A busy weekend and month in the Ann Arbor parks: Dog park grand opening, Buhr Ice arena opens and more!

City of Ann Arbor, MI sent this bulletin at 11/15/2024 09:58 AM EST
dogs

Woof woof there's a new dog play place in town!
Starting Nov. 15, the City of Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation will open a temporary dog park at Veterans Memorial Park, 2150 Jackson Ave. The fenced, off-leash area will be located at ballfield No. 4 on the park’s north side, with daily hours from dawn to dusk (6 a.m.–10 p.m.). This pilot park responds to resident requests for a dog-friendly space in the northwest area. Don't miss the grand opening. We have many fun things planned for dogs and their owners.

A current dog license and park permit are required. Visit the website for permits, waivers, rules, FAQs and more. Funded by the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage, the pilot will remain open through April 2025 as the city evaluates its potential as a long-term feature.

Don't miss the grand opening event tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 16, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. We hope to see you and your dog(s) there! 

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Eat and gift local this holiday season
On Saturday Nov. 16 and Wednesday, Nov. 20 the market will be open 7 a.m.-3 p.m. at 315 Detroit St. Our vendors will have apples, apple cider, winter squash, holiday décor, gifts, 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 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.

Saturday, Nov. 16
* Vegano Italiano food truck will be serving brunch and lunch, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
* Succulent Street Food will be serving lunch, 11 a.m.-sold out.
* Tacos El Mariachi Loco food truck will be serving lunch, noon-3 p.m.
bicentennial

You're invited to celebrate a milestone with us!
The Ann Arbor community is invited to celebrate the city's 200th anniversary at the Bicentennial Closing Ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at Skyline High School. Since January, Ann Arbor has marked its bicentennial with events, tree plantings, a park renaming, a new city flag and murals. This final gathering will provide a moment to honor the city's history and look forward to its future.

The evening will begin with a reception from 6–8 p.m., featuring refreshments, an art exhibit, a commemorative photo, the Aerie oral history program, and an interactive “Tree of Hopes and Dreams.” Local high school students and professional artists will present works themed around “The next 100 years.” At 8 p.m., the formal program in the auditorium will include music by Skyline High School musicians, a staged production titled “Ann Arbor Then, Now, Next,” a bicentennial poem by Aaron Dworkin and a video presentation by the Community Television Network.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at Bicentennial Closing Event. Proceeds from ticket sales will support Ann Arbor's Legacy Projects. The event is sponsored by the City of Ann Arbor, DTE, Bank of Ann Arbor, and Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union.

vets

Sharpen your skates and take the ice
Plan a visit to Veterans Memorial Ice Arena this weekend for an open skating session. The website has been updated with new times for a few lessons in the event you are interested in registering for a class. 

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.
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Natural Area Preservation (NAP) stewardship workdays
For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks, and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: How to prepare for a NAP workday (PDF).

Argo Nature Area, Saturday, Nov. 16, 9 a.m.-noon
Join other Argonauts in their quest to remove invasive shrubs from Argo Nature Area; when Argo is returned to its natural state, only then can Jason set out for the golden fleece. Myths notwithstanding, where Argo’s trails and vistas are adorned with wildflowers—and not obscured by woody thickets—the efforts of volunteers like you are apparent. Come out and make way for more scenic walks and native plants. Meet on Longshore Dr at Amherst Ave. Volunteers will use hand tools to cut small-to-medium shrubs. Workday sites have unpaved trails and require going off-trail. Preregister through VolunteerHub.

Cedar Bend Nature Area, Saturday, Nov. 16, 1-4 p.m.
Invasive shrubs once dominated the understory, shading out shorter native plants and obscuring the view entirely at Cedar Bend Nature Area. Volunteers have contributed hundreds of hours (maybe more) working toward restoring the landscape to the spacious and open park it was meant to be. Meet us at the Island Park parking lot, at the end of Island Drive. Volunteers will use hand tools to cut small-to-medium shrubs. Workday sites have unpaved trails and require going off-trail. Preregister through VolunteerHub.

Riverwood Nature Area, Sunday, Nov. 17, 9 a.m.-noon
The flowering dogwoods at Riverwood need your help to stay healthy and vibrant! Help us remove exotic shrubs from the park and help the dogwoods. Meet at the park sign on Riverwood Dr, just west of Newport Rd. Volunteers will use hand tools to cut small-to-medium shrubs. Workday sites have unpaved trails and require going off-trail. Preregister through VolunteerHub.

Bird Hills Nature Area, Sunday, Nov. 17, 1-4 p.m.
Bird Hills is full of hilly bird habitat (and bat habitat, and insect habitat and more) where diverse natural communities contain towering trees and rare wildflower species. Staff will lead you along the unpaved trails and give you all the guidance you’ll need to identify and remove the shrubs and offer insight into how your work helps keep Bird Hills thriving. Meet at the Newport Rd parking lot entrance, just north of M-14. Volunteers will use hand tools to cut small-to-medium shrubs. Workday sites have unpaved trails and require going off-trail. Preregister through VolunteerHub.

give

There are a few fall volunteer opportunities remaining 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.

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

play date

Plan a play date with us: Let's have some fun and make new friends
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.

Scrabble
Wednesdays, 1:30-3 p.m. (No game Dec. 25 or Jan. 1). What has 100 tiles, 225 squares, a multi-colored board and millions of fans of all ages, backgrounds and locales? Calling all Scrabble lovers! Easy to teach, easy to learn and fun to play: this group is for people who like a little friendly competition and riotous conversation. All experience levels are welcome. Open to all ages 18+. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Visit the website. Call 734.794.6250. Members, free; $2, nonmembers.

Artist’s open studio
Thursdays, 9:30-11 a.m. (Closed on Nov. 28, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2) Calling all artists and craft enthusiasts! Join us for a weekly open studio where we invite you to bring your own projects and art equipment to work on in a creative, and supportive environment. Don’t have your hands on a project or equipment? Not to worry – we have a collection of materials and craft projects that you can choose from. Friends encouraged. Please call ahead of time to learn what materials we have on hand. Open to all ages 18+. Call 734.794.6250. Members, free; $2, nonmembers.

Lunch and Learn: Lively living
Wednesday, Dec. 4, noon-1 p.m. “Lively Living,” is a fun interactive event that is focused on the realities and myths of aging. Join Interim Health for the opportunity to discuss the factors of aging, the changes that come with it and the best way to approach aging and live an active, healthy life. 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.

Blueg​​rass jam
Wednesday, Dec. 11, 7-9 p.m. The A2 Bluegrass participants, from expert to novice, come from all over southeast Michigan to have fun with bluegrass jamming and singing. We draw a wide variety of musical Instruments including banjos, fiddles, standup and electronic bass, percussion, washboard, dobro, mandolin and the occasional harmonica. All ages are welcome.​ Visit the Bluegrass website for more information. Open to all ages 18+. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Call 734.794.6250. Cost is $5.​​​​

Schedule a tour: Kempf House Museum at the holidays
The 19th-century Greek Revival house (312 S. Division St.) will be decorated to reflect a German-American musical family’s celebration of Christmas in the late 1800’s with holiday treats and a tree decorated with antique ornaments. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated. Click the links below to register for a tour.

* Sunday, Dec. 8, 1-4 pm: German Christmas Open House with Guided Tours
* Sunday, Dec. 15, 1-4 pm: German Christmas Open House with Guided Tours

Both events are posted on the online calendar.

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Ann Arbor's parks will continue to thrive
Thanks to voter support, funding for our beloved parks is secured for the next 20 years through the renewed 2025–2044 Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage. We’re excited to keep these green spaces vibrant, sustainable, and ready for future generations to enjoy. With 60–80% of the funds dedicated to maintenance and 20–40% toward impactful improvements, we're set to preserve nature, enhance recreation, and expand our community spaces.

Learn more about our mission and future projects online. #GreenSpacesHappyPlaces

Outdoor restroom update
As the colder season sets in, most restrooms in Ann Arbor parks are now closed for winter. Standard restroom facilities at Southeast, Allmendinger, Wheeler, Fuller, Hunt, Argo, Island, Burns, Furstenberg, and Northside parks are closed until further notice, with Allmendinger’s restrooms only available during football games. However, several restroom facilities remain accessible year-round, including the standard restroom near the Gallup Livery, pit toilets near Gallup shelters, Olson’s pit toilets and both north and south pit toilets at Bandemer Park. The Burns Shelter kitchen is also available.