Parks & Rec: Plenty of things to do this holiday weekend in Ann Arbor parks

Registration update for summer day camps, programming
City of Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Services is planning to operate in-person camps during the summer of 2022. The safety of campers and staff are our top priority, and our state-licensed camps will abide by CDC guidelines, governmental recommendations and regulations. Our camp professionals are currently working on the planning and implementation of providing safe and engaging camp experiences. We are looking forward to offering our camps this summer

To help ensure that we have the best plan possible for camp 2022, day camp and summer programming registration will begin Monday, April 4. Look for more information on camp registration dates and details by the beginning of March on our camp webpage.

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Shop local on Saturdays at 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, root vegetables, herbs, 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.

Ann Arbor Senior Center upcoming activities
For information about instructional bridge call 734.794.6250 or email the instructor below. ​

Bridge defense part II: Mondays, Jan. 24-April 18 (13 weeks) 9:30-11:30 a.m.; fee: $130, member; $156, nonmember. This class is designed for beginners and low intermediate players who wish to improve their defensive play. Students may register in advance and pre-pay for all 13 weeks or pay on opening day. It is highly recommended that students have some type of previous bidding class. Prerequisites: Bridge I or equivalent or prior experience​.

Bridge play of hand part I: Tuesdays, Jan. 25-April 19 (13 weeks) 10 a.m.-noon; fee: $130, member; $156, nonmember​. This class is designed for advanced beginner and low intermediate players who wish to improve declarer skills. Students may register in advance and pre-pay for all 13 weeks or may reserve a spot if doing drop-in. Pre-requisites: Bridge I or instructor permission. Questions? Email ray62856@gmail.com

Bridge for beginners part II: Tuesdays, Jan. 25-April 19 (13 weeks) 1-3 p.m.; fee: $130, member; $156, ​nonmember.​ This class will use the text “Bidding in the 21st Century” by Audrey Grant. The class is mainly for anyone who has taken Bridge I through Ann Arbor Community Rec + Ed or Bridge for Beginners at the senior center. This is a great review class for others who may want a good review of overcalls, takeout doubles and Stay man. Students may pay before class or on the first day or if you wish to do drop-in. Prerequisite: Bridge for beginners part I or instructor permission​. Questions? Email ray62856@gmail.com

A2SC Trivia – Live! Wednesdays, Feb. 2 and 16, 1-2 p.m. Join us on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. Each game will have questions based on weekly themes. Invite your friends, grandchildren, and neighbors to login and play with you. We will keep a tally of winners and at the end, will have prizes that you can pick up. Zoom Meeting ID: 979 1239 9740, or click here. Passcode: 194912. Questions? Email bpatton@a2gov.org or call 734.794.6250.  Free of charge.

Mind Matters: Every Wednesday, 10-11 a.m. Join us for fun brain exercises that are designed to keep your brain young, strong, agile and adaptable. No experience necessary – just bring a pen, paper, and an open mind! Join Zoom meeting ID: 947 2633 1603. Passcode: 739714, or click here. Questions? Email bpatton@a2gov.org or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Skate outdoors at Buhr Ice Arena
Grab your skates and preregister for a skating session or walk-in at Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Arena (2751 Packard Road) this weekend. Customers may pay admission no earlier than 30 minutes prior to the start of an open skate. Rental skates are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Currently rink capacity is 100 skaters per session due to staffing shortages. To book online visit the website. These policies are subject to change dependent on our continuous evaluation of ways to provide the best customer service. Questions? Call 734.794.6234. For the weekend schedule and beyond visit the Buhr webpage.


Natural Area Preservation volunteer opportunities
Help celebrate world wetlands day at Arbor Hills on Saturday, Feb. 5, 1-3 p.m. Frog and toad survey volunteers have identified six frog and toad species at Arbor Hills, all of which depend on the wetlands found in the park. During the winter months, NAP spends time removing invasive shrubs from wetland areas that are not otherwise accessible in warmer parts of the year. Join us to protect and improve this wetland habitat! Meet us at the park entrance at the end of Ashburnam Road (map). Please stay home if you are feeling ill. NAP continues to monitor recommendations from health officials, volunteers registered for events will be notified in advance of any changes to the workday. Please wear long pants (we recommend layered clothing in winter), closed-toed shoes and bring a water bottle and leather gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Register here.

Stewards’ Circle
All are welcome to join this monthly discussion group where local stewards (like you!) gather to ask and answer questions, swap stories, and share knowledge in an informal setting. We look forward to chatting with you about how you “do” stewardship! Tuesday, Feb. 8, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Veterans Memorial Park meeting room (2150 Jackson Ave.). This month’s topic: Measuring progress. A Stewards’ Circle member recently asked: How do we measure progress? Progress in restoration can feel elusive sometimes – how can we tell when we are making an impact? After the discussion group, join a happy hour event at HOMES Brewery to further connect with other land stewards.

hiringWork with us in the Ann Arbor parks
Working in the parks – whether you’re an attendant at the canoe liveries, a lifeguard or driving a Zamboni  – these are not only fun jobs but a great way to learn a new set of skills, take on new responsibilities and become a leader in your role. If you, or someone you know, is interested in working with us there are jobs posted right now as lifeguards, cashiers, skating instructors and more. Additionally, we will be hiring for spring/summer positions in the coming weeks. Go online to view the jobs and apply online!