June is a busy month in the Ann Arbor parks

North Side of Bandemer Park to Close for Tunnel Construction Project June 3-5
Exciting progress is happening next week for the Barton-Bandemer Pedestrian Tunnel project: The tunnel structure is scheduled to be placed! As a result, beginning Tuesday, June 3 (weather permitting), access into Bandemer Park from Barton Drive will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians. This closure is expected to last until the morning of Thursday, June 5. During this time, there will be no through access for the Border to Border (B2B) Trail in Bandemer Park.

While this is an exciting milestone, please keep in mind, this area is still closed for safety reasons, and there is still much additional work needed before this area and the tunnel will be open (fall 2025). Community members are reminded to please comply with the posted signage, barriers and other noted access restrictions and to avoid this active construction site.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation while work takes place to complete this important project as quickly as possible! Learn more visit the website.

Planting season is here at  the Ann Arbor Farmers Market On Saturday, May 31 and Wednesday, June 4 the Ann Arbor Farmers Market will be open 7 a.m.-3 p.m. at 315 Detroit Street. Our vendors will have asparagus, rhubarb, annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, vegetable and herb seedlings, native plants, fresh greens, mushrooms, root vegetables, cut flowers, houseplants, honey, eggs, pastured meat and poultry, fish, cheese, bread, pastries, allergen free baked goods, chocolate, spices, jam, sauerkraut, pickles, beverages, prepared food, jewelry, candles, body care products, art 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 31, Pilar’s Tamales, Samosa House, and Baan Phad Thai will be serving lunch. Sophia Deler will be performing live at 1 p.m. On Wednesday, June 4, Samosa House will be serving breakfast and lunch. The Office of Sustainability and Innovation will be tabling with activities for A2Zero Week!

Get ready for a fantastic summer outdoors
With the warm weather officially here, the picnic shelters in the Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation system are in high demand, and the busy rental season has officially begun. To ensure you secure your preferred park, date and time for your gatherings, we highly recommend contacting the parks office at least seven days in advance of the date to check the availability of our picnic shelters. Our team can provide you with the most up-to-date information and assist you with your reservation.  Please email parkrentals@a2gov.org or call 734.794.6230 x 0.

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. 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. A2ZERO Week: Love a Park Day at Hickory Nature Area - Tuesday, June 3 As part of A2ZERO Week, the City of Ann Arbor invites you to Hickory Nature Area for an evening of hands-on stewardship. Volunteers will focus on removing spring invasive plants such as garlic mustard and dame’s rocket—both of which outcompete native wildflowers and disrupt local ecosystems. Register here. Don’t hesitate to reach out to volunteer@a2gov.org with any questions about volunteer opportunities in the parks.

Drive-thru: Celebrate Flag Day
Wednesday, June 11, noon-1 p.m. Join Kelly and Theresa from Lockwood of Ann Arbor for this fun, and festive event. Enjoy snacks, receive a goody bag, socialize and pick up information. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free for members; $5 nonmembers.  

Trivia Over Zoom
Wednesdays, June 4 and 18, 1-2 p.m. Join us twice a month for an educational trivia game! Invite your friends, grandchildren and neighbors to log in and play with you or be placed on a team with others. We will keep a tally of winners and at the end, will have prizes that you can pick up. Join Zoom Meeting URL by clicking here.​ Zoom Meeting ID: 979 1239 9740 Passcode: 194912. Questions? Call 734.794.6250. ​Free for members; $2 nonmembers.​ 

Blueg​​rass Jam​​
Tuesdays, June 10 and 24, 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, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Call 734.794.6250. Cost is $5.​​​​ 

RESCHEDULED: New date: Love, Lure, and Lore of the Laundry Line
Friday, June 20, 2:30-3:30 p.m. The laundry line? What's there to talk about? Anne Lawrence will take you on a nostalgic trip back in time to the days when everyone hung their wash on the line to dry – when they went online without the internet. There will be memories to share, links between the clothesline and social/cultural issues, history, feminism, psychology, sociology, and ecology. You will hear why "solar drying" – that wonderful free sun – is once again the way to go in today's eco-conscious world. There will be personal stories, delightful slides to see, along with a peek at Anne's vast collection of laundry memorabilia. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Kids: Let's build a butterfly Join us for another popular K-5 nature craft program. The event is free but you must preregister here.

Calling all adults! Join Environmental Educator Eleva Potter for a paper making class using natural materials. The program is free but you must preregister here.

You asked, we listened — and the wait is over! Teqball has officially arrived in Ann Arbor

Two brand-new Teqball tables are now installed and ready for play. Teqball is a ball sport that is played on a curved table, combining elements of football and table tennis. Back and forth, the players hit a ball with any part of the body except arms and hands.
• Fuller Park – between the playground and soccer fields
• Olson Park – between the restroom building and shelter

Whether you're a seasoned player or just curious about this exciting sport, now’s the perfect time to check it out. Learn more about the game online. 

Veterans Memorial Pool is now open for the season Swim or enjoy the pool deck weekdays 4-8 p.m. until Thursday, June 12 and weekends 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Visit the website for location information and summer hours after mid-June!

Visit the Kempf House Visitors to this charming 1853 Greek Revival home (312 S. Division St.) can enjoy a guided tour through restored rooms, including the music studio where the Kempf family's 1877 Steinway concert grand piano remains as it has for over 100 years.  Admission is free, donations appreciated. Visit the website here for additional information.

Weekly: Dive into water polo at Fuller Park Pool
Join us for drop-in adult water polo every Tuesday and Thursday, 7:30-9 p.m. at Fuller Park Pool (1519 Fuller Road). All skill levels welcome - whether you're a seasoned player or curious beginner, come splash around with us!
We've got everything covered:
* Caps provided
* Balls and goals ready
* Staff on hand to help
* Just bring your swimming skills and ability to tread water
No commitment needed - just show up ready for some fun, casual competition in the pool! Visit the website for location and fee information.