How to get beach tokens if you can't afford them.

Hopefully, in the near future, no-one who lives in Evanston will need to pay for tokens/beach passes and no-one will need to prove that they can't afford them.

A discussion about making Evanston beaches free is scheduled for the May 24 City Council meeting.

In the meantime, if you want to go the beach but can't afford tokens, here's the scoop:

Free beach passes are available to qualified Evanston residents. You can qualify for the passes with the D65 School Assistance Application.

To learn more, visit the City's website or email.

The person(s) listed in the application will need to be present to redeem the beach tokens with a valid form of ID.

Beach tokens are available for in-person pickup at the following locations:

• Evanston Ecology Center (2024 McCormick Blvd., Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

• Robert Crown Center (1801 Main St., Monday through Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.)

• Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center (1655 Foster St., Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

• Chandler- Newberger Community Center (1028 Central St., Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

• Levy Senior Center (300 Dodge Ave, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

• Passes are now available at the Dempster Street Beach office between 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. every day.

Fee Assistance Overview:

• Applies a 50% discount

• Valid for one year

• Applications can be dropped off for processing at any City of Evanston recreation center or emailed.

To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

• Evanston resident living in zip code 60201 or 60202

• Provide supporting documents listed in the application or the District 65 Recreation Scholarship letter sent by the school district

Fee assistance may be used for:

• Free Beach Tokens for household members

• Programs

• Classes

• Camps

• Not available for field trips or special events

You can fill out a form here.