A busy weekend in the Ann Arbor parks

City of Ann Arbor, MI sent this bulletin at 09/05/2025 11:08 AM EDT
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Gallup and Argo Park Livery has transitioned to its fall hours
Gallup Livery (3000 Fuller Road), is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. -7 p.m.

* Stillwater rentals are available from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
* Argo to Gallup trips starts at Gallup during the week and vans leave on the hour from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (on the weekends start at Argo).
* On Saturdays and Sundays, the Barton to Gallup trip is available by online reservation.

Argo Livery (1055 Longshore Drive) is open on Saturdays and Sundays only from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
* Enjoy Stillwater and tube rentals from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
* The Argo to Gallup trip is available from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

For additional information visit the website.

Short-term closure
Paving of the southern parking lot at Bicentennial Park is scheduled to begin next week. Starting Monday, Sept. 8, visitors should enter the park from Platt Road and use the northern gravel lot for parking. Access from Ellsworth Road and the southern lot will be restricted to construction use only. Park operations staff are working to open the Platt Road gate this week. Three projects are underway at the park: splash pad construction, parking lot paving and solar canopy installation. Work will continue into the spring.

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Golf goes to the goats!
Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation golf maintenance staff are turning to goats from Twin Willow Ranch in Milan, Michigan to help manage overgrown brush areas at Huron Hills Golf Course.

The goats provide a natural alternative to chemical treatments to clear unwanted vegetation - like buckthorn and honeysuckle. Soon you'll see approximately 10 goats onsite working for one week. We kindly ask that you do not disturb the goats. Thank you.
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Birding by Boat: Gallup Pond exploration
Monday, Sept 8, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $32/person/one-session course, ages 18 and up. Preregistration required. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Gallup Park from a unique perspective during our Birdwatching by Kayak adventure. This guided class is perfect for both seasoned paddlers and those new to kayaking, as we explore the calm, two-mile Stillwater section of Gallup Pond.

While we'll cover very basic paddling techniques, the primary focus of this experience is to guide you through the prime bird habitat of Gallup Pond. An experienced local naturalist, will lead the way, helping you spot and identify various bird species that frequent the Huron River watershed. Keep your eyes peeled for herons, kingfishers, various ducks and perhaps even an osprey or bald eagle. 

Fall colors kayak tour: Gallup Pond
Wednesday, Oct 8, 4:30-6 p.m., $35 one-session course, All ages are welcome but must be 18 to register. Preregistration required. Experience the breathtaking beauty of autumn from a unique vantage point during our Fall Colors Kayak Tour on Gallup Pond. Part of our Guided Kayaking Adventures, this class is perfect for both experienced paddlers and novices eager to immerse themselves in nature's vibrant display.

This program is for people of all ages! A parent, guardian, or caretaker is welcome to bring up to two children (over the age of one) with them to share this experience. While we'll provide very basic paddling instruction, this program is primarily designed to guide you through the serene, two-mile Stillwater section of Gallup Pond, where you can marvel at the changing hues of the trees reflected on the water. Our experienced staff will lead you to the best spots to enjoy the stunning fall foliage, creating a peaceful and picturesque outing. 
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September brings summer and fall produce together at Ann Arbor Farmers Market!

On Saturday, Sept. 6 and Wednesday, Sept. 10, the Ann Arbor Farmers Market will be open 7 a.m.-3 p.m. at 315 Detroit Street. Late summer produce abundance continues! You’ll find local peaches, nectarines, grapes, melons, watermelons, plums, pears, early apples, blackberries, raspberries, and more! It’s still sweet corn and tomato season as well, and autumn favorites mums, winter squash, cabbages, and cauliflower are starting to appear! You’ll also find eggplant, peppers, beans, cucumbers, zucchini, fresh greens, mushrooms, dahlias, potatoes, garlic, onions, herbs, cut flowers, native plants, house plants, 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 much 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.

* Saturday, Sept. 6: Vegano Italiano Food Truck, Pilar's Tamales, Baan Phad Thai and Samosa House will be serving brunch and lunch.

*Wednesday, Sept. 10: Join us for the September Cooking Demo at 11a.m.! Alex from Ukrainian Homemade Food will be walking us through one of his favorite recipes. Free samples and recipe cards provided, sponsored by Michigan Farmers Market Association
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Looking to get outside, get some exercise and meet new people? Join a FREE monthly guided hike for women at one of Ann Arbor’s 83 natural areas. Hikes are typically one to two miles on dirt trails. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes and bring water/bug spray/sunscreen. The first meetup will take place at Furstenberg Nature Area, 2626 Fuller Road, Saturday, Sept. 20, 10-11:30 a.m. Please meet in the parking lot. This program is for ages 18 and older. Preregister here. For questions or more information, contact Eleva Potter at epotter@a2gov.org

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Thank you for a wonderful season at Veterans Memorial Pool! The summer of 2025 was filled with fun and memories that will last well beyond the pool deck. We appreciate every swimmer and family who made this year such a success.

Fuller Park Pool
The outdoor swim season continues through Sunday, Sept. 14. A new open swim schedule begins Monday, Aug. 25. Private swim lessons are available through Sept. 14 - but spots are limited. Call 734.794.6236 or visit the website to learn more.

Mack Indoor Pool
There are a few spots left to register for the fall session of the Octopods swim team and group swim lessons for all ages, October through December. Mack Pool opens for the season on Monday, Sept. 22. Learn more and register here.

This fall in the parks – Veterans Memorial Ice Arena
Registration is now open for ice skating lessons (Sessions 1 and 2) for all ages and skill levels. Draft hockey league registration is also underway for the fall season, beginning with two draft skates followed by an official draft. View program details and register online.

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Join us - together with Zion Well - for a restful and rejuvenating morning of outdoor yoga at Furstenberg Nature Area every Wednesday in September, 8-9 a.m. The program is free and no experience is necessary.

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Volunteer in the Ann Arbor parks! Check out the Ann Arbor Parks Volunteer Program website on VolunteerHub to see and register for all upcoming volunteer events. All experience levels are welcome and we provide the tools/supplies. Dress for the weather, wear closed-toe shoes, and bring water. Help beautify, maintain, and steward parks and natural areas! Visit the links below for event details and to sign up.

(Pictured: Volunteers helped spread new play-safe woodchips at the Cloverdale Park playground!)

Stewardship Workday at Dicken Woods Nature Area - Sunday, Sept. 7, 1-4 p.m.
Help preserve and maintain this beautiful natural area! Volunteers will cut invasive brush. Register here.

Garden Workday at Gallup Park Butterfly Garden - Friday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m.-noon
Join the Ann Arbor Parks team and park adopters to help beautify and maintain this unique pollinator-friendly garden! Register here.

Garden Workday at Huron Highlands Park - Friday, Sept. 12, 4-6 p.m.
Join us to help in the gardens at Huron Highlands Park! Tasks may include weeding, mulching, planting, and picking up trash. 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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Intro to Nature Journaling
Join us Thursday, Oct 16, 5–7 p.m. at Gallup Park Meeting Room. Learn the basics of nature journaling—writing, sketching, mapping, and observing the outdoors. Supplies provided, plus create a take-home journal.

Register here.

Ann Arbor Senior Center fall programming

Mindful Movement
Wednesdays through Sept. 24, 10-11 a.m. Join Environmental Educator Eleva Potter of The City of Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation on Wednesday mornings to slow down and pay attention to our senses in nature. We’ll practice different grounding techniques focused on mindfulness and stress reduction. Expect to be outside the whole time unless it’s raining. May involve a short walk on a dirt trail with some standing and sitting. Meet at the picnic tables outside of the Burns Park Shelter (across the park from the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave.). Open to all ages 18+. No experience necessary. Preregistration required. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge. 

DTE Energy Smart Seniors presentation
Friday, Sept. 12, 10-11:30 a.m. Join DTE Community in Action: Energy Smart Seniors Program to learn easy, low cost ways to use less energy which will save you money on your energy bill. We'll also cover tips to be safe with natural gas, and additional energy efficiency and assistance programs. Participants will receive a FREE kit with contents to save money and energy in your home. Some of the contents may include LED nightlights, pipe insulation, bathroom and kitchen faucet aerators, efficient showerhead, window insulation kit, and weather-stripping. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Nature Journaling Workshop
Thursday, Oct. 9, 1-3 p.m. Are you interested in keeping a nature journal? Journaling about nature can be a fun and creative way to spark curiosity and improve your observational skills. Your journal can include writing, drawing, mapping, and listing the details of everyday nature that you notice. Join us for a ‘how-to’ session as we cover the basics and spend some time in nature. We will explore ways to record observations, types of journals and supplies, resources you can use, and styles used by other journalers. Basic supplies will be provided, and participants will create a small take-home journal to use during class. If you are already keeping a nature journal, feel free to bring it. The instructor, Karen Gourlay, is a lifelong outdoor educator with experience teaching both adults and children. She recently retired from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources as coordinator for the State Park Explorer Program, and worked previously as a Park Interpreter conducting programs about nature and agriculture. Offered in partnership with The City of Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge. 

ACBL Sanctioned Bridge games
Thursdays, noon-3:30 p.m. Join us for a sanctioned bridge with the new director, Matt Evett! No partner? No problem! Arrive by 11:30 a.m. and tell the director. Open to all ages 18+. More information can be found at annarborbridge.com​. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Call 734.794.6250. Cost is $8, members; $9 nonmembers. 

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Construction is underway on Ann Arbor’s first universal-access splash pad at Bicentennial Park—a space where families of all abilities can play together. Fewer than $400,000 remain to close the funding gap. Every gift helps bring this one-of-a-kind amenity to life. Learn more about the project here. To make a donation visit the webpage.