This weekend: Huron River Day, play golf, shop at the A2 Market, swim at Fuller Park Pool and more

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THIS WEEKEND: Huron River Day is Sunday, May 18!
Join the fun at Gallup Park (3000 Fuller Road) from noon to 4 p.m. as we celebrate the 45th annual Huron River Day. This free, family-friendly event honors the beauty and importance of the Huron River with support from the DTE Foundation and the Bank of Ann Arbor.

Explore hands-on nature activities, try your luck at fishing, visit live animals from Leslie Science & Nature Center (inside the Gallup Park meeting room), take on the Eco-Challenge to win prizes, and connect with local eco-minded organizations. Don’t miss two performances by Ann Arbor’s own Laith Al-Saadi — at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Schedule highlights:

  • Noon: Event begins

  • 1, 2, 3 p.m.: Guided hikes (meet at information booth)

  • 1–2 p.m. and  2:30–3:30 p.m.: Laith Al-Saadi performances

  • 2–2:30 p.m.: Guest speaker session

  • 4 p.m.: Event concludes

Whether you're walking, biking or driving, Gallup Park is easy to access. Cyclists can use the free bike valet provided by Common Cycle and receive a $10 boat rental coupon. Important: There is NO parking available at Gallup Park, please plan to park at Furstenberg or Huron High School. If you park at the high school, use only paved surfaces—no parking on grass or dirt. You'll find a free event shuttle stopping at Huron High School, Furstenberg and Gallup parks throughout the event!

Volunteer opportunities:
We’re still looking for volunteers to assist with parking, event support, the bike corral and more. Help make this beloved tradition a success! Click here to sign up - individuals and groups welcome.

Huron River Day is made possible by the DTE Foundation and the Huron River Watershed Council, with additional support from Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation, the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner, the City of Ann Arbor and the Bank of Ann Arbor.


Register today: Group swim lessons help you make a splash this summer!
Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation is offering group swim lessons for swimmers as young as six months at Buhr, Fuller and Veterans Memorial park pools. Our friendly, experienced instructors help swimmers of all skill levels build water safety skills and swimming techniques in a fun, low-pressure environment. Each session includes seven 30-minute lessons with small class sizes for more personalized instruction. Registration is underway now for session one and July 1 for session two.

Resident fee is $60, non-resident is $77. Swimmers must meet skill-level requirements; reach out for special placements before registering. Ready to dive in? Register here.

* Fuller Park Pool is open for the 2025 season and Buhr and Veterans Memorial Park pools have openings scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 24.

* The Octopods Swim Team is continuing to accept swimmers ages 5-17 years old. To participate the child must be able to swim one length of the pool front crawl. Visit the website to learn more about the team and then register using the online system.


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Volunteer in the Ann Arbor parks
Check out the Ann Arbor Parks Volunteer Program website to see or register for all upcoming volunteer events. All experience levels are welcome and we provide all the tools/supplies that are needed. Please 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 Island Park - Thursday, May 22
Join us for a volunteer workday at Island Park. Help clean up litter and cut back invasive shrubs along the river to keep this beautiful park safe and welcoming. Register here.

Love a Park Day at Fuller Park - Friday, May 30
Join us for a volunteer workday at Fuller Park. Help clean up litter and cut back invasive shrubs to improve safety, access and park health. These are both ongoing projects to help with visibility, accessibility and the health of natural areas in these parks. Register here.

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

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Ann Arbor Farmers Market is in bloom
On Saturday, May 17 and Wednesday, May 21 the Ann Arbor Farmers Market will be open 7 a.m.-3 p.m. at 315 Detroit St. Our vendors will have asparagus, rhubarb, cut flowers, wild ramps, nettles, mushrooms, seedlings, annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, houseplants, fresh greens, apples, apple cider, root vegetables, honey, eggs, pastured poultry, cheese, bread, pastries, chocolate, beverages, prepared food, jewelry, candles, body care products 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. Service animals only. Accessible restrooms are available. More information at our website.

On Saturday, May 17, Vegano Italiano food truck, Samosa House and Baan Phad Thai will be serving lunch. 

Construction reminder
As you may know, the Ann Arbor Farmers Market office has been torn down. The southern portion of the parking lot is closed. We kindly ask that all visitors stay outside of the marked demolition zones for your safety at both locations. Importantly, demolition activities will not impact market operations:

* The Wednesday and Saturday farmers market and Sunday Artisan Market will continue as scheduled! Thank you for your cooperation and continued support as we make way for the future of the farmers market. 


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Mowing season
Spring has arrived, and so has the fast-growing grass. When weather permits, our crews extend their hours into evenings and weekends to stay on track. We understand that some areas may look overgrown in the meantime, but please know we’re working hard to maintain our regular 14-day mowing schedule. Report park concerns with the A2 Fix It app, online here or call 734.794.6230. Thank you for your patience.


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Buhr Park Day Camp has open spots
It's not too late to register your student for summer day. Buhr Park has the following openings:

  • Week One: June 16-20
  • Week Two: June 23-27
  • Week Four: July 7-11

Visit the website to sign up online - it's that easy.

Move and Groove for seniors – Register for the Spring/Summer semester
Wednesdays, June 4-Aug. 27, 9:30-10:15 a.m. Ballet Chelsea's Adaptive Dance Program (ADP) brings movement classes to residents ages 3-93. 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. Please note: if you are currently enrolled in the winter Move & Groove course, you will need to register again for the Spring/Summer class. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Technology workshop: Essential computer skills
Friday, May 23, 11 a.m.-noon. Join James Giordani from AsKevin for this educational tech workshop on four essential computer skills for older adults. Notice how it's gotten harder and harder to send emails, write documents, and browse the internet in the last few years? Come learn how tech companies are mucking things up a few tricks to make using your computer easier. James breaks down the confusing world of technology into clear, understandable, and interesting presentations whether you're a tech novice or a tech master. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Preregistration required. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Lunch & Learn: A Conversation on Sports, Concussions and Brain Health
Wednesday, June 18, noon-1 p.m. Join University of Michigan’s Concussion Center for this educational presentation! Dr. Eleanna Varangis of the Center will provide dedicated time for questions and discussions following a short presentation on how sports and concussions affect brain health across the lifespan. Light lunch provided. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Lunch & Learn: Introduction to glaucoma
Wednesday, June 25, noon-1 p.m. Join FOX Rehabilitation for this educational presentation. Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease that damages the optic nerve, which can lead to vision loss or blindness. It's caused by a buildup of fluid in the eye, which increases pressure and damages the optic nerve. Join a representative from FOX Rehabilitation to discuss understanding the disease, types of vision loss, and compensatory and adaptive strategies to assist. Light lunch provided. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge. 


Barton Dam Embankment Remediation Project Map

Important: Reminders for river and parks visitors
Barton Dam embankment construction continues in areas of Barton Pond, Barton Nature Area, Bird Hills Nature Area and trails to and along the Huron River. While the river is open for recreation, the city is asking BOATERS to PLAN AHEAD for where they will enter and exit the water. More information is available online.

Please also note, an unrelated construction project is taking place in city parks for the Barton-Bandemer Pedestrian Tunnel. Find details and access restrictions specific to that project on the Barton-Bandemer Pedestrian Tunnel page.

All visitors to these areas, whether by water or by land, should be aware of the potential for construction traffic and must adhere to the access restrictions. Your safety is important to us! Thank you for your patience during these necessary projects


flower day

Count down to Flower Day 2025
Sunday, May 25 is the annual Flower Day event at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market. Enjoy live music, children's hands-on activities, prepared food and meet your favorite farmers and artisans from the markets. 315 Detroit St. in Kerrytown. Join us from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For location information visit the website.