Parks & Rec: Plenty to do this weekend in and around Ann Arbor

Autumn abundance is at Ann Arbor Farmers Market
We are open Saturdays and Wednesdays 7 a.m.-3 p.m. at 315 Detroit Street. You’ll find apples, pears, grapes, pumpkins and gourds, mums, raspberries, winter squash, cauliflower, peppers, tomatoes, root vegetables, watermelons, sweet corn, beans, zucchini, salad mix, leafy greens, broccoli, microgreens, mushrooms, herbs, and much more. Our farmers will also have cut flowers, house plants, perennials, honey, maple syrup, eggs, pastured meat and poultry, cheese and Lake Superior fish. Our producers will have bread, pastries, gluten free and allergen free baked goods, jam, pickles, spices, hot sauce, salsa, olive oil, juice, chocolate, coffee, tea and mead. Our artisans will have body care products, candles, cards, jewelry, ceramics, clothing, gifts and more! We accept cash, and tokens for credit cards, mobile payment, and SNAP/EBT are available at our market office window. Participating farms also accept Prescription for Health, WIC Project Fresh, and Senior Project Fresh coupons. Service animals are welcome. Accessible restrooms are available. More information at our website

Saturday Oct. 7
Glass Academy is hosting the 9th Annual Ann Arbor Harvest Fest featuring their glass pumpkins. Glass blowing demonstrations run 9 a.m.-4 p.m. during the market.
* Rite Spice Kitchen will be serving lunch 11 a.m.-sold out.

Wednesday Oct. 11
* Vegano Italiano Food Truck will be serving lunch, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

SAVE THE DATE:
The last food truck rally of the season is Wednesday, Oct. 18, 5-8 p.m. Check out this video about the event and plan to bring a friend or two! Enjoy local food trucks/carts and live music.

Waterworks Park neighborhood get together this weekend
Join Arbor Farm and Garden and the City of Ann Arbor Adopt-a-Park staff, Saturday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m.-noon to enjoy fall activities and welcome the new trees planted in Waterworks Park.

Don’t miss the chance to paint a pumpkin; enjoy cider and donuts; plant mums; play games; make a pinecone bird feeder and paint a rock!

This event is free of charge and all are welcome.

Natural Area Preservation Stewardship Workday
Sunday, Oct. 8, 9 a.m.-noon, Oakwoods Nature Area. If you’re looking for fantastic mature trees and gently rolling hills, sonorous wetlands and vibrant ponds, shorebirds and frogs, the occasional orchid, and more than 20 species of sedges, Oakwoods Nature Area has what you’re looking for. The abundance of wildlife and natural habitat at this park depends on the help of volunteers to stay healthy, so join NAP to remove exotic shrubs. Meet at the park entrance off Dunwoodie.  Workday sites have unpaved trails and require going off-trail. Preregister through VolunteerHub so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks, and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: How to prepare for a NAP workday (PDF).

Last few days to take the South Maple Park game courts project survey
There is a need to relocate the existing tennis and pickleball courts at South Maple Park. Feedback is being sought on the new location within the park. Additional aspects of the project include improving accessibility and expansion of the existing parking lot. You can watch a video about the project, visit  the project website here and then you’re encouraged to complete a brief survey. Thank you.

NEW: Youth hockey agility, skills and drills class for young children
Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 a.m. Our morning youth hockey program is designed specifically for children between the ages of 4-6 who are eager to learn and experience the exciting world of ice hockey. This program provides a fun and safe environment for young players to develop their skating skills, enhance hand-eye coordination, and foster a love for the game. Lead by Instructor Kevin Bushey each session is carefully planned to introduce basic hockey concepts through a series of engaging drills and age-appropriate activities. We focus on building fundamental skills such as skating, stick-handling, passing, and shooting, while emphasizing teamwork and sportsmanship throughout. Click here to register.

* Session 1: Oct. 10-Dec., fee: $88 (no class on Oct. 31 and Nov. 21)
* Session 2: Jan. 9-Feb. 27, fee: $88

Whoa Silent Disco at Liberty Plaza
Mark your calendar for these upcoming Thursdays: Oct. 12, 19 and 26, 8-10 p.m. Questions visit the website or call Jessica Black, Recreation Supervisor, Cobblestone Farm, Park Rentals & Special Events, City of Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation, 734.794.6230 ext. 0 or email jblack@a2gov.org

Special skating events at Veterans Memorial Indoor Ice Arena
Don’t miss the spooky-music themed skating event staff will be hosting Friday, Oct. 13. Open skating will be extended that day and run from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. There will also be an extended skating session on Monday, Oct. 16, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Save the date for the skate Sunday, Oct. 29 featuring Halloween-themed music. You’re encouraged to dress the part, if you like, and prizes will be award for best costumes. Regular admission rates apply. 2150 Jackson Ave

Wednesday noon lectures at the Kempf House Museum (312 S. Division St.)
The Wednesday noon lecture on Oct. 11 will be “Over the Rainbow, the Music Of Harold Arlen” with Stu Johnson, music enthusiast. Mixing music with history, Johnson takes us back to the days of Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea with Ella Fitzgerald, Blues In the Night with Cab Calloway, Black Magic with Billy Eckstine, and of course, Over The Rainbow with Judy Garland. Enjoy the music while we learn the history! The last Wednesday noon lecture will be Oct. 18 with Grace Shackman, local historian and author. She’ll  compare the history of Manchester and Saline.

Admission is free, donations are appreciated. Seating is limited and will be first-come, first-serve. Questions? Visit http://www.kempfhousemuseum.org.

Enjoy fall from the Huron River by canoe/kayak

Gallup Livery is open Wednesday-Sunday until Oct. 22 (weather dependent). Stillwater boating is available Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Gallup. Gallup staff will make a decision to close due to predicted low temperatures. If the expected high temperature for the day is not 55 or higher, the liveries will be closed for that day. If the liveries are closed, it will posted on the www.a2gov.org/canoe webpage.

The 1.5 hour Argo to Gallup kayaking trip van leaves Gallup on the hour between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This trip includes the Argo Cascades. Dress accordingly and plan to get wet. All boating trips should begin at Gallup (Argo livery is closed for the season).

Volunteer events in Ann Arbor’s parks
Join GIVE 365 for a volunteer stewardship event in the parks this fall! It’s a great time be outside and enjoy the crisp air and beauty of the changing fall colors. Projects include gardening, bike park maintenance, playground surfacing, litter pickups, and more. All experience levels are welcome! All tools and supplies provided. View event details for upcoming events and sign up below!

Volunteers needed: Trick or Treat on the River, Gallup Park, Sunday, Oct. 15, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
The community favorite Trick or Treat on the River event is coming up fast and there are still volunteer spots remaining! If you’re looking to get in the Halloween spirit this season, check out the Sign-up Genius page to register. Volunteers will be stationed around the Huron River in Gallup Park to hand out candy to canoe and kayak paddlers. Costumes and candy provided. There are two shifts and a lot of different stations to join in on the fun!

Don’t hesitate to reach out to volunteer@a2gov.org with any questions about volunteer opportunities in the parks.

Little Tiny Art Gallery grand opening
Tuesday, Oct. 10, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Join the Ann Arbor Senior Center and local artist Tom Doyle for the grand opening of our Little Tiny Art Gallery located just outside the Ann Arbor Senior Center’s front door! Enjoy Tom’s intricate watercolor and ink pieces titled “Memories of Monhegan” as well as treats and socializing. The exhibit will be on display through December 2023 and is available for viewing 24/7. If you are interested in displaying your work in the future in our Little Tiny Art Gallery, contact mfulton@a2gov.org. Free of charge.

Travels with George: Route of the Maya
Thursday, Oct. 12, 1:30-4 p.m. Join the Ann Arbor Senior Center and world traveler George Jabol once a month as he takes us on a grand tour of his many breathtaking and fascinating world travels. A new country and adventure will be featured each month. In October, explore the fascinating beauty and history of Central America. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Please call 734.794.6250 or email mfulton@a2gov.org to register. Free of charge.

Artist Reception: David Frankel
Friday, Oct. 13, 6-9 p.m. Join us in welcoming local artist, David Frankel, as he displays his incredible exhibit of beautiful painted landscapes, inspired by the American west. David likes to paint scenes that include mountains, canyons, and forests. In the past year, he has been experimenting with using more texture and doing some abstract paintings. On display through December, the exhibit may be viewed Monday-Friday between scheduled programming. Click here to be directed to our calendar to find a time to enjoy the exhibit. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. For more information, please call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Meals on Wheels: Become a Volunteer
Wednesday, Oct. 18, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Join us Wednesday mornings for a new hands-on learning experience! Meet Lynne from Meals on Wheels as she reviews how to become a meal delivery volunteer, program eligibility, and how to access its services! An opportunity for Q&A to follow at the end. . Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Avenue. Preregistration required by calling 734.794.6250 or emailing bpatton@a2gov.org. Free of charge.

 

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