Evanston Beach Passes Available Beginning Next Week

EVANSTON, IL — Evanston residents can begin picking up free season beach passes on Monday, as the city prepares to open its public swimming beaches on May 23.

The city's Parks and Recreation Department said passes for households with proof of residency in zip codes 60201 and 60202 will be available during regular office hours at the Robert Crown Community Center, Levy Senior Center, Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, Chandler-Newberger Community Center, Evanston Ecology Center and Prieto Community Center.

All beach patrons will be required to present either a season beach pass or a daily ticket to enter, and IDs will not be accepted at beach entrances. No pass is required for children under age 1.

To receive a beach pass, residents must show proof of residency for each person in a household. Acceptable documents include a driver's license or state ID, mortgage title or lease agreement, utility bill, tax return, voter registration card, vehicle registration, ETHS, District 65 or Northwestern University student ID, or a District 65 free or reduced lunch letter.

For children, the city said acceptable documentation may include a current report card, school picture ID, a parent's insurance card listing dependents, a tax return document or another form of identification showing Evanston residency.

Children under 6 do not have to provide proof of residency, but a full name and date of birth are still required. College-age adult children ages 18 to 20 may qualify if Evanston is their primary residence and they can provide proof of residency. Adult children 21 and older who live in the household must pick up their own passes in person, according to the city.

Non-Evanston residents must buy either a season pass or a daily beach ticket to use Evanston's swimming beaches, the city said. Families living outside Evanston who have students enrolled in District 65 or ETHS are eligible for free beach passes.

Daily tickets will cost $10 for Skokie residents and $12 for non-Skokie residents. The city said season passes for nonresidents go on sale at community centers beginning April 13 and will also be sold in person starting May 9 at the Dempster Street Beach office between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The city is also continuing its guest ticket program for Evanston residents. Guest tickets cost $5 each, are limited to 20 per household for the season and must be purchased in person by an Evanston resident with proof of residency. More information is available at cityofevanston.org/beaches or by calling or texting 847-448-4311. Residents in Evanston can also dial 311.