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OR Picnic

July 15, 2025

Join Us for this OR Picnic!

We're excited to invite you to the very first OR Picnic, taking place on the beautiful Northpoint of the Lakefill at Northwestern University in Evanston.

Event Details:

  • Date & Time: July 15, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
  • Location: Northpoint of the Lakefill, Northwestern University, Evanston
  • What to Bring: Your lunch and enthusiasm for good conversation!

What We're Providing: We'll have delicious ice cream treats for everyone and raffle prizes to win throughout the afternoon.

 This is a wonderful opportunity to relax, connect with colleagues, and meet new faces in our OR community. Whether you're looking to catch up with familiar colleagues or expand your professional network, this casual outdoor gathering will be both enjoyable and rewarding.

 We hope to see you there!

 If you haven’t already, please take a moment to RSVP here. For questions or additional details, feel free to reach out to Darrick Northington, Manager of Employment Lifecycle and Staff Recognition, at darrick@northwestern.edu.


picnic map

 DIRECTIONS

Interactive map of Northwestern University: Northwestern University Maps: Evanston Campus

Google Map: Northwestern University Lakefill - Google Maps

From Sheridan Road → Lakefill

Distance: ~3-5 minutes

  1. Start at Sheridan Road & Campus Drive
    • Near "The Rock" (painted boulder) and the Charlie’s Café bus stop.
  2. Walk EAST toward the lagoon
    • Pass the Deering Library (left side) and the University Chapel (right side).
  3. Cross the footbridge over the lagoon
    • Look for the modern steel/wooden bridge with lake views.
  4. Turn LEFT after the bridge
    • Follow the paved path along the lagoon’s edge (signs for "Lakefill").
  5. Arrive at the Lakefill
    • You’ll see open lawns, the Lakefill Pavilion, and Lake Michigan.

 From Norris Center → Lakefill

Distance: ~4-5 minute walk

  1. Exit Norris Center's east doors
    • (Facing the lake/Lagoon)
  2. Turn right (south) onto the sidewalk
    • You'll pass the Rock sculpture garden on your left
  3. At the intersection, turn left (east) onto the main lagoon path
    • Look for the large steel "Northwestern" sculpture
  4. Cross the Lagoon footbridge
    • Modern steel/wood bridge with great photo ops
  5. Immediately after the bridge, turn left (north)
    • Follow the paved path along the water
  6. Arrive at Lakefill
    • Open lawns, lake views, and the Lakefill Pavilion will be visible

From Tech → Lakefill

Distance: ~5-6 minute walk 

  1. Exit Tech's east doors (toward the lake/Lagoon)
    • Look for the glass-walled atrium facing Campus Drive
  2. Cross Campus Drive at the crosswalk
    • Head toward the Lagoon
  3. Turn left (north) onto the lakeside path
    • You'll pass the Bienen School of Music on your right
  4. Continue straight past the "Northwestern" sculpture
    • Watch for ducks in the Lagoon!
  5. Cross the steel footbridge over the Lagoon
    • Great views of the Chicago skyline from here
  6. After the bridge, turn left (north) onto Lakefill path
    • Follow this straight to reach the open lawns

From North Campus Garage → Lakefill

Distance: ~3-4 minute walk 

  1. Exit garage from northeast stairwell (Level 1)
    • Look for signs pointing to "Campus Walk" or "Lakefill"
  2. Walk east toward the lagoon:
    • You'll see the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion on your right
    • Pass the SPAC parking lot on your left
  3. Choose your preferred path:
    • Paved route: Continue straight east to join the main lakeside path
    • Grass shortcut: Cut diagonally across the field (avoid when wet)
  4. Merge onto Lakefill path system:
    • The path will curve north - follow it along the lagoon's edge
  5. Arrive at Lakefill open space:
    • The Lakefill Pavilion will be visible ahead to your right

From the Lagoon → Lakefill Route

All paths lead northeast to the Lakefill

Distance: ~2-5 minute walk depending on starting point 

  1. From the West Lagoon (Near Deering Library)
  • Walk east along the lagoon's north shore path
  • Cross the steel footbridge
  • Turn left (north) after the bridge → immediate Lakefill access

 

  1. From the South Lagoon (Near Bienen School)
  • Walk north along the eastern lagoon path
  • Pass under the Tech Bridge (concrete walkway)
  • Continue straight → merges with Lakefill path system

 

  1. From the Central Lagoon (Near the Rock)
  • Take the northeast diagonal path through the grass
  • Merge with paved path near the lagoon's curve
  • Follow "To Lakefill" signs → opens to lakeside lawns