Important Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation information/updates

As you know by now Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation was impacted by the storms earlier this week. If you are visiting parks, please continue to use extreme caution, as some hazards may not be immediately visible. Staff are continuing to clean up and assess the damage throughout the parks system. If you observe any damage, please report it using A2 Fix It at https://www.a2gov.org/services/report-a-problem-a2-fix-it/

Veterans Memorial Park experienced significant damage to both the facility and athletic fields. For safety and so crews may assess and address damage, please note Veterans Memorial Park and its facilities are closed until further notice. We appreciate your patience and support during this time. Thank you

Postponed
Unfortunately the April 17 dog park pop-up event planned for tonight has been cancelled due to storm damage at Veterans Memorial Park. Stay tuned as we work to cleanup the area with plans of rescheduling in the future. At this time Swift Run is open and Olson remains partially open due to construction. Broadway dog park will remain closed for the weekend. Early next week, the small dog area will be reopen but we ask that visitors avoid seeded areas as much as possible. During the same timeframe staff will evaluate the large dog area for potential reopening. For site information and more visit the webpage.

Cobblestone Farm Association’s Spring Fling Join us for an afternoon at Cobblestone Farm Sunday, April 19, noon-4 p.m. It's a family friendly event that highlights the 19th century farmhouse and grounds as we prepare for spring cleaning and have fun at the same time. Take a tour of the museum with demonstrations throughout the farmhouse and grounds including cooking on the wood stove, loom weaving, fiber spinning, gardening, and farm maintenance. Activities include historic outdoor games and helpful chores as well as traditional Irish music. Also enjoy a tour of the log cabin. Bring lunch and enjoy an outdoor picnic.  We hope to see you at the farmhouse - rain or shine!

Public meeting: Learn more about how a tree will be used at Mushroom Park The large oak tree in Mushroom Park was recently removed due to decline and safety concerns. Plans are underway to reuse the tree on site as part of a nature play area, similar to the Great Oak Nature Playground near Barton Dam. A virtual public meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 7 p.m., with a Zoom webinar link available here. The tree was removed on Tuesday, Dec. 23, and the wood will remain on site temporarily; visitors are asked to stay off the tree and any stockpiled materials. Construction of the nature play area is anticipated to begin in spring 2026. For more information, contact Hillary Hanzel, Landscape Architect and Capital Project Manager, at HHanzel@a2gov.org. The image depicts the tree near Barton Dam.

Volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups available
Friday, April 17, 3-5 p.m. Join the City of Ann Arbor's Office of Sustainability and Innovations and the Ann Arbor Parks Volunteer Program for an Adopt-A-Park workday! We’ll tackle a variety of projects to get Fuller Park ready for the pool's opening day. Register here.

Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m.-noon: Join Ann Arbor Target and the Ann Arbor Parks Volunteer Program for a Love a Park workday at Cranbrook Park. We’ll tackle a variety of projects to help care for this popular and well-loved community space. Register here.

Sunday, April 19, Ann Arbor Earth Day Festival Volunteer at Leslie Science & Nature Center: Join us to support the annual Ann Arbor Earth Day Festival! Volunteers play a key role in making this event a success, including helping visitors find their way, supporting hands-on activities like paper-making, and promoting zero-waste practices. Explore and register for all shifts and volunteer roles here. 

Thursday, April 23, 10 a.m.-noon. Join us for Love a Park Volunteer Workday as part of our Park Spotlight week at Bader Park! Give back to your local park while being part of a week-long celebration of family-friendly activities and community connection. We’ll tackle a variety of projects to help care for this popular and well-loved community space. Register here.

Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Help bring a fun-filled kids costume parade to life! Volunteers will run activity stations along a park path where children in costume complete challenges and earn prizes. Register here.

Sunday, April 26, 10 a.m.-noon: Join the University of Michigan Urban Planning Student Association and the Ann Arbor Parks Volunteer Program for a Love a Park workday at West Park! We’ll tackle a variety of projects to help care for this popular and well-loved community space. Register here.

Sunday, April 26, 1-4 p.m. Help restore Mary Beth Doyle Park's natural areas by cutting invasive shrubs with hand saws and loppers! Create space for native plants to thrive and support a healthier ecosystem in one of Ann Arbor’s most beloved nature areas. Register here. 

Find all upcoming volunteer opportunities here.

Sign up here for the following programs in April! Questions? Email epotter@a2gov.org

April early childhood programming
Outside Story Time Tuesdays 10:30-11:30 Join us for stories, crafts and outdoor play for children ages 2-6 with an adult.
April 21, Frogs and Toads, Bader Park Playground
April 28, Salamanders, Esch Park Playground

Toddler Move and Grove, Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. for children ages 0-5. 
April 22, Bader Park Playground
April 29, Esch Park Playground

K-5 classes:
Nature Crafts, Mondays 4:30-5:30 p.m. for students K-5 with an adult
April 20, Tree Bark and Buds, Bader Park
April 27, Nature Art, Esch Park

April adult events:
Adult Art and Nature, Thursday, April 23, 5-7 p.m. Get to know local ducks, swans and geese by creating their portrait with Pan Pastels. We'll also look for waterfowl migrating through the area. No experience needed, all materials provided. Meet at the Gallup Park Meeting Room at 3000 Fuller Road. Questions? email epotter@a2gov.org

Women's Signs of Spring Walk, Tuesday, April 28, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Furstenberg Nature Area. Let's learn which frogs live in our parks and try to identify them by their calls. One mile hike on a dirt trail. Dress for the weather with sturdy shoes. Meet at the Furstenberg Nature Area parking lot at 2626 Fuller Road. Questions? email epotter@a2gov.org

Nature Nerds Book Club. Thursday April 30, 5:30-6:30 p.m. April is National Poetry month, to celebrate pick your favorite poem from Aimee Nezhukumatathil's World of Wonders or bring a favorite nature poem to share. We will be meeting at the Natural Area Preservation Office at 3875 E Huron River Drive. We will sit outside weather permitting. Questions? Email epotter@a2gov.org

Join our team: Work outdoors, earn money, have fun and add to your resume
Enjoy working in some of the most popular and beautiful places in Ann Arbor - the parks! There are a variety of positions open for the spring/summer of 2026 season at Buhr, Fuller and Veterans Memorial Park pools, Huron Hills and Leslie Park Golf Courses and Argo and Gallup liveries. Staff enjoy providing great customer service, teaching valuable skills such as swimming and enhancing their communication and leadership skills.​​ It's also a great place to make new friends and work outdoors. Positions include cashiers, golf maintenance staff, lifeguards, day camp counselors, canoe livery attendants, gardeners, swim instructors and more. View the jobs and apply online.

Eat local with the Ann Arbor Farmers Market On Saturday, April 18 the Ann Arbor Farmers Market will be open 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at 315 Detroit St. to bring you all the local goods you need. Things to look forward to at market: Summer hours (7 a.m.-3 p.m.) will begin at the start of May and Wednesday market will return on May 6. Flower Day will be taking place on Sunday, May 24 this year. Interested in purchasing a CSA (community supported agriculture) from one of our vendors? CSAs are a great way to support local agriculture and get a consistent, seasonal supply of local produce, meats, flowers and more! This is the perfect weekend to ask vendors about offerings they have. Additionally, vendor CSA information will be updated on our website and socials shortly. At market we will have plentiful produce, artisan goods, jams and honey, protein options, warm drinks, decorative plants and flowers, prepared food, and musician Charlie Merkel performing around noon! Vendors 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.

We still need your help to make Earth Day a success
Volunteer spots are still open for several roles during the 12–3 p.m. and 2:30–5:30 p.m. shifts at the Ann Arbor Earth Day Festival. If you’ve been thinking about getting involved, now is the time to sign up. Register here: https://vhub.at/A2EarthDay

The Ann Arbor Earth Day Festival, held at Leslie Science & Nature Center, is a free, family-friendly event celebrating sustainability and our local environment. The day features hands-on activities, live entertainment, exhibits, and opportunities to learn about energy, water, green technology and more.

In the spirit of Earth Day, this is a Zero Waste event, with a goal of diverting 90% of waste from landfills. Volunteers play a key role in helping make that happen. Sign up today and be part of something meaningful in your community.

Improve your golf game
Did you know we offer golf instruction for adults at Huron Hills Golf Course? We have programs for all skill levels whether you're new to the game or want to improve your skills. There are also openings for the Junior Golf Camp sessions this summer. To learn more about both and sign up go online. We look forward to seeing you on the course in 2026!

Some openings remain for summer day camps
Spots remain open at Buhr and Fuller Park Pool day camps. However, the camps at Argo and Gallup Park liveries are full and have waitlists. If you added someone to a waitlist, please pay attention close attention to your email inbox. If a space opens and you receive the Waiting Listing Notification email, you have 24 hours to complete the sign up online.  To view the sessions and themes that do have openings go online.

If you have a golfer in your life sign up here for Huron Hills Junior Golf Camps! Camps begin mid-June for juniors ages 8-15 years old. Golfers of all abilities will have fun learning the game of golf, including the fundamentals and sportsmanship. Two hours daily, Monday-Thursday, for two weeks. Camp fee: $190.

NEW EVENT: Kids Costume Walk Join the City of Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation for a Kids Costume Walk on Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Mary Beth Doyle Park. Families will meet near the playground at 3500 Birch Hollow Drive before setting off on a fun, active walk around the park loop. Kids are encouraged to break out their Halloween costumes for another use and enjoy a playful experience filled with treats and activity stations along the way. Designed for children ages 2–8, each stop along the loop will feature a simple task or challenge before participants continue on their route. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For safety, masks and fake weapons are not permitted. Lend a helping hand: We are also seeking 15–20 volunteers to help make this event a success. Volunteers will be stationed along the loop to run activity stations, guiding children through fun, simple tasks. Costumes are encouraged for volunteers, but not required. A limited number of animal costumes will be available to borrow. Register here to lend a helping hand, https://cityofannarbor.volunteerhub.com/vv2/event/041b123e-5f1f-4b63-b0ad-b5f6b4136f8b

Ann Arbor Senior Center upcoming programming
Tech Talks: Cool Tech for Older Adults
Thursday, April 23, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Discover how technology is changing the lives of older adults, learn why it can be so frustrating to use, and explore exciting devices, apps, and websites designed for seniors. Hosted by AsKevin and James Giordani, MSW with a focus on enhancing the quality of life and independence of seniors through technology. This program is made possible through grant funding provided by the Michigan Association of Senior Centers and Molina Healthcare. Open to ages 55+. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Tech Talks: AI and the Future
Friday, April 24, 11 a.m.-noon. Is AI really that big of a deal? Why does our tech keep changing, where is it going, and how will it affect seniors? Come find out! Hosted by AsKevin and James Giordani, MSW with a focus on enhancing the quality of life and independence of seniors through technology. He has been teaching tech skills and providing in-home tech support tailored to older adults for over 8 years.  Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Art in the Park: Paint Your Own Terracotta Pot
Friday, April 24, 1-2:30 p.m. Paint your own terracotta pot with the Ann Arbor Senior Center staff! All materials provided, no experience needed. Class will be outside weather permitting! Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Cost is $5. 

Brunch & Learn: Legacy Projects 101
Monday, April 27, 10-11 a.m. Join Jenny Turner, End of Life Doula (EOLD) and co-founder of Evergreen End of Life Care Foundation of Michigan to learn what a legacy project is, see ideas and examples, and get started on your own project or a project for a loved one. Please note, this workshop was offered in February, if you were enrolled in that session, please allow others to sign up for this one as it covers the same material. Light brunch provided. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Exercise caution in natural areas of Ann Arbor Use extra caution when visiting natural areas following the recent storm, as conditions may be unpredictable. Watch for fallen trees, hanging limbs, and debris on trails, and avoid areas that appear unsafe. Please report any issues here.

New location, new format: Huron River Day
Mark your calendar for Huron River Day 2026 on Saturday, May 16, from noon to 4 p.m. at its new location, Riverside Park (1000 Canal Street). This free, family-friendly event sponsored by DTE Foundation celebrates the Huron River and the many conservation efforts led by local organizations and community partners. New this year, participants can start the day early by becoming a “Huron Hero” through morning workshops, guided walks, cleanups and other hands-on activities from 8 a.m. to noon, earning a prize to redeem during the afternoon festival. The festival will feature live music and performances, hands-on activities and games, live animals from Leslie Science & Nature Center, a kids area with inflatables and face painting, eco-friendly exhibitors and food vendors. Visit the webpage as we add more updates, including registration details for morning activities and the latest event information.

2026 Project Grow Plant Sale
Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Held the Saturday before Mother's Day at Dawn Farm, over 70 varieties of heirloom tomatoes, sweet & spicy peppers, basil, new offerings of lisianthus, native asclepias, and sweet peas will be offered. Advance sales are over but have a look at the catalog so you know what you're looking for when you get to the hoop. Everything is grown locally by Project Grow volunteers. The Seed Share will be on site, dahlia tubers and plants will be for sale, along with Dawn Farm Co-op member sales. Located at Dawn Farm, 6633 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsilanti. Click here to see the catalog.

Upcoming Wednesday noon lecture at the Kempf House Join us at April 22 to hear John Hilton (recently-retired long-time editor of the Ann Arbor Observer) speak at the Kempf House Museum, 312 S. Division St, 734.994.4898. Parking is available in the Library Lot and underground structure (a half-block south of the museum). Admission is free but donations are appreciated. Lectures end by 1 p.m. Questions? Email: kempfhousemuseum@gmail.com  [Image courtesy of Tabitha Walters]