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

Community feedback wanted
Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation staff are seeking residents/students/visitors to share their experiences using the new tool designed to help find City of Ann Arbor parks. Participants are being invited to attend a 30-minute interview (in-person at Fuller Park or virtually) to test the website (http://www.a2gov.org/parkfinder). Interviews are being conducted by University of Michigan School of Information Civic User Testing Group (CUT) students on Thursday, Feb. 2, 4-8 pm. If you’re interested please complete this form (https://forms.gle/kpuGfggCBrXGenWi6).The CUT group’s philosophy is “if it doesn’t work for you, then it doesn’t work.”

Utilizing neighborhood website Nextdoor workshop
Join James Giordani and Sophie Poelker of Clear Computing, Wednesday, Jan. 18, 9:30 a.m., to learn how to sign up and use the neighborhood connection website Nextdoor, a helpful website specific to your neighborhood. Nextdoor offers a place for neighbors to connect, post announcements and safety concerns, give and receive help, buy and sell items and so much more. Feel free to bring along your own tablet, phone or laptop to follow along. Please call 734.794.6250 or email hnordenbrock@a2gov.org to register for this informative workshop. Free of charge.

Winter warm up drive-thru
Join the Ann Arbor Senior Center, Wednesday, Jan. 18 noon-1 p.m., for winter warm up drive-through event. Senior geared goodie bags will be given out to patrons that sign up, limited spots available. Come enjoy snacks, pickup information, and chat outdoors! To RSVP, contact bpatton@a2gov.org or 734.794.6250 to reserve your spot today! Free of charge.

Workshop for families in need of caregiving services
Join Miriam Vincent, care specialist of Ann Arbor Care Consulting, Thursday, Jan. 19, 10-11 a.m., 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 Ave.. For questions and to RSVP contact a2careconsulting@gmail.com or 734.972.1074. Free of charge.

Cognitive exercises with Mark Harris
Every other Wednesday through April 5, 2:30-3:30 p.m. (no class Feb. 1). Join Mark Harris for cognitive exercises that will allow you to work your brain and have fun. Call the Ann Arbor Senior Center today and register for this fun class. Free of charge! You do not need to attend all classes but are welcome if you choose. Call 734.794.6250 or email hnordenbrock@a2gov.org to sign up.

Seeking recorder group members
Do you or someone you know love playing the recorder? If so, let us know! We are gauging interest in forming a recorder group, for all levels, here at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. We are seeking active participants as well as an individual interested in leading the group. If interested, please call 734.794.6250 or email mfulton@a2gov.org.

Ann Arbor Farmers Market Shop Local in 2023! We’re currently open Saturdays, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., at 315 Detroit Street. You’ll find seasonal produce, pastured meat and poultry, eggs, bread, baked goods, cheese, maple syrup, mead, coffee, cheese, artisan items, and more! We accept cash, and tokens for credit cards and SNAP/EBT/P-EBT are available at our market office window. Service Animals Welcome. Accessible Restrooms Available. More information at our website

Food Truck Tacos El Mariachi Loco will be joining us this Saturday, January 14, 12 p.m.-3 p.m.

litter

Do your part and lend a helping hand
Join GIVE 365 in commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a Love a Park Day event at West Park. MLK Jr. was one of the preeminent leaders of the civil rights movement in the 1950s and ‘60s, and on his holiday we honor his legacy with a service opportunity. Our Love a Park Day park stewardship efforts will be focused on litter pick-up. View event details and sign-up below:

buhr

Hit the ice: Grab your skates or rent them from us!
Ice skate this weekend at Veterans Memorial Indoor Ice Arena or the open-air rink at Buhr Park. For location information and specific hours/offerings visit each website.

* Buhr Park has open skating on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 16, noon-2 p.m.
* Veterans Memorial is offering an adult skate Monday, Jan. 16, 11 a.m.-1:10 p.m. and general skating 1:10-2:30 p.m. Please note: Veterans Memorial Park has addtional open skating hours on Wednesday, Jan. 18; 1:10-2:30 p.m. and 5-6 p.m.

tea

Reserve your spot for a Victorian valentine tea by Feb. 6
Join the Kempf House staff for an elegant traditional tea, with sweet and savory offerings (one seating Satuday, Feb. 11 and one Sunday, Feb. 12 at 1:30 p.m. Period attire is welcome. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 734.994.4898 or emailing KempfHouseMuseum@gmail.com. Reservations will be accepted until Monday, Feb. 6 but we suggest call as soon as possible before we sell out. Members, $30 per person; nonmembers, $40 each. Visit the website for location information. Kempf House Museum, 312 S. Division St.

Holiday closure
The customer service office for Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation, located at Cobblestone Farm, will be closed in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday, Jan. 16. Regular hours will resume Tuesday, Jan. 17. Thank you.

Short-term project anticipated as part of the proposed pedestrian tunnel
Geotechnical work (soil borings) will be conducted in Bandemer Park and Barton Nature Area late next week and early the following week. The path near Barton Dam may be closed for approximately 30-minutes for a single boring to be made. That area will be closed off and path users will be redirected. This work is related to the Barton/Bandemer proposed pedestrian tunnel and the Border to Border trail project.

 

[]