Information
Landmark: Robert Crown Community CenterCity: Evanston
Country: USA Illinois
Continent: North America
Robert Crown Community Center, Evanston, USA Illinois, North America
Overview
At 1801 Main Street in Evanston, the Robert Crown Community Center buzzes with activity, serving as a vibrant hub for recreation and culture that shows the city’s dedication to offering top-notch, inclusive programs for people of every age.After a major overhaul, the center reopened in 2020, now buzzing with activity and offering some of the most advanced, wide-ranging programs in the region.🏢 Facility Overview The newly constructed building spans 130,000 square feet and includes a wide array of facilities catering to athletics, arts, education, child care, and general community use.🏢 Facility Overview The brand-new building stretches across 130,000 square feet, offering everything from bright art studios and bustling athletic courts to classrooms, childcare rooms, and welcoming spaces for the whole community.🧊 Ice Rinks Two full-size NHL regulation ice rinks (200' x 85') Used for: Public skating Youth and adult hockey leagues Figure skating Skating lessons Specialty programs like broomball and curling Rinks are heavily used throughout the year and available for private rental.🏀 Gymnasiums Two full-sized courts Supports sports including: Basketball Volleyball Indoor soccer Open gym for casual play Also used for events, tournaments, and recreation leagues.🏃 Indoor Running Track 200-meter rubberized track on the second level Available to all facility users during open hours Ideal for walking, jogging, or warm-up sessions during winter months 📚 Evanston Public Library Branch A major highlight is the 6,000-square-foot library branch inside the building.It replaced the aging Robert Crown Center and now works year-round as a lively, multi-purpose complex, from skating rinks to bright classrooms filled with chatter.🎨 Arts & Cultural Spaces Art Studio : Offers pottery wheels, ceramics kilns, and mixed-media space.Two full-size NHL regulation ice rinks-each a crisp 200 feet by 85-host everything from public skating and figure skating to youth and adult hockey, lessons, and quirky games like broomball or curling.They’re busy year-round, and you can even rent the ice for your own event.🏀 Our gym features two full-size courts where you can hear sneakers squeak during basketball, volleyball, or indoor soccer games, enjoy open gym time, or join events, tournaments, and local rec leagues.👶 Child Care & Education The center operates licensed early childhood and youth programs, blending recreation with educational development: Preschool & Early Learning Programs Ages 2–5 Emphasis on: Social-emotional learning Creative play Early literacy and math Outdoor time in adjacent play areas After-School Care For children aged 5–12 Includes: Homework help Sports and games Arts and crafts STEM activities Safe, structured environment for after-school hours, coordinated with District 65.🌳 Outdoor Facilities Turf Athletic Fields : For soccer, football, lacrosse, and community sports leagues.Up on the second floor, you’ll find a 200‑meter rubberized track-perfect for walking, jogging, or warming up when winter’s biting cold keeps you indoors-and just steps away, the building houses a 6,000‑square‑foot Evanston Public Library branch, a bright and welcoming space open to everyone during regular hours.We offer lending collections for kids and adults, plus computers, Wi‑Fi, and sturdy study tables.There are quiet corners perfect for sinking into a good book, along with a space set aside for literacy programs and homework help.Every part is designed to fit seamlessly into daily community life, especially for young people and families.🌿 Sustainability and Design Designed by Woodhouse Tinucci Architects LEED Silver Certified Energy-efficient lighting and systems Natural daylighting Recycled materials Fully accessible and ADA-compliant Designed for durability and community longevity 🧾 Programs & Community Use The center offers hundreds of year-round programs across categories: Athletic Programs Youth and adult leagues Figure skating and hockey clinics Pickleball, martial arts, and dance classes Arts & Enrichment Drawing, sculpture, clay, and multimedia art Storytime, writing workshops, and live readings Music and theater classes Health & Wellness Yoga, Zumba, senior fitness Indoor walking club Nutrition seminars and wellness fairs Community Engagement Cultural festivals Voter registration drives Civic meetings Teen nights and senior socials 📆 Operations and Access Open Daily : Facility: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Administrative Office: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM Memberships : Open to Evanston residents and non-residents Includes access to ice rink, gyms, and track Day passes and rentals available Financial Aid : Sliding scale available for families in need 🎯 Why It Matters The Robert Crown Community Center is a flagship example of modern civic infrastructure that prioritizes inclusivity, wellness, education, and recreation.🎨 Arts & Cultural Spaces Art Studio: You’ll find pottery wheels humming, kilns glowing warm, and a bright corner for mixed‑media creations.
