A busy month ahead in the parks: Veterans Day, a new pop-up dog park and more!

Recognizing Veterans for their dedication and commitment
In honor of Veterans Day on Monday, Nov.11, Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation invites all military Veterans and active service members to enjoy a day of free activities across several locations. As a gesture of thanks for your service, we welcome you to take part in these complimentary offerings:

* Veterans Memorial Park Indoor Ice Arena (2150 Jackson Ave.): Open skating and free skate rental from 1-2:30 p.m.

* Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Arena (2751 Packard Road): Open skating and free skate rental from 3:30-5 p.m. (weather dependent).

* Huron Hills Golf Course (3465 E. Huron River Drive): Enjoy a free round of golf with a riding cart all day. Book in advance by phone (734.794.6246) or online. Indicate your Veteran status when you check-in at the clubhouse.

* Mack Indoor Pool (715 Brooks St.): Free open swim from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

These activities are available to all active and retired military members. Thank you for your service.

Season opener delayed Due to the warm temperatures Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Arena will not open this weekend. The new tentative date is Thursday, Nov. 14. This weekly communication, social media and the webpage will be updated when the opening is official. Thank you for your patience. We look forward to seeing you this season.

Introducing Ann Arbor’s new pop-up dog park and grand opening event Ann Arbor dogs will soon have an exciting new place to play! As part of our commitment to creating vibrant, welcoming green spaces, Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation is launching a temporary dog park at Veterans Memorial Park, 2150 Jackson Ave. Starting at 8 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 15, this fenced, off-leash area will open at ballfield No. 4 on the park’s north side, near Dexter Avenue, offering a convenient spot for dogs and their owners to enjoy. Park hours are dawn to dusk (6 a.m.-10 p.m.), and dogs must have a current license along with a City of Ann Arbor dog park permit to enter. Community members with an active permit can use the temporary park at no additional cost. New permits are available through the Ann Arbor City Clerk’s Office at Larcom City Hall (301 E. Huron St.), by mail, or online at stream.a2gov.org. Note: The office will be closed on Monday, Nov. 11 (Veterans Day). Bring your pups and unleash the fun at the grand opening, Saturday, Nov. 16, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Join us for an afternoon filled with tail-wagging excitement, free giveaways (while supplies last) and a photo backdrop to capture the memories. It’s the perfect outing for you and your four-legged friends to explore this new off-leash space.  For more information, visit the webpage or view/download the 2024-25 dog park packet.

There are fall volunteer opportunities with GIVE 365
Check out the GIVE 365 website to see or register for all upcoming events. ​​You can also register​ in ​our volunteer database to receive our monthly newsletter and email updates about upcoming opportunities and some of our current projects.​​ All experience levels are welcome. All tools and supplies are provided at events. Just dress for the weather, wear closed-toe shoes and bring water. Visit the links below for event details and to sign up.

• Love a Park Day at West Park - Tuesday, Nov. 12
• Join us for a workday cutting invasive brush in West Park near downtown Ann Arbor. Volunteers may be using loppers and handsaws.
• Love a Park Day at West Park - Friday, Nov. 15
• Another invasive brush removal workday in this beloved park. Volunteers may be using loppers and handsaws.
• Love a Park Day at Graydon Park - Sunday, Nov. 17
• Join park neighbors who help through the Adopt-a-Park program at Graydon Park. This is an adopter-led workday. Tasks may include raking leaves, trimming dead plant material, picking up litter and more.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to volunteer@a2gov.org with any questions about volunteer opportunities in the parks!

Shop local all year at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market On Saturday, Nov. 9 and Wednesday, Nov. 13 market will be open 7 a.m.-3 p.m. at 315 Detroit Street. Vendors will have apples, apple cider, winter squash, holiday décor, cauliflower, broccoli, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes, cut flowers, leafy greens, root vegetables, herbs, onions, garlic, microgreens, honey, maple syrup, house plants, eggs, pastured meat and poultry, fish, cheese, bread, sweets, pastries, spices, jam, pickles, hot sauce, salsa, olive oil, chocolate, beverages, Polish food, Mediterranean food, prepared food, artisan goods, gifts and more! We accept cash, and tokens for credit/debit card, mobile payment and SNAP/EBT are available at the construction trailer in the parking lot. The market office building is closed for a demolition/renovation project. Service animals only. Accessible restrooms are available. More information at our website. On Saturday, Nov. 9, Vegano Italiano food truck will be serving brunch and lunch 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Succulent Street Food will be serving breakfast and lunch, 10:30 a.m.-sold out. Tacos El Mariachi Loco food truck will be serving lunch, noon-3 p.m. On Wednesday Nov. 13, Fork in Nigeria food truck will be serving lunch, noon-8 p.m. CLOSURE: North Fourth Avenue between East Kingsley and Catherine Streets are fully closed through 5 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 12. The 121 Catherine development will require a closure of North Fourth Avenue to install underground utilities. Southbound traffic on North Fourth Avenue is being detoured east onto East Kingsley Street, south onto North Fifth Avenue, west onto Catherine Street and south back to North Fourth Avenue. Northbound traffic on North Fourth Avenue will be detoured west onto Catherine Street, north onto North Main Street, west onto East Kingsley Street and north back to North Fourth Avenue. North Fourth Avenue south of East Kingsley Street will remain open to maintain access to local businesses only. ​Pedestrian traffic will be maintained on the east side of North Fourth Avenue.

Brush up on your skating skills or try a new hobby
Registration is now open for Session 2 of the Explorer level ice skating program at Veterans Memorial Ice Arena. This is a great opportunity for little ones to get started with ice skating in a safe, controlled environment. Classes are structured to build fundamental skills while promoting confidence on the ice. Use the convenient online registration system to sign up.

Ice arena play date - don't wait to register
Join us for an afternoon of fun at the local ice rink! Kids ages 4-16 are invited to this supervised play date on Monday, Nov. 25, 5-6 p.m. Skate, play games and enjoy hot cocoa with friends. Bring your own skates or rent onsite. Don't miss this chance for your skaters to socialize, exercise and build skating skills in a safe environment. Sign up online today.

The second session of the draft hockey league is quickly approaching. Make sure to register today before the new session begins. Go online to sign up.

Volunteer with Natural Area Preservation (NAP) - you really can see the difference! Three hours of your weekend, plus some conservation know-how, comes out to priceless ecological impact. How do the staff of NAP know this? More than thirty years of experience managing Ann Arbor's natural areas with the help of volunteers and the community! So many of the natural spaces in Ann Arbor parks are beautiful native habitat where flora flourish and fauna frolic. This is because thousands of volunteers come out for three hours at a time and engage in rewarding stewardship activities. Find and register for upcoming volunteer workdays online.

Live sneak peek of Ballet Chelsea's The Nutcracker
Come watch a short live performance of Ballet Chelsea's The Nutcracker at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 1 p.m. This timeless classic promises to captivate audiences of all ages. Join us on the enchanting journey filled with breathtaking music, exquisite dancing, and, of course, lots of magic! This production will showcase the exceptional talent of Ballet Chelsea's dedicated students and professional artists. The actual show will debut Friday, Dec. 13 at the Potter Center in Jackson. The cast will also be hosting a Sugarplum Tea at the Potter Center prior to the Sunday matinee show, which will feature sweets and baked goods with tea and coffee while guests can interact with the characters of the show. More information can be found here. All ages welcome. The sneak peek at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin, is free of charge and does not require registration. Visit the websitefor details. Questions? Call 734.794.6250. We hope to see you there!

Drive-through: Preparing for a peaceful winter
Wednesday, Nov. 13, noon-1 p.m. Join Open Arms Hospice and Home Helpers Home Care for a fun, pre-winter event! Enjoy snacks, socialize indoors and pick up information. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Contact 734.794.6250. Free for members; $5, nonmembers. ​

Lunch & Learn: Eating to improve your health and protect the environment
Wednesday, Nov. 20, noon-1 p.m. Hosted by VegMichigan. Learn how you can make small changes to your diet that will benefit your health, protect the environment and improve animal welfare while still enjoying foods you love. We will share practical tips on how to incorporate more plant-based meals into your life. A delicious, sustainable lunch will be provided. Space is limited. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Contact 734.794.6250 or bpatton@a2gov.org. Free of charge.

Move and Groove for seniors
Wednesdays, 9:30-10:15 a.m. Ballet Chelsea's Adaptive Dance Program (ADP) brings movement classes to residents ages 3 to 93. This Move and Groove class for seniors, taught by Kari Becker, is tailor made to the needs and abilities of the participants and aims to improve coordination and balance, endurance, flexibility, self-confidence and for students - teamwork. Call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Sign up for winter WCC senior focus classes: Registration begins Nov. 18
Senior Focus classes are offered in partnership with Washtenaw Community College​ for adults 65+. Classes are held at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Classes include: Tai Chi (All Levels), Intermediate Tai Chi, Senior Focus Yoga, Line Dancing for Seniors, Adventures in Watercolor, Strength and Conditioning for Seniors. See class descriptions here. Preregistration required.  Call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Let's make a play date on ice!
Veterans Memorial Ice Arena is accepting registrations for this new Play Date program for skaters ages 4-16. Sign up today to reserve a spot.

Call for art: Liberty Plaza mural project
The City of Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority and Parks & Recreation are commissioning a mural for Liberty Plaza in downtown Ann Arbor. This vibrant, three-tiered urban plaza offers a unique space for a colorful, non-representational public artwork.

* Budget: $35,000
* Eligibility: Open to U.S.-based artists and teams, including those on valid work visas
* Deadline: Dec. 1, 11:59 p.m.

Artists are invited to submit a proposal with a site-specific sketch, resume, references, biography and 5-10 images of past work. For details and to download the site plan, visit the website.