14, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, March 15, 3 p.m.
Location: Levy Center Gym
Cost: $15
Tickets

Wild & Scenic Film Fest: March 13 & 20

Enjoy the power of film at Evanston's Wild & Scenic Film Fest! Tickets for two nights of amazing short films (and free popcorn) are now available. Join us for one or both dates:

• March 13th - "Wild Women: Meet the trailblazers, from the deep woods to the front lines, these films highlight the women dedicated to protecting our natural world."
• March 20th - "Water Tales: A curated selection of films exploring the beauty, scarcity, and vital importance of our world's water resources."

Event details
Dates: Fridays, March 13 & 20
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Rotary International Building, 1560 Sherman Ave, Evanston, IL
Cost: $15 EEA Member / $20 General Public
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.

Wildflower Camp Open House: March 14

All interested families are invited to our free Wildflower Summer Camp open house at the Ecology Center on Saturday, March 14th! Families will visit the Nature Classroom and experience a fun morning of activities that highlight what a day at Wildflower Summer Camp will be like.

Wildflower Camp description: Introduce your kids (ages 3-4 yrs) to the wonders of nature this summer! Campers will meet new friends, while enjoying a summer full of nature activities and adventures. There are four exciting camp sessions that will meet in the Ecology Center Nature Classroom from 9am-12pm, Monday-Friday. Registration is now available.

Event details
Date: Saturday, March 14
Time: 10 a.m. to 11:30am
Location: Ecology Center

Ages: 3-4 yrs old in the summer
Cost: Free Open House

Register for Wildflower Camp Open House online or call the Ecology Center at (847) 448-8256. You can also register for Wildflower Camp sessions today, as camp spaces are limited for the summer.

Indoor Farmers' Market: March 21

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, March 21
Time: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: Free
View the indoor market schedule.

Block Printed Tote Bags: March 21

Learn the art and craft of block printing as we explore the techniques of carving, inking, and printing! We will teach you how to carve your own nature-inspired stamp and print the design on a reusable and sustainable block-printed tote bag.

Event details
Date: Saturday, March 21
Times: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: $34 R/$44.24 NR 
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.

Las Caras Lindas Exhibit: Thru March 24

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.

Event details
Date: Thursdays thru March 24
Time: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Noyes Cultural Arts Center Upstairs Gallery
Cost: Free

Spring Sound Meditation: March 26

Start the spring season with an hour-long immersive experience led by musician and sound meditation facilitator, Jay Taylor. Lie back and relax as the singing bowls enter the sonic landscape. The session will begin with a brief introduction and light guided breathing. No experience, skills, or beliefs are required to participate and benefit from this offering.

Event details
Date: Thursday, March 26
Times: 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: $30 R/$39.04 NR 
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.

Arboretum Egg Hunt: April 4

Join us for a fun-filled day of springtime activities at the annual Arboretum Egg Hunt! Search through the Ladd Arboretum to see if you can find all of the hidden eggs. After the egg hunt, families will enjoy a variety of festive activities. Please register all children; accompanying adults are free.

Event details
Date: Saturday, April 4
Times: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.; 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: $12 R/$15.62 NR 
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.

Coffee With CARE: April 7

Join Evanston's CARE Team for coffee and conversation on April 7 at Hoosier Mama Pie Company. Let's discuss issues and build relationships, one cup at a time.

Event details
Date: Tuesday, April 7
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Hoosier Mama Pie Company, 1618 W. Chicago Ave., Evanston
Cost: Free

James Park Pickleball Courts Grand Opening: April 18

Join us for a grand opening celebration of the new pickleball courts at James Park. The event will include a ribbon cutting and open play.

Event details
Date: Saturday, April 18
Time: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: James Park Pickleball Courts
Cost: Free

Reservations are open!
We're now accepting reservations for our new James Park pickleball courts. Reservations are available daily 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Reserve now.

Spring Program Spotlight

Spring program registration is now open! Browse all offerings in our online catalog, and check out a few highlighted programs below to get inspired for the season ahead.

Skateboard Classes

Beginners learn how to start, stop, turn, basic ramp riding, and tricks; intermediate skaters learn skills based on ability. Skaters must bring a drink and wear a helmet. Knee, elbow, and wrist guards are encouraged. No board, no problem. We can lend you one for class. Register now.

Adult Volleyball League at Clark St Beach

Prize money and a trophy awarded to the top team! Teams play 18 regular-season games plus a single-elimination tournament for the top teams. Games will take place on Tuesdays from 6-8 starting April 7.  Registration closes on March 27. Register now.

Musical Theater for Vintage Performers

Have you ever wanted to be in a musical like Singing in The Rain? Now is the time! This no cut program is specially designed for any community elder- everyone who signs up gets a part and we present an enhanced staged reading at the end with costumes and lights but no memorizing! Director Brianna Borger, of Northwestern University will be bringing in a group of Music Theatre students to help out and cheer us on! No experience necessary. Final performance is May 31. Register now.

Teen Introduction to Ice Skating

The Teen Introduction to Ice Skating class is designed specifically for ages 12–17 who are new to skating or have very limited experience on the ice. This beginner-friendly program provides a supportive and age-appropriate environment where teens can build skills, confidence, and coordination while learning the fundamentals of skating. Register now.

Fitness Foundations

Build strength, increase endurance, and boost your energy in this dynamic full body workout designed for all fitness levels. This class targets major muscle groups through a combination of strength training, cardio intervals, and core conditioning to deliver a balanced, results-driven session. Participants can expect a motivating environment with guided instruction, proper form coaching, and modifications to meet individual needs. Register now.

I.M.P.A.C.T.

Individuals Motivated by Passions, Abilities, and Creativity Thrive! There is no better way to demonstrate your strengths and skills than by sharing them to make a difference in the community. In this new hands-on volunteering program, participants will design projects for individuals and local organizations in need. Adapted equipment and staff assistance will be provided based on each participant’s unique needs. All supplies are included in the program fee. Register now.

4th and 5th Grade Co-Ed Soccer League

This league provides a fun, structured environment for players to develop soccer skills while learning teamwork and sportsmanship. League standings are kept for this league. Each team will receive jerseys and play a total of 6 games. There may be bye weeks depending on the number of teams. Times of games vary weekly between 9am-12pm.  All players must be registered by March 19. Register now.

4th and 5th Grade Tennis League

The 4th/5th Grade Tennis League is led by guardian volunteers in partner- ship with Tennis Evolution Evanston. Practices will be held on weekdays after school at the school site, beginning the week of March 30. Sunday matches will take place at Evanston Township High School starting April
12, with match times varying weekly between 12-3 p.m. The league focuses on skill development, sportsmanship, and learning the fundamentals of tennis in a fun, supportive environment. All players must be registered by March 19. Register now.

4th and 5th Grade Track

Participants will develop basic running skills while building confidence, teamwork, and a positive attitude toward physical activity. Practices will focus on proper running form, speed development, endurance, pacing, and relay exchanges. Athletes will be introduced to a variety of track events such as sprints, distance runs, and relay races. Emphasis is placed on skill development, effort, and personal improvement rather than competition results. No prior track experience is required. Coaches are volunteers from respective schools and are responsible for scheduling their team practices. Track meets will take place on April 12, May 3 and May 17. All players must be registered by March 19. Register now.

After School and School Days Off

Master of Magic Camp

Students will learn magic tricks and performance skills. At the end of the week, with a really fun Magic show that parents, siblings, and friends can attend. Register Now.

Vacation Adventure Spring Break Camp

”Take Off” from the Robert Crown “airport” for a fun-filled vacation of  active play and exploration. We’ll create passports and explore countries  to learn about their food, art, and culture. Each day we will create an art  project, sample food, and listen to music representative of the country we  are visiting. A snack will be provided. Please pack a nut free lunch. Register Now.

Vacation Adventure Jr. Spring Break Camp

In our "junior" edition of Vacation Adventure, our smallest explorers will be introduced to the "around the world" experience through play based exploration of music, art, dance, food and culture from lands afar. Small groups are formed to promote individualized attention and social distancing. Please bring a nut-free lunch. PM snack will be provided. Children 3 and older must be toilet trained. 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

Other News

Dog Beach Passes Available 

Located just south of Clark Street Beach, the Evanston Dog Beach will open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., beginning March 2.

Pick up your pass: Remember, a valid dog beach pass is required for entry to the Evanston Dog Beach. Passes will be available in person at City community centers on weekdays starting February 16. Learn more. 

Grand Opening of the Prieto Early Learning Center!

Give your child their first independent learning experience in a warm, nurturing environment at the new Prieto Early Learning Center. The center will feature our Explorer Two’s program, which is designed to gently ease young children from home to school while building confidence, curiosity and essential preschool skills.

Through engaging daily activities, children will develop socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively while practicing key preschool readiness skills like taking turns, following simple directions and listening.

Each class includes:

• Interactive circle time

• Art, music and movement

• Storytime and creative play

• Outdoor play and open gym time

• Guided activities that encourage independence and social growth

Explorer Two’s provides a supportive introduction to early learning, helping your child build the skills they need for preschool and beyond.

Learn more and register: call 847-448-8167 or email kerrybauer@cityofevanston.org

Get Involved

Calling All Food Trucks & Local Eats! Showcase Your Flavor at Evanston’s Park Events

The City of Evanston is seeking food trucks and restaurants to participate in special events throughout the spring and summer. Priority will be given to Evanston-owned businesses, with additional consideration for restaurants located in different wards. Whenever possible, we aim to feature a food truck or restaurant from the same ward as the park hosting the event.

Restaurants without a food truck must be able to operate in an outdoor park setting without access to electricity. Generators are permitted, provided they do not disrupt the concert or movie. All food vendors must supply their own generators.

Questions about the application, submission policy, or process can be directed to adagostino@cityofevanston.org.

Apply now.

Interested in Selling at a 2027 Flea Market?

The Evanston Parks and Recreation Department will not host its annual Flea Market in 2026 due to the lack of a suitable venue. We know this event is a favorite for both shoppers and vendors, and we’re excited to bring it back in 2027.

While the exact date hasn’t been finalized, the Flea Market will likely return in May 2027.

Interested in becoming a vendor when it returns? Fill out the interest form and we’ll contact you when registration opens.

Accessibility for all

The City of Evanston is committed to promoting a City-wide culture of accessibility and inclusion. To request an accommodation for a program, service, activity, or to request materials in an alternative format, please make an ADA service request by calling 847-866-2919 or submitting a 311 request 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