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

Get out and enjoy the beautiful weather while shopping local
The best place to shop local is the Ann Arbor Farmers Market. It’s open Wednesdays and Saturdays, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., at 315 Detroit Street. You’ll find apples, apple cider, pears, pumpkins, concord grapes, decorative gourds, winter squash, mums, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, leafy greens, potatoes, garlic, onions, peppers, microgreens, herbs, plants, honey, eggs, pastured meat and poultry, cheese, bread, baked goods, maple syrup, beverages, prepared food, artisan products, and so much 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. Accessible restrooms available. More information at our website.

Tacos El Mariachi Loco food truck will be joining us on Saturday, Nov. 5, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and Vegano Italiano food truck will be joining us on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.


There’s still time to share your feedback
If you haven’t had a chance to provide feedback regarding accessibility in the parks, you still have time! Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation is in the process of completing an ADA Transition Plan, and we want to hear from you about accessibility challenges, experiences and prioritization. Please visit https://www.a2accessforall.com/survey to access our community survey and the accessibility pin-map. Both the survey and pin-map will be open through Saturday, Nov. 12. Please contact Adam Fercho, Park Planner/Landscape Architect at afercho@a2gov.org or by phone at 734.794.6230 ext.42549 for questions regarding the ADA Transition Plan.


November volunteer opportunities in the parks
Join GIVE 365 in our upcoming brush cutting series to cut down nonnative invasive honeysuckle, buckthorn and autumn olive to help in restoring the wooded areas Ann Arbor’s parks. Shrubs will be cut down using hand saws and loppers. All tools and instruction will be provided. Events are scheduled at multiple parks in the coming weeks. Go online to view the opportunities and sign up.

Additionally GIVE 365 staff will be spending time picking up litter in West Park. All tools and supplies will be provided including gloves, litter pickers and bags. Our staff will meet you in the main parking lot off of Chapin Street to sign you in and provide instruction. Sign up here!


napStewardship Workday at Brokaw Nature Area: Saturday, Nov. 5, 1 to 4 p.m. When Brokaw was established in 2017, the contractor working with NAP used an out-building’s old foundation as a place to bury tubing and rubble which created the perfect place for snakes overwinter. The oak-hickory forest provides a home for avian wildlife as well! Help the wildlife at Brokaw by cutting and removing invasive shrubs. Meet at the parking lot off of West Huron River Dr.​, just southeast of Wagner Rd. Preregister here.

Stewardship Workday at Barton Nature Area: Sunday, Nov. 6, 9 a.m. to noon Barton is a matrix of old field, dry prairie, wet meadow and shrubland, mesic forest, and emergent marsh. Enjoy the crisp fresh air of a fall day while volunteering to cut and remove invasive shrubs to preserve this very valuable ecosystem. Meet at the south entrance on West Huron River Drive, approximately ¼ mile from the intersection of M-14 and Main Street. Preregister here.

Stewardship Workday at Bluffs Nature Area: Sunday, Nov. 6, 1 to 4 p.m. Described by a fan of this park as “a wild oasis in the midst of Ann Arbor,” Bluffs engulfs you in nature yet is close to the comforts of the city. Enjoy the comradery of your fellow volunteers and work together to cut and remove invasive shrubs. Meet at the entrance on Sunset Road near Wildt Street. Preregister here.


Ann Arbor Senior Center upcoming activities/events
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. 

Care Management by Natalie – Senior Support
Wednesday, Nov. 9 and Dec. 14, 9:30-11:30 a.m. A Care Manager is a senior resources expert that can assist clients with the right path through the aging process such as: Discharging from the hospital, starting or stabilizing caregiving structure in the home, remaining independent at home, choosing and preparing to move to a senior community, creating medical stability or a new diagnosis roadmap, and support, education, and future planning. To learn more about Care Management by Natalie, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9G8xK49j0A. Sign up for a private, free 1-hour initial consultation a $150 value, free of charge. RSVP to 734.794.6250 or bpatton@a2gov.org.

Workshop for families in need of caregiving services
Tuesday, Nov. 15, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Join Miriam Vincent, care specialist of Ann Arbor Care Consulting, to learn about different caregiving resources and options in Washtenaw County. Topics will include in-home care, respite, assisted living, long term, memory care, palliative, and hospice care. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. For questions and to RSVP contact a2careconsulting@gmail.com or 734.972.1074. Free of charge. 

Gathered and grateful drive-thru
Wednesday, Nov. 16, noon-1 p.m. Join the Ann Arbor Senior Center and Motivated and Moving for a festive fall drive-thru event. Motivated and Moving provides seniors with the education and accountability you need to maintain your greatest potential in health and wellness. Senior geared goodie bags will be given out to patrons that sign up, limited spots available. Come enjoy snacks, pickup information, and chat outdoors! As we are in the season of giving, we will be collecting non-perishable food donations for Bryant Community Center’s Emergency Food Pantry. If you would like to contribute but transporting food is not an option, visit https://www.canwashtenaw.org/donate to donate online. To RSVP contact bpatton@a2gov.org or 734.794.6250 to reserve your spot today! Free of charge.


Veterans Day closure
The Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation customer service office at Cobblestone Farm will be closed in observance of Veterans Day on Friday, Nov. 11. Regular hours will resume Monday, Nov. 14. Thank you.


Public input sought for park improvements
Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation staff will host a webinar Wednesday, Nov. 16, 7 p.m. to discuss potential plans for improvements at Dr. Harold J. Lockett Park and it’s playground. Your input and ideas are important. The information to participate can be found online.


holidayShop local this holiday season
Save the date for the first Liberty Plaza Holiday Gift Market, Friday, Dec. 2, 5-9 p.m.
You’ll enjoy artisan goods, holiday decor + more! 310 S. Division Street in downtown Ann Arbor. We hope to see you there.


skateRepresent the best skatepark in Ann Arbor with new apparel
Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation is proud to collaborate with Friends of the Skatepark to offer four new items on the parks merchandise site. Support your local skater with some A2 Skatepark apparel! Proceeds benefit the All Girls Skate and other youth-oriented skateboarding programs hosted at the public facility at Veterans Memorial Park. Click here to shop.