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

Terry Jacoby
October 14, 2022, 2 years ago

Sunday join us on the river for a howling good time!
Spend the afternoon enjoying the haunting fall beauty of the Huron River while trick-or-treating by canoe or kayak. As you paddle up and down Gallup Pond, you will encounter creatures handing out treats and candy. Keep an eye out for ducks, swamp monsters, witches and pirates on your adventure on the river! Feel free to join in and dress up! Bring a bag for your candy and your own water bottle. Enjoy lawn games, activities and more. Any time between noon-5 p.m. (last boat leaves at 3 p.m.) $22 / boat. No preregistration required. All ages welcome (children must be one year or older).

NAP continues to monitor recommendations from health officials; please stay home if you are feeling ill. Volunteers registered for events will be notified in advance of any changes to the workday. Please wear long pants and closed-toed shoes, and wear socks that close the gap between shoes and pants. Bring a water bottle and leather gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Find all NAP events here.

Upcoming stewardship workdays
* Saturday, Oct. 22, Make a Difference Day at Stapp Nature Area, 9 a.m.-noon. What better day to join NAP than Make a Difference Day! Started in 1992, this day has continually been the largest day of community service for over 20 years. There are so many great ways to make a difference in your community, like removing invasive species to help both human and natural communities! When you volunteer at Stapp Nature Area, you help keep salamander, frog, and floral communities healthy and thriving. Preregister here tinyurl.com/Stapp102222.

* Sunday, Oct. 23, Bird Hills Nature Area, 1-4 p.m. No need to chase the fall colors all the way to the UP – join us for a workday at Bird Hills! This hilly park offers magnificent views of the sweeping forest and of the Huron River from a variety of vantage points. Thank the glaciers for providing such rich topography, resulting in one of the most scenic workdays NAP offers. Enjoy the view while removing invasive shrubs with NAP. Preregister here tinyurl.com/Bird102322.

Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan update
Thank you to all who participated in our second public meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 12. We received great feedback and will be incorporating it into our plan as we move forward. For those of who you who could not make the meeting, a recording will be posted to online in the coming days. There are still a few ways that you can provide valuable input and contribute to the ADA Transition Plan, by visiting www.a2accessforall.com. The A2 Access For All website has links to both a community survey and a pin-map. Both tools will help us understand community needs in terms of accessibility and allow you to identify specific barriers that you have come across. For any questions or comments, please reach out to Adam Fercho, Park Planner/Landscape Architect at afercho@a2gov.org, or by calling 734.794.6230 ext.42549

Shop for all your fall staples at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market
It looks like Fall at market! We’re 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, dahlias, raspberries, 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.

The last food truck rally of the year is Wednesday, Oct. 19, 5-8 p.m. Come on out and support your favorite mobile food and drink purveyors! 14 trucks and carts confirmed + live music all at the farmers market.

Upcoming events in Ann Arbor to save on your calendar

Liberty Plaza
Whoa Silent Disco: Grab a friend or two head to Liberty Plaza
We hope to see you every Thursday this fall, now-Oct. 20 (8-10 p.m.) for a FREE silent disco. Whoa Silent Disco will have a different set of tunes to vibe with or dance to. Reserve your headphones today, for such a unique experience at www.whoasilentdisco.com/events.

Ann Arbor Farmers Market
Don’t miss the weekly Sunday Artisan Market (also located at 315 Detroit St. under the market pavilion). The arts and crafts market is celebrating its 31st year of featuring some of the area’s best craftsmen (11 a.m.-4 pm. open through December).

GIVE 365 upcoming volunteer opportunities in the parks
Returning this year is the Halloween at the Market event at the Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market! GIVE 365 is looking for volunteers to assist with the event (who like to dress up for Halloween) on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Volunteers will be helping lead Halloween-themed games and activities, decorate and give out pumpkins and hand out candy Sign up here! *GIVE 365 will be providing costumes for volunteers to wear.

The first two Sundays in November, GIVE 365 has brush cutting events planned at Burr Oak Park. We are looking for volunteers to help cut the invasive woody vegetation that was previously “goat-scaped.” Sign up for the 5^th from 1-3 p.m. Sign up for the 12^th from 1-3 p.m. All tools and supplies will be provided.

Veterans Memorial Indoor Ice Arena activities
Veterans Memorial Park Indoor Ice Arena (2150 Jackson Ave.) will host a Halloween skate, Saturday, Oct. 29, 1-2:30 p.m. Enjoy spooky music and a costume contest with youth and adult winners. General admission rates apply. Costume contest with youth and adult winners.

You can sign up now for the winter session #1 of recreational draft hockey. The program runs Nov. 12-Jan. 7. Click here to sign up. This is recreational hockey for adult players who have not played in organized leagues and for players 18 or older, male or female. Trades will be made through the season to keep teams fair. No checking is allowed with emphasis on fun. Every player must register with USA HOCKEY insurance. This 15-game season plays Tuesday evenings and Saturday afternoons/evenings. *Schedule subject to change due to high school. Fee per player is $217. Includes a complimentary jersey. Returning players with a jersey are $197;
goalies are free.

Happy howl-a-week dog park party
Thursday, Oct. 27, 4-6 p.m. Join us at Olson Dog Park, 1551 Dhu Varren Rd., for a howl-a-ween celebration! Bring your furry friends for an after school get together that will include a photo station, treats galore, and a costume contest. Dogs must be licensed and have a dog park permit to use the dog park. Visit a2gov.org/doglicense for more information. RSVP requested by contacting 734.794.6250 or bpatton@a2gov.org. Costumes encouraged. Free of charge.

Ann Arbor Senior Center fall programming
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.

The four pillars of cybersecurity workshop
Wednesday. Oct. 19, 9:30-10:30 a.m. The internet is a wonderful but scary place! Learn the essential ways to protect yourself from online hackers and scammers. Appropriate for all levels of computer and smartphone users. Feel free to bring a notepad or your devices to follow along. James Giordani earned his Master’s in Social Work at the University of Michigan focusing on older adult tech literacy; learning and discovering ways to use technology to better the quality of living and extend the independence of older adults. Register by calling 734.794.6250 or email hnordenbrock@a2gov.org. Free of charge.

Cognitive exercises with Mark Harris
Wednesdays Oct. 19, 26, and Friday, Oct. 21, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Join Mark Harris for cognitive exercises that will allow you to work your brain and have fun! Mark holds his education from the National Academy of Sports Medicine and has been a certified personal trainer for over 15 years with expertise in senior health and fitness. His motto is “Life’s a journey – travel well.” Lots of laughs are promised. You do not need to attend all classes. To register call 734.794.6250 or email mfulton@a2gov.org. Free of charge.

Live trivia
Wednesday, Oct. 19, Nov. 2 and 16, 1-2 p.m. Join us for trivia this fall! 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.

Halloween trunk-or-treat family event
Wednesday, Oct. 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Join us in collaboration with University of Michigan Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils for Halloween family fun including trunk-or-treating, bounce house, face painting, refreshments and more! Event is held in the Ann Arbor Senior Center parking lot located at 1320 Baldwin Ann Arbor 48104. Call 734.794.6250 for more information.

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