So much to do in the parks this weekend and beyond

Junior Volunteer Club, Friday, April 17, 4-5 p.m.
This week is National Volunteer Week! This club is for youth ages 10-15, and we invite you to learn about ways to give back, gain work-like experiences and have fun in your community. This club meets monthly and is facilitated by GIVE 365 staff with the objective of engaging our younger citizens to have fun and volunteer. Today’s meeting is at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, (1320 Baldwin Ave.) and we will be doing a project to support Sunday’s Earth Day Festival at the Leslie Science and Nature Center. Join us!

Please join us at the annual Earth Day Festival this Sunday, April 19 from noon-4 p.m. at Leslie Science & Nature Center ( 1831 Traver Rd).
This free, family-friendly event celebrates our natural world and features displays from 40 local environmental, non-profit, and governmental organizations; live animal demonstrations; hands-on activities; live entertainment; all-species parade; naturalist-led hikes; food vendors; crafts; and much more. In the true spirit of Earth Day, this festival will be a zero-waste event, so please help us divert waste from the landfill by bringing a reusable water bottle and putting your waste in the proper receptacles. Also, parking can be limited at the event, so visitors are strongly encouraged to "go green" and carpool, bus, bike, or walk to the festival. Additional details and information about the event are available online at http://www.a2earthday.org.

Gallup and Argo Canoe Liveries opens this weekend
Canoe, kayak, paddleboat and rowboat at Gallup Canoe Livery (3000 Fuller Rd., 734.794.6240) from April 18-May 22, everyday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. At Argo Canoe Livery (1055 Longshore Dr., 734.794.6241) visit the Cascades and canoe, kayak and stand-up paddleboard. From April 18 -May 22 on weekends, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Dog Park Recommendations and Guidelines
The Dog Park Subcommittee of the Park Advisory Commission is exploring options for additional dog parks within the City of Ann Arbor. The document 'Recommendations and Guidelines for Dog Parks 2015' is located at http://www.a2gov.org/dogparks. This revised document reflects input from the February 2015 survey and public meeting held on March 5, 2015, including meeting minutes, the survey summary, and changes to the scoring sheet. The document will be presented to the Park Advisory Commission at their May 19 meeting, after which a committee will be exploring potential locations for a new dog park. Email Parks Planner Amy Kuras at akuras@a2gov.org or call 734.794.6230 ext. 42590 to receive additional information.

NEW Dog Park Yappy Hours
Join us on the third Monday of every month from 4-6 p.m. (April to September) for Yappy Hours with Give365. Events will rotate between the two dog parks at Swift Run and Olson Park. To participate dogs must be licensed and have an up-to-date dog park permit. For details visit http://www.a2gov.org/dogparks. Our first event is: April 20, Olson Park, Bow Wow Luau. Shake off the winter blues and escape to the tropics! Featuring leis and a photo booth.

NEW Wednesday Night Dog Walks
New this year! Dog walks in Gallup Park. Join us for the first event, Wednesday, April 29 at 6 p.m. at the wooden traffic bridge. We’ll all walk together throughout the park. Then we’ll meet every Wednesday until September. Dogs must be on a leash the entire walk.

Call for a tee time
Both Huron Hills and Leslie Park Golf Course are open for the season and the courses are in great shape. We are offering our Spring rates through April 30. Additionally all of our city championship tournaments for the 2015 season are posted as well as the entry forms. To view the PDF's and register today visit http://www.a2golf.org. Call Huron Hills for a tee time at 734.794.6246 and Leslie Park at 734.794.6245.

Identity theft workshop
Join us for a free workshop hosted by Senior Brigade presenter Justine Bykowski on Tuesday, April 21 at 12:15 p.m. at the Ann Arbor Senior Center (1320 Baldwin Ave.) This workshop is open to all ages and provides information on how to reduce the risk of falling victim to this crime, and what to do if you become a victim. We encourage you to visit the Michigan Attorney General Senior Brigade website at http://www.michigan.gov/seniorbrigade for more information and resources. 

Artist reception
The community is invited to attend an artist reception featuring Brenda Miller-Slomovits at the Ann Arbor Senior Center (1320 Baldwin Ave.) on Friday, May 1 from 6-8 p.m. titled "Seeing Latitude."  Her work emphasizes preservation and ecology, topics that have captured Miller-Slomovits attention and inspire her art. Twenty-five percent of art sale proceeds from “Seeing Latitude” will be donated to Legacy Land Conservancy. Enjoy a classical guitar performance by Michael Harrington and light refreshments. The gallery is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. To learn more about the city’s cultural arts programming, visit http://www.a2gov.org/culturalarts. This programming is made possible by a grant awarded by the Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor.

Do you like playing golf and enjoy the game of soccer?
Then we have the sport for you - FootGolf - starting this spring at Huron Hills Golf Course. This new sport is fun, easy to play, and something all ages can enjoy. Come out to the “The Inaugural FootGolf KickOff,” Saturday, April 25 at 5 p.m. and those interested in trying the sport can play a 9-hole round for free (tee times and bringing your own soccer ball are encouraged) and enjoy games and prizes. Visit www.a2golf.org or call 734.794.6246.

Senior Potluck and Entertainment, Wednesday April 22 at 4 p.m.
Enjoy potluck dishes, games, ice cream, films, petanque games and more at our spring party at the Ann Arbor Senior Center (1320 Baldwin Ave., 734.794.6250). Don't miss Betsy Beckerman leading a sing-along and Bingo afterward. Details can be found at http://www.a2gov.org/senior.

Day Camp and Summer Registration underway
Sign up for all classes and our summer day camps at http://www.a2gov.org/parks.