Contact Us
CONTACT INFORMATION:
City of Evanston Parks and Recreation Department
Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center 2100 Ridge Avenue (closed to public) Evanston, IL 60201
311: call/text 847-448-4311 cityofevanston.org
South End Community Center 430 Asbury Avenue 847-859-7697
southend@cityofevanston.org
Connect With Us cityofevanston.org/parks-recreation
Follow @ParkRecEvanston facebook.com/EvanstonParksandRecreation instagram @parkrecevanston
Parks and Recreation Department
Director: Audrey Thompson
Deputy Director: Michael Callahan
Deputy Director: Matt Poole
Deputy Director: Jeron Doresy
Enrichment and Specialty Programs Division Manager: Victoria Revere
Community and Arts Division Manager: Kenneth Cherry
Conservation and Outdoors Division Manager: Margaret Isaacson
Lakefront and Athletics Division Manager: Tim Carter
Senior Services Division Manager: Amy Kellogg
Inclusion & Accessibility Division Manager: Lauren Ruiz
Fall Programs at South End
Early Childhood Classes
JAMBERRY AT SOUTH END
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.
Location: South End Community Center
Age: 6 months - 5 years
Fee: 7 sessions: $161R/$209NR
Class # Dates Days Time 031107A4 Oct 7-Nov 18 M 9:30-10:15am
MAGICAL MUNCHKINS TAP & BALLET
Step into our enchanting introductory dance class where rhythm, grace, and boundless fun await! Our dynamic sessions seamlessly blend tap + ballet, and engaging dance games, creating an energetic and expressive atmosphere where every child can shine. Classes are continuous and progressive each session, guiding your dancer toward a dazzling on-stage performance in the spring. Parents (or caregivers), your presence is required as you support your child’s journey, joining in as needed to make this experience truly special. Come join our warm and inviting dance family, where every class is a step toward something truly magical. No class Nov. 30.
Location: South End Community Center
Age: 2-3 years
Fee: 10 sessions: $200 R/$260 NR
Class # Dates Days Time 031104A4 Oct 12-Dec 21 Sa 9:15-9:55am
TINY MOVERS TAP & BALLET
Welcome to our energetic and expressive tap, ballet, and dance games class designed especially for your Tiny Mover! Watch as they embark on a journey of learning basic dance and motor skills, musicality, and rhythm, all while having a blast in a supportive environment. Starting with tap and seamlessly transitioning into ballet each week, our classes are carefully crafted to keep your little one engaged and excited. This is their first independent class, with families watching from outside the room, fostering confidence and independence. As the year progresses, our progressive curriculum leads them towards mastering new skills, culminating in a dazzling performance at our annual spring showcase. Join us for a year of growth, laughter, and unforgettable memories as we dance our way to the spotlight! No class Nov. 30.
Location: South End Community Center
Age: 3-4 years
Fee: 10 Sessions: $200 R/$260 NR
Class # Dates Days Time
031105A4 Oct 12-Dec 21 Sa 10-10:55am
STAR SHINERS TAP & BALLET
Join us in nurturing your child’s passion for dance with our dynamic tap and ballet combination class! Our welcoming environment fosters continuous growth and progression, guiding dancers through a journey of skill development and self-expression. Each session is carefully designed to seamlessly integrate curriculum goals with joyous movement, ensuring your dancer is both challenged and fulfilled. Starting with tap and seamlessly transitioning into ballet each week, dancers not only refine their dance, listening, and coordination skills but also dive into the intricacies of ballet terminology and technique. As we work towards our annual spring showcase, every step taken in class leads towards an unforgettable on-stage performance, where our dancers shine bright. No class Nov. 30.
Location: South End Community Center
Age: 4-6 years
10 Sessions: $200 R/$260 NR
Class # Dates Days Time
031106A4 Oct 12-Dec 21 Sa 11-11:55am
SOCCER SHOTS AT SOUTH END
Using creative and imaginative games, Soccer Shots sessions focus on basic soccer skills like dribbling, passing, and shooting. We also highlight a positive character trait each session such as respect, teamwork, and appreciation to help build a well-rounded athlete and child. The Soccer Shots Classic curriculum is designed to keep kids ages 3-5 moving, learning, and having fun.
Location: South End Community Center
Age: 3-5 years
Fee: 7 sessions: $120 R/$156 NR
Class # Dates Days Time
031102A4 Oct 7-Nov 18 M 3:45-4:25pm
031103A4 Oct 9-Nov 20 W 4:30-5:15pm
New Moms
NEW MOMS’ GROUP
Welcoming a new baby is joyful - and challenging! Join ParentConnect’s new moms’ group, a comfortable space to meet local moms and connect about the inevitable ups, downs, joys, and struggles of early motherhood. Each session will focus on a parenting topic with organic discussion facilitated by two Evanston moms and child development experts. Learn about your baby’s development, share knowledge mom-to-mom, and build a support network to lean on as your child grows. Note: This group is open to anyone who identifies as a mother. ParentConnect is a local mom-owned startup that helps new parents build their “village” through moms groups, family meetups, and parent events.
Location: South End Community Center
Age: 18 and up
Fee, 6 sessions: $200 R/$260 NR
Class # Dates Days Time
033102A4 Oct 8-Nov 12 Tu 1-2:30pm
Ecology Events
WILD WEEKENDS
Come to South End Community Center for a live animal presentation! We will be partnering with a wildlife education organization to meet and learn about a variety of amazing and often misunderstood animals to better understand the importance of protecting these creatures. Join us early at 6:30pm for an introduction activity with the animal presentation starting at 7pm. Children must be accompanied by an enrolled adult.
Location: South End Community Center
Age: 4 years and up
1 session: $12 R/$16 NR
Class # Dates Days Time
132145C4 Nov 2 Sa 6:30-8pm
PUMPKIN DECORATING & SEED ROASTING
Join the Ecology Center staff in celebrating the fall season by decorating and carving your own pumpkin! We will also demonstrate how to roast the seeds with a variety of different flavor combinations. Participants will go home with a decorated pumpkin and many seeds for roasting.
Location: South End Community Center
Age: 8 yrs. and up
Fee, 1 session: $20 R/$26 NR
Class # Dates Days Time 133105A4 Oct 20 Su 2-3:30pm
FALL FERMENTING & PICKLING
After the fall harvest, it is time to preserve foods from our gardens for the winter season! Participants will learn about the science and art of fermenting and pickling vegetables and will test out techniques.
Location: South End Community Center
Age: 16 yrs. and up
Fee, 1 session: $20 R/$26 NR
Class # Dates Days Time
132166A4 Nov 15 F 7-8pm
DIY NEEDLE FELTED DRYER BALLS
Learn the basics of needle felting by decorating your own wool dryer balls. This eco-friendly craft can help to soften fabrics and reduce static in your dryer loads. An experienced instructor will be available to provide guidance and technical assistance.
Location: South End Community Center
Age: 18 yrs. and up
Fee, 1 session: $32 R/$42 NR
Class # Dates Days Time
133101A4 Nov 21 Th 7-8pm
Fall Programs at South End
NATURE PLAY DATE
Schedule a free-style play date with the Ecology Center! You and your child will meet animals up close, learn about nature, enjoy storytimes, make crafts, and play. Each play date is a different nature theme. Caregiver required. Fee covers the class and a day pass to the South End Community Center play space.
Availability: 847-448-8256
Location: South End Community Center Age: 1-4
Fee, 1 session: $20R/$26NR Class # Dates Days Time
132152A4 Sept 6 F 9:30- 11:30pm
132152B4 Oct 4 F 9:30- 11:30pm
132152C4 Nov 8 F 9:30- 11:30pm
Scouts
BOY AND GIRL SCOUT PROGRAMS
The Ecology Center’s educational and interactive programs will engage your troop and meet badge requirements. In addition to the topics listed below, the Ecology Center will work with you to meet your troops’ unique needs. Call (847) 448-8256 for more information or to schedule a scout program or outing to a natural area in Evanston.
Girl Scouts: Clover Petal (Daisy), Rosie Petal (Daisy) Eco Learner (Daisy), Senses (Daisy-Brownie), Bugs (DaisyBrownie), Letterboxer (Brownie), Geocacher (Junior-Cadette).
Cub Scouts: Backyard Jungle (Tiger), Tigers in the Wild (Tiger), Paws on the Path (Wolf), Air of the Wolf (Wolf), Fur, Feathers and Ferns (Bear), Weeblo Walkabout (Weeblo), Into the Woods (Weeblo). Programs vary in length depending on requirements and reservations are required 2 weeks in advance. Please call for availability. Fee: $7 R/$9 NR per scout with a 10-scout min.
SCOUT MERIT BADGE
We offer a mix of required and elective badges each season to help you on your path to Eagle Scout. Supplies and instruction will be provided.
Location: South End Community Center Age: 1-4
Fee, 1 session: $20R/$26NR Class #/Theme Dates Days Time
132130A4 Sept 9, 16 M 4:30- 6:30pm Citizenship in the Nation
132130B4 Sept 30, Oct 7 M 4:30- 6:30pm First Aid
132130C4 Nov 11, 18 M 4:30- 6:30pm Citizenship in Society
School Programs
ECOLOGY SCHOOL PROGRAMS
The Evanston Ecology Center offers a variety of inschool programs and field trip programs to foster a greater appreciation, awareness, and knowledge of the natural environment and the importance of being stewards of the natural world. Programs cover a wide variety of nature-related themes, including the always popular Critter Visits. Ecology Center staff will work with you to meet your classroom’s needs.
Field Trip Locations: Lighthouse Beach, Lovelace Park, South End Community Center, and other natural areas
In-school Location: At your school
Fee, field trip per student: $5 R/$7 NR
Fee, in-school max 25 participants: $90 R/$117 NR
Accessible Recreation
LET’S PLAY…WITH SUPPORT!
South End’s newest play place is full of opportunities for our youngest community members to build confidence, use their imaginations, and make new friends! We’re here to provide the extra assistance that may benefit your child during free play including social skill practice, executive functioning support, and problem-solving preparedness. Together with staff, your child will engage with other attendees during this open community playtime and focus on increasing independence.
Location: South End Community Center
Age: 2-6 yrs.
Fee, 8 sessions: $64 R/$83 NR
Class # Dates Days Time
835842A4 Sept 21-Nov 9 Sa 10:30- 11:15am
GAMERS’ SOCIAL CLUB
This Saturday afternoon social club designed especially for teens who are neurodivergent will provide opportunities to show off your gaming skills and meet new friends in a non-intimidating, supportive environment. We’ll begin each meet up with a mixer activity that will allow us to get to know each other and share our interests, then jump right into a variety of games and skill-building challenges. To finish off the fun, we’ll enjoy lunch together. Note: Lunch costs are included in the program fee.
Location: South End Community Center
Age: 13-22 yrs.
Fee, 4 sessions: $50 R/$65 NR
Class # Dates Days Time
835843A4 Oct 19-Nov 9 Sa 11:30am- 1pm
ADAPTED PICKLEBALL
We’re ready to join the pickleball craze! This beginner, adapted program will teach you the skills and basic rules of the sport that is ever-increasing in popularity. Adapted equipment will be provided and we’ll get our friendly competition on in an environment that focuses on fun, socialization, and increasing our physical activity.
Location: South End Community Center
Age: 18 yrs. and up
Fee, 8 sessions: $68 R/$88 NR
Class # Dates Days Time
835844A4 Sept 19-Nov 7 Th 11:30am- 1pm
ADAPTED BOCCIA
Whether you’re brand new to the game or a seasoned pro, Boccia is a sport with endless benefits. Together we’ll determine which playing style and adapted equipment best enhances your athletic skills. From there we’ll learn the rules, develop confidence, and experience the camaraderie that being an Evanston athlete will bring.
Location: South End Community Center
Age: 18 yrs. and up
Fee, 8 sessions: $68 R/$88 NR
Class # Dates Days Time
835462A4 Sept 20-Nov 8 F 11:30am- 1pm
MUSICAL EXPRESSIONS
At this musical exploration program we’ll try out games, dancing, and instrument creation. You’re sure to find new ways to express yourself
Location: South End Community Center
Age: 6-12 yrs.
Fee, 1 session: $15 R/$20 NR
Class # Dates Days Time
835848A4 Oct 20 Su 10-11am
Accessible Recreation, con’t
Evanston City Explorers
PUZZLES & PIZZA
Join us as we hang out with our buddies to solve puzzles and then enjoy some homemade pizzas for dinner. We’ll have a variety of puzzles available, from jigsaw puzzles to brainteasers and logic puzzles. There is something for everyone!
Location: South End Community Center Age: 10-17 yrs.
Fee, 1 session: $25 R/$33 NR
Class # Dates Days Time
835464A4 Oct 10 Th 5:30- 7:30pm
PUMPKIN CARVING & MOVIE
It’s spooky season! Let’s get ready for Halloween by carving pumpkins, playing Halloween Bingo, and watching a Halloween movie.
Location: South End Community Center
Age: 10-17 yrs.
Fee, 1 session: $25 R/$33 NR
Class # Dates Days Time
835465A4 Oct 24 Th 5:30- 7:30pm
Evanston City Cruisers
SWEET TREATS
Calling all sweets lovers! If you enjoy candy, especially chocolate, this program is for you. We are going to make our own chocolate covered pretzels, strawberries, and other delicious creations. Dietary needs will be accommodated.
Location: South End Community Center
Age: 18 yrs.+
Fee, 1 session: $25 R/$33 NR
Class # Dates Days Time
835467A4 Oct 18 Fr 6:30- 8:30pm
Drop-in Open Gym
PING PONG
Join us on Tuesday afternoons from 1-3 pm for free open gym ping pong! Bring your friends or make some new ones playing singles or doubles.
Location: South End Community Center
Age: All
Fee: Free
Days: Tuesdays
Time: 1-3pm
MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN GYM
Drop in on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school for basketball, ping pong, and a variety of other games.
Location: South End Community Center
Age: 11-14 yrs
Fee: $5 per visit
Dates: Oct 1 - Nov 21
Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Time: 3:30 -5pm
General Information
Registration
Classes that don’t reach minimum enrollment level are canceled.
Who is a Resident?
To receive the Evanston resident rate for a Parks and Recreation Department program, you must live in ZIP code 60201 or 60202.
Class Cancellations
In case of class changes or program cancellation, we’ll notify you in advance by telephone or postcard. Generally, refunds are issued within two weeks. If circumstances arise causing us to cancel a class session, every effort will be made to schedule a make up class.
Payment Deadline
Payment in full is required at registration (except for summer camps, which allow a $25 deposit per child per camp #/session to hold a space until the balance due deadline). You (or your child) will be admitted to a class or program after full payment is made. If your family has been approved for fee assistance, your portion of the fee must be paid in full before you (or your child) will be registered in the class.
Insurance
The City of Evanston does not carry hospitalization insurance for program participants. Contact your health care provider for details regarding your individual plan.
Refund Policy
Unless the program is canceled by the City, a $5 service fee will be charged for refunds. For classes already in session, refunds will be prorated and issued in the following situations:
1. Written proof of illness or medical problem for the participant or immediate family member prior to or during the program or activity.
2. Written proof that the participant has moved or will move out of the service boundaries of the City of Evanston prior to or during the program or activity.
3. Unusual circumstances which fall into the category of “hardship.” No refunds on Daily, Seasonal or Yearly Activity Passes/Programs These include beach tokens, ice-skating passes, extended care coupons, fitness passes, season launch permits, leagues, dog beach passes and the like.
Camp Transfers and Refunds
Summer camps are covered separately from the refund policy listed above. For more information, please contact the City of Evanston Parks and Recreation Department at 311 (847-448-4311) or refer to the annual camp guide at cityofevanston.org/summercamps.
How to Initiate a Refund
To initiate the refund process, please mail or drop off written notice of your request, along with written proof of illness, moving or hardship (see refund policy), to the community center where the program is held . Information: call 311 (847-448-4311).
Fee Assistance (Scholarships)
Fee assistance is awarded to qualified Evanston residents on a sliding scale according to the number of family members in relation to total family income. Fee assistance is not available for special events or trips. Information regarding the fee assistance application process and the documents needed to verify family income and residency may be obtained at any Evanston Recreation Division community center.
Information and forms may be downloaded at cityofevanston.org/recreationfeeassistance
Child Supervision/Pick-up Policies
Parents/guardians are responsible for picking up children promptly at the time the program is scheduled to end. Instructors often have other programs to teach and can’t supervise children for an extended period after the program.
Parents or guardians who pick up a child more than five minutes late from a program are assessed a late fee of $10 per child per 15-minute time period. For instance, if the program ends at 4pm and you arrive between 4:06 and 4:21, the late fee is $10.
If you call and advise staff that you are running late, we’ll allow a 10-minute grace period, followed by the $10 per 15-minute late fee.
Toilet Training
All participants must be toilet trained before beginning a City of Evanston program unless approved by program manager.
Photographs and Videotaping
Program participants may be photographed or videotaped. These images may appear in future promotional materials.
Americans with Disabilities Act
The City of Evanston’s programs, activities and services are subject to all applicable laws regarding non-discrimination, including the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. The City has established a committee to review its programs and policies and welcomes suggestions from interested individuals. Reasonable accommodations will be made in recreation programs, activities and services to enable participation by an individual with a disability. To aid staff in making accommodations, please contact them no later than two weeks in advance of the program by calling one of the phone numbers listed below, by writing or in person (three weeks’ notice is even more helpful). The time line for summer camps is no later than 10 days in advance of a program.
If you have any questions about the Parks and Recreation Department policies regarding ADA, please call 847-424-5496 (voice); 847-8665095(TTY); 800-526-0857 (Illinois Relay Center voice transmission).
Equal Opportunity
As the City of Evanston has received federal financial assistance, the U.S. Department of the Interior, under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age or handicap. If you believe that you have been subjected to discrimination in any program, activity or facility, or if you desire further information regarding Title VI, please write to: Office for Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240.
E-mail on Registration Form
Your e-mail address is just another way to communicate with you. It will not be shared with any third parties.
Registration
Go online: cityofevanston.org/register
In person:
All Evanston Recreation Division community centers see page 2).
By telephone:
All Evanston Recreation Division community centers.
Register with your Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express Card.
The City of Evanston’s Parks and Recreation Department strives to provide you with excellence in recreational programs and services. If you are not satisfied, we request your suggestions, comments, or ideas which will improve our programs.
Inclusion Services
Policies & Procedures
Questions: please contact inclusion@ cityofevanston.org; 847-424-5496 (voice) or 800526-0857 (IL Relay Center voice transmission.)
Goals of Evanston Inclusion Services
• To provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate safely and successfully alongside peers in the City of Evanston’s Parks & Recreation programming.
• To provide access to the goals, benefits, and overall experience that all participants in the program receive through reasonable, least restrictive accommodations which do not fundamentally change the recreation program.
• To facilitate understanding, collaboration, and connections within all Parks & Recreation programming and within the community.
Receiving Inclusion Services
Requests for Inclusion Services can be initiated by Parks and Recreation staff or participant and/or guardian(s).
Parks and Recreation staff must request Inclusion Services by completing the following steps:
• Staff communicates with the participant/ guardian to inform them of any concerns related to safety and successful participation in the program. Staff informs participant/guardian that they will be contacting the Inclusion Coordinator for support.
• Staff contacts the Inclusion Coordinator to communicate concerns.
• Inclusion Coordinator schedules an observation of participant at program.
• After observation, Inclusion Coordinator provides an observation summary to the staff requesting assistance, which will include a determination about any support/ accommodations needed.
• The staff provides this summary to other applicable staff in the program and to participant/guardian.
• If it is determined that accommodations are needed, the Inclusion Coordinator contacts the participant/guardian to complete an Inclusion Assessment.
• Inclusion Coordinator provides tools to program staff for accommodations as needed.
• If it is determined that an Inclusion staff is needed, the Inclusion Coordinator begins the process of assigning/hiring and training an Inclusion Aide.
• In the case that an Inclusion Aide is not available, the participant will be placed on the Inclusion waitlist.
• Program fees paid will be prorated as needed based on any missed days after the initial observation.
• If an Inclusion Aide is not found by the end of the program season, all fees will be credited back to the participant/guardian.
Participant and/or guardian must request Inclusion Services by completing the following steps:
• Participant/guardian are encouraged to contact the Inclusion Coordinator as soon as possible once determining what program(s) the participant would like to attend.
• Once registered, the participant/guardian completes an Inclusion Assessment with the Inclusion Coordinator to determine any accommodations needed for safe and successful participation in the program.
• Inclusion Coordinator communicates with program staff and prepares tools as needed for any accommodations for the program.
• If it is determined that an Inclusion Aide is needed, the Inclusion Coordinator begins the process of assigning/hiring and training an Inclusion Aide.
• In the case that an Inclusion Aide is not available, the participant will be placed on the Inclusion waitlist.
• Program fees paid will be prorated as needed based on any missed days of the program due to an Inclusion Aide not being available.
• If an Inclusion Aide is not found by the end of the program season, all fees will be credited back to the participant/guardian.
Accommodations Provided Through Inclusion Services
Following guidance from the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), any accommodations provided for safe and successful participation in a Parks & Recreation program will be reasonable, least restrictive, and will not fundamentally change the program.
Accommodations and levels of support needed will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may include: Inclusion Services will be re-evaluated as necessary with consistent communication between the Inclusion Coordinator, participant/guardian, Parks & Recreation program staff, and Inclusion Aide, if applicable. An increase in support will be adjusted based on the needs of the participant as determined by the Inclusion Coordinator.
Inclusion Aide Assignments
Inclusion Aides are trained to provide support as needed to help Parks & Recreation staff include the participant in programs. This training includes adapting activities, behavior management, disability awareness, incorporating visual and sensory tools, and other participant-specific tasks as needed, such as assistance with personal care (i.e. changing clothes, eating, toileting, etc.) mobility, or communication.
While every effort will be made, the determination of maximum support and the need for an Inclusion Aide does not guarantee that an Inclusion Aide will be available. Needs will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis and Aides will be assigned based on availability as well as skill level required. Due to the high volume of Inclusion Aides needed citywide, the same Inclusion Aide cannot be guaranteed from program to program. Inclusion Aides will not be provided for programs which do not require pre-registration (e.g., drop-in camp, open gym, and family programs.)
Attendance
• If an assigned Inclusion Aide is unable to work due to an emergency or illness, every effort will be made to place an appropriate and available substitute with the participant. If a substitute is unavailable, the participant will be unable to attend the program until an Inclusion Aide is available. Applicable program fees will be prorated until an Inclusion Aide is available.
• If a participant is going to be absent, the participant/guardian must contact the Inclusion Coordinator and Parks & Recreation program staff/designee as soon as possible.
• If the participant is absent three times during a single program, the Inclusion Aide will be removed and re-assigned to a participant on the Inclusion waitlist. This results in immediate discontinuation of participation for this participant for the remainder of the program.
Code of Conduct Policies
• Every effort will be made to provide opportunities for a participant with a disability to safely and successfully participate in Parks & Recreation programming. Receiving Inclusion Services does not exempt a participant from the City of Evanston’s Parks & Recreation Code of Conduct as well as program rules and consequences. The modifications/ accommodations are provided to assist the participant in following the rules. They do not, however, exempt the participant from following the rules.
• If a participant is unable to comply with these rules, even with accommodations in place, they may be subject to disciplinary procedures including discussions with guardians, suspension, or removal from the program if behaviors are deemed unsafe for the participant, peers, staff, and/or program environment.
• Please note an acknowledgment form must be submitted to the Inclusion Coordinator before Inclusion Services are initiated.
