All You Need to Know: Important local notes for Independence Day/week

Special to WLAA
July 1, 2021, 3 years ago

City of Ann Arbor municipal offices will be closed Monday, July 5, to observe Independence Day. Safety services and water utility operations will maintain 24-hour schedules. Trash, recycling and compost collection will continue as regularly scheduled, without interruption.

Larcom City Hall will also reopen Tuesday, July 6, following the pandemic-related closure last fall. This includes the Ann Arbor Customer Service Center and the city clerk’s office, though city services will also remain conveniently available online. https://www.a2gov.org/services/Pages/Home.aspx

Time for fireworks?

If you’re planning to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, please remember to do so safely and responsibly. For starters, per Michigan Fireworks Safety Act 256 of 2011 (PDF), fireworks usage is permitted only during certain timeframes and only around national holidays. For the Independence Day holiday this year, fireworks may ONLY be discharged in the city:

Tuesday, June 29–Friday, July 2 — 11 a.m.–11:45 p.m.
Saturday, July 3–Sunday, 4 — 8 a.m.–11:59 p.m.

Use without permission is ALWAYS prohibited at city parks, schools and all public and private property that isn’t your own.

Using fireworks without forethought can be dangerous. Please note these reminders:

Keep a water source ready to spray embers from fireworks. Drench the entire area where you’ve been using fireworks when done.
Toss sparklers into a bucket of water when finished using.
Don’t try to reignite fireworks that won’t go off.
Don’t launch fireworks into forests or fields. Dry grass or leaves could ignite.
Keep fireworks away from your face and eyes.

For more information, visit the National Fire Protection Association website.

Fireworks also pose a risk to pets. Visit the American Veterinary Medical Association for tips on how to keep pets safe for the holiday and all summer long.

If you plan to use fireworks, please follow the laws, do so safely and be courteous by letting neighbors know in advance. This includes being mindful of any military veterans or others who may be sensitive to the noise associated with fireworks.

Keep busy in the Ann Arbor parks

Plan ahead for something fun to do on Independence Day/weekend!

Hit the greens at Huron Hills or Leslie Park golf courses. Both courses will be open 6:30 a.m.–9 p.m., and normal weekend rates will apply for Sunday, July 4. Huron Hills continues to offer only 11 holes of play during its ongoing construction project. Find details about golf at https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/play/Pages/Golf.aspx.

Boat at Argo Canoe and Kayak and Gallup Canoe and Kayak. Both locations are open every day including July 3, 4 and 5, 9 a.m.–8 p.m. Last stillwater boat rental is at 6 p.m. and closing time is 8 p.m. The last river trip will depart the Argo livery at 4 p.m. Reservations are required for river trips, https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/play/Pages/Canoeing.aspx, but not required for stillwater (no current).

Also open on Saturday, July 3, is the Ann Arbor Farmers Market (https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/parks-places/farmers-market/Pages/default.aspx). Place your order ahead of time to pick up during market hours Saturday, 7 a.m.–3 p.m.: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gmPMf78_G-JkNHIUBw1n04N1iitmtUlqhO6OgH3oyjk/edit#gid=0. Or shop onsite! Fresh, local ingredients and treats for your holiday picnic await, including herbs, tomatoes, beans, cheese, bread, strawberries, raspberries, cherries, apples, blueberries and so much more.

Go for a swim at Buhr, Fuller and Veterans Memorial park pools. Pool admissions will be available in two-hour blocks and can be purchased online (https://secure.rec1.com/MI/city-of-ann-arbor/catalog) or at the pool the day of, if spaces are available. Fuller Pool (1519 Fuller Road) will have up to 150 spots available per two-hour block while Buhr Park Pool (2751 Packard Road) and Veterans Memorial Park Pool (2150 Jackson Ave.) will have up to 90 spots available per two-hour block. Typically, up to three swimmers per lap lane will be allowed. Total spots available include individuals that previously made reservations in the Omnify system. For details, visit https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/play/Pages/Swimming.aspx.

[Ann Arbor]