The City of Evanston is working within the guidelines of the State’s Restore Illinois plan to get back to a new normal of work and recreation, while prioritizing the health and safety of residents and staff.
The Morton Civic Center is currently closed to the public. Only building tenants and a limited number of staff may access the building at this time. Residents are encouraged to complete City business online or by contacting 311.
Some City business – such as beach token purchases or program registration – may be completed at recreation community centers during their operating hours.
The Evanston Police Department Service Desk is open for limited service; however, telephone contact is preferred. Community members should contact the Police Service Desk by calling 847-866-5000. For emergencies, dial 911.
The Evanston Public Library is now open for contact-free hold pickups. Evanston residents can check out books, DVDs and more at the Main Library. Service hours will be 10 am to 3 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Branch library locations remain closed at this time due to limited capacity for staff and patrons. View the Evanston Public Library’s phased reopening plan for more information.
Robert Crown Community Center
The Robert Crown Community Center is currently open for limited services, including program registration and beach token purchases. Ice operations are open for figure skating practice and hockey rentals in a limited capacity; there is no public skate at this time. The library, gymnasium, running track and other activity spaces are currently closed.
The facility will reopen for camp activities on July 6 in a limited capacity with safety restrictions in place.
Evanston Ecology Center
The Evanston Ecology Center office is open for limited services, including program registration and beach token purchases.
The facility will reopen for camp activities on July 6 in a limited capacity with safety restrictions in place. Electronics, light bulbs and plastic film may be recycled at the Evanston Ecology Center beginning July 6.
Levy Senior Center
The Levy Senior Center’s office will be open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., beginning Monday, July 6.
Due to the increased risk COVID-19 poses to older adults, the facility will remain closed for indoor programming and activities through August 31. Virtual programming will continue. Visit the Levy Senior Center Foundation website or subscribe to the Levy e-Newsletter for updates. (View June 12 issue for more information.)
Plastic film, light bulb and electronics recycling collection will not be available through August 31. Yard waste stickers will not be available for purchase this summer.
Chandler-Newberger Community Center
The facility will reopen for camp activities on July 6 in a limited capacity with safety restrictions in place.
Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
The Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center office is open for limited services, including program registration and beach token purchases. The facility will reopen for camp activities on July 6 in a limited capacity with safety restrictions in place.
Gibbs-Morrison Cultural Center
The Gibbs-Morrison Cultural Center will reopen in a limited capacity on July 6.
Noyes Cultural Arts Center
The Noyes Cultural Arts Center is currently open to tenants only. On July 6, the facility will reopen for camp activities and tenant programming in a limited capacity with safety restrictions in place.
Fountain Square
Fountain Square’s north and south plazas are open for public use. At this time, the fountain in the north plaza remains off to allow space for safe outdoor activities.
Arrington Lakefront Lagoon
The Arrington Lakefront Lagoon fountains will be turned on in mid-July. City of Evanston Facilities staff are currently focusing their efforts on preparing City facilities and recreation centers for safe reopening.
Lakefront restrooms
Lakefront restroom facilities are now open, and are being cleaned every two hours in accordance with public health guidelines.
Parks and playgrounds
City of Evanston parks and green spaces are open for public use. Residents are reminded to practice physical distancing and to wear a face covering when physical distancing is not practical.
All playgrounds are currently closed in accordance with State of Illinois Phase 3 public health guidelines. The City is awaiting State public health guidelines regarding playgrounds for Phase 4.
Dog Park
Pooch Park, located at 3220 Oakton St., has reopened. A permit is required for admission. The Evanston Dog Beach remains closed due to high lake levels.
Tennis and Basketball Courts
Tennis courts are now open for singles play only with safety restrictions in place. Courts will open for doubles play beginning in Phase 4.
Basketball courts are currently closed, as basketball does not allow for physical distancing. The City is awaiting State public health guidelines regarding basketball courts for Phase 4.
Drinking Fountains
Only bottle filling stations will be open in Phases 3 and 4 of the Restore Illinois plan.
Beaches
Evanston beaches are currently open for sand activities only. Beaches will tentatively open for swimming on July 1. Greenwood Street Beach will remain closed for the season due to high lake levels and erosion. Season beach tokens are available for purchase online and at select locations.
Boat Launches
The Dempster Street Launch Facility and Church Street Boat Ramp are now open.
Summer camps
Evanston summer camps will open on July 6 in a significantly reduced capacity in accordance with state public health guidelines. Registration is now open online, by phone by calling 847-448-4311, or in-person at select community centers during their operating hours.
Recreation programs
Evanston outdoor recreation programs will open on July 6 in a limited capacity and with safety restrictions in place. Register online or by calling/texting 847-448-4311.