Around Town: Higher wages offered to work in the Ann Arbor parks, Buhr Park update, more

UPDATE: Higher wages offered to work in the Ann Arbor parks
Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Services is pleased to announce across the board wage increases for all temporary seasonal jobs. Starting salaries will be at $15.66* for TEMP 1/STEP 1 hires.

Working in the parks helps applicants build their resumes by improving public speaking skills, handling money in some instances, gaining responsibility in roles such as day camp counselors and swim instructors and strengthening social skills while improving self-confidence. Maybe it’s your dream job to drive a Zamboni or you’re an athlete and you’d benefit from the exercise you get from working at the canoe liveries, ice arenas and golf courses! The benefits are endless and now applicants will enjoy even bigger paychecks! There are a variety of jobs posted now and more spring/summer positions will be added in the coming weeks. To view the jobs and apply online visit www.a2gov.org/parksjobs.

(*Pending city council approval to continue in fiscal year 2023).

Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Arena to close for the season March 1
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, staffing levels have been at historic lows. Throughout the winter, Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation have continued to see diminished staffing levels.  As we approach the end of the season at Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Arena, we have had several unexpected staffing changes that will force us to adjust our operations.

After evaluating staff availability and operational capacities, Buhr Park Ice Arena will close for the season Tuesday, March 1. Any ice rentals or open skate reservations on and after March 1, 2022 will be cancelled and refunded as needed by staff.

While this is disappointing, we appreciate your understanding. Veterans Memorial Ice Arena will remain open. For more information regarding open skating and rental availability, please visit the website or call 734.794.6235 or wmeeks@a2gov.org.

Thank you for your understanding.

The best place to shop local is the Ann Arbor Farmers Market
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market is open for onsite sales Saturdays, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., at 315 Detroit St. You will find apples, apple cider, leafy greens, root vegetables, bread, eggs, poultry, meat, cheese, baked goods, prepared food, beverages, artisan products, and more We accept cash and tokens for credit cards and SNAP/EBT/P-EBT are available at our market office window. Please follow all safety guidelines posted and communicated by market staff. Service animals welcome. More information can be found on the website.

Interim bridge closures ongoing
The Old Dixboro Road bridges that cross over the Huron River (near Geddes Dam) are scheduled for inspection Feb. 24, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. If the work is not completed the road will also be closed on Feb. 25. Traffic will not have access to the bridge or the river trail from this location. At the end of each day the truck involved with this project will be cleared from the area for after-hours access. We appreciate your patience during this short-term closure. Please see the map below.

bridge

Natural Area Preservation winter walk
Join us at Oakwoods Nature Area, Sunday, Feb. 27, 1-2 p.m. for the second of three winter walks. Oakwoods is a 55-acre woodland with upland forest, ponds and wetlands where a wide variety of plant and animal species grow and live. The park has an impressive diversity of trees, such as oaks, hickories, ironwood, beech and basswood. Make sure to dress for the weather (we recommend layered clothing in winter) and bring a water bottle. Meet us at the park entrance off Dunwoodie (map).​Please register here.