Levy Senior Center | Evanston

The Levy Senior Center in Evanston, Illinois, is a dedicated community facility focused on serving adults aged 55 and older. Established in 1966, it has grown into a modern, welcoming, and comprehensive center that promotes health, wellness, social connection, and lifelong learning for older adults. The center acts as a vital resource for seniors in Evanston and surrounding areas, offering a wide variety of programs, services, and amenities tailored specifically to their needs.

Location & Facility

Address: 300 Dodge Avenue, Evanston, IL, situated on the southeast corner of James Park.

Size: Approximately 26,000 square feet.

Operating Hours:

Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Saturday and Sunday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

The building is designed to be fully accessible and senior-friendly, with comfortable spaces, natural lighting, and easy navigation.

Health and Wellness

The Levy Center emphasizes physical health and fitness with a robust schedule of classes and facilities:

Fitness Classes: Include cardio and strength training, balance and stability exercises, yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Zumba, and pickleball. These classes cater to varying fitness levels, helping seniors improve mobility, flexibility, and cardiovascular health.

Fitness Room: Equipped with a range of exercise machines such as treadmills, stationary bikes, and strength equipment, plus locker rooms and showers.

Personal Training: Certified trainers provide individualized fitness assessments and customized workout plans to help members achieve their health goals safely.

Arts and Cultural Programs

The Levy Center encourages creative expression and cultural enrichment through:

Visual Arts: Classes in clay hand-building and glazing, mosaic tile art, stained glass, acrylic and watercolor painting, and figure drawing.

Music and Dance: Opportunities to learn and participate in ukulele, singing groups, piano lessons, ballet, line dancing, and tap dance.

These programs promote mental well-being, creativity, and social engagement.

Amenities and Spaces

Rothschild Courtyard Garden: A peaceful outdoor garden space with perennial plants, water features, and seating areas for relaxation or socializing.

Library: A quiet reading room featuring a curated collection of books and artwork by local artists, offering a calm environment for study and reflection.

Art Room and Dance Studio: Dedicated spaces for classes and rehearsals, designed with appropriate lighting and equipment.

Gymnasium: A large versatile space with translucent walls, used for group fitness classes, sports, and special events.

Specialized Services

Seniors-Only DMV Branch: Operated by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office within the center, this DMV serves only seniors (65+), providing services like Real ID issuance, driving tests, and vision exams without requiring appointments.

Community Garden: An ADA-accessible vegetable garden established in 2021 that encourages sustainable gardening practices and community involvement.

Membership and Benefits

Eligibility: Adults aged 55 and older.

Fees: $55 annually for Evanston residents, $75 for non-residents, and free for those aged 90+ under the “Heaven Can Wait” program.

Benefits: Include free access to the fitness room, discounted program fees, access to exclusive clubs and events, a 10% discount on one rental annually, and free transportation on the Levy Bus for residents.

Programs and Events

The Levy Center hosts a variety of engaging activities and recurring events, such as:

Levy Lecture Series: Educational talks on diverse subjects tailored for senior interests.

Jamming Jean Music Series: Quarterly live music concerts featuring a variety of genres.

Fran Randall Concerts: Performances by young, award-winning musicians offering cultural enrichment.

These events foster social connection, learning, and enjoyment among the senior community.

Summary

The Levy Senior Center is more than just a recreational facility; it is a vibrant social and cultural hub that supports the independence, health, and well-being of older adults in Evanston. Through its comprehensive fitness programs, arts and enrichment classes, social services, and specialized amenities, the center provides an inclusive and welcoming environment where seniors can thrive physically, mentally, and socially.