Into the Outdoors by wcparc

WASHTENAW COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION PROGRAM GUIDE

INTO THE OUTDOORS

EVENTS

CLASSES

NATURE

From the Director COY VAUGHN

Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission Robert W. Marans President Patricia Scribner Vice President Janice Anschuetz Secretary Janis Bobrin Dan Ezekiel Jo Ann McCollum Ricky Jefferson Brenda McKinney Evan Pratt Sue Shink Coy Vaughn Director Administration Building 2230 Platt Road Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Mailing: P.O. Box 8645 Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8645 Phone: (734) 971-6337 Fax: (734) 971-6386

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Washtenaw County’s Natural Area Preservation Program (NAPP) Millage! Since funding for the program was initially approved by Washtenaw County residents in 2000, NAPP has protected over 9,000 acres of land in the County and continues to have strong interest from landowners wanting to protect their properties. Thanks to the funding, NAPP has established 34 nature preserves with over 40 miles of nature trails. These community resources exploded with use as friends and family sought opportunities to safely recreate and find reprieve during the pandemic. The program also funds agricultural preservation through the purchase of conservation easements, which remain in private ownership. In these instances, landowners continue to farm the property, with restrictions on the land to protect the soils for future generations of farmers. One of the greatest successes of the program is the recent establishment of the stewardship special revenue fund. These set aside, invested funds will cover future stewardship of the lands, ensuring the preserves are open and safe for public access in perpetuity. Even though the program has had many successes to date, there is still much work to be done in the County to preserve the rural character and vast natural resources here. We have completed a GIS assessment of the county to identify areas of high-quality land yet to be protected, and corridors to provide connectivity between lands protected. There are also geographic areas in the County where NAPP is just gaining momentum with new opportunities for preservation. This November, residents of Washtenaw County will be asked to renew and restore the NAPP Millage. With its renewal, the funds generated will be allocated to purchase and steward/ maintain/manage unique natural areas and ensure their preservation for the benefit of all County residents, plants, animals and people. This money will be administered by Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission and invested into our natural areas, to: • • •

Protect and preserve the natural, ecological diversity/heritage of Washtenaw County Complement the existing network of publicly and privately protected lands Maximize the public benefit

This millage is the largest source of local funding for land conservation and is an essential part of our organization. If you would like more resources and information on how we have used and will use this one, visit this link.

parks@washtenaw.org washtenaw.org/parks

EDITOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Cooley, Management Analyst Cover Photo Credit: Bryan Mitchell

Photo Credit: Bryan Mitchell

WASHTENAW COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION | FALL 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4

Facility Information Independence Lake Park Rolling Hills Park

Programs & Activities Independence Lake Park

Keep Your Distance 5K Rolling Hills County Park

Trek or Treat Trail Rolling Hills County Park

8-9 Facility Map 10

Preserve Challenge

Nature Hikes Volunteer Historical Tours

Due to COVID-19 program offerings have been reduced to accommodate for facility closures and social distancing measures.

Nature Programs Junior Naturalists Family Nature Adventures

Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center

Membership

Virtual Fitness Classes

Lifeguarding Certification Classes Rolling Hills County Park

Photo Credit: Bryan Mitchell

WASHTENAW.ORG/PARKS | PARKS@WASHTENAW.ORG | (734) 971-6337

Independence Lake Park PARK INFORMATION 3200 Jennings Road Whitmore Lake, MI (734) 449-4437 washtenaw.org/parks washtenaw.org/independencelake

Hours of Operation General Park (year-round): Memorial Day-Labor Day, 8am-9pm Labor Day-Memorial Day, 8am-dusk Blue Heron Bay Spray Park (seasonal): Memorial Day-Labor Day, 11am-7pm Beach (seasonal): Memorial Day-Labor Day, 10am-8pm

Entrance Fees Vehicles Daily Annual Seniors Mini Bus ($75 annual) Bus ($150 annual)

County Resident* $6 $30 $3 $15 $30

Blue Heron Bay Spray Park Daily Weekdays after 5:00pm Individual Person Annual Pass Family of Four Annual Passes

Non-County Resident $10 $45 $6 $15 $30

$4 $3 $30 $100

$5 $4 $40 $130

County Resident* $6 $30 $3 $15 $30

Non-County Resident $10 $45 $6 $15 $30

$8 ($6) $6 ($4) $10 $8 free

$10 ($7) $8 ($5) $13 $11 free

(non-holiday) *Proof of residency required

Rolling Hills Park PARK INFORMATION 7660 Stony Creek Road Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197 (734) 484-9676 washtenaw.org/parks www.washtenaw.org/rollinghills

Hours of Operation General Park (year-round): Memorial Day-Labor Day, 8am-9pm Labor Day-Memorial Day, 8am-dusk Water Park: Memorial Day weekend-Labor Day: Weekdays, 11am-7pm Weekends & holidays, 11am-8pm *Note: First two and last two weeks of season have

shortened hours of operation

Entrance Fees Vehicles Daily Annual Seniors Mini Bus ($75 annual) Bus ($150 annual) Water Park Weekdays after 5:00pm Children 36”-42” tall Weekend/Holiday Children 36”-42” tall Children under 36” *Proof of residency required

Photo Credit: Bryan Mitchell

WASHTENAW COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION | FALL 2020

Independence Lake Park PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES

GLOW DISC GOLF TOURNAMENT

October 9 | 7:00pm - Midnight | $30/person Join us for the 5th Annual Red Hawk Glow Disc Golf Tournament on Friday, October 9th, 2020. Registration starts at 6:00pm. Tee off roughly around 7/7:30pm. This is the only after-hours disc golf tournament hosted at Independence Lake Park each year. Holes #1-18 will be played. Registration includes vehicle entry to Independence Lake Park. Player pack items are TBD. The top 20% of players for each division will receive awarded payouts in disc golf discs. Register at discgolfscene.com. Contact Julie at pahlj@ewashtenaw.org for more details. Photo Credit: Bryan Mitchell

STAR GAZING

October 9 | 8:00pm - 10:00pm | $5/family or household (up to 4 people) Come enjoy the park after the sun goes down. Enjoy the fall evening, bring your blanket and layout under the stars as Kelsey Dehring, Park Naturalist, points out various night sky constellations. Family/ households are required to place blankets at minimum 6’-10’ from other households. Plans are in place for a small fire and s’mores. Only one person is needed to register, as the fee is per family/household. The check in table will be in our Beach Center pavilion. Photo Credit: Bryan Mitchell

HOWL-O-WEEN DOG WALK AND COSTUME CONTEST

October 23 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm | $5/family or household (up to 4 people) Mark your calendars for the howl-o-ween dog walk and costume contest on Friday, October 23rd from 6:30-8:30pm! Dress up your dog and enter them into the costume contest, a photo will be uploaded to Facebook. The dog with the most “likes” between the event and Halloween Eve (10/30 at 4pm) will win a prize. A trick for a treat trail will be set up for you and your dog along our Indy Woods trail. Plans are in place for campfires and s’more making for dog owners. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Only one person is needed to register, as the fee is per family/household. The check in table will be in our Beach Center pavilion.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

• • • • •

Participants must wear masks when checking in and throughout the activity. Family/Household slots are limited in compliance with social distancing guidelines. Families will be asked self-check health and wellness questions in addition to a temperature check when checking in. Outdoor activities may be cancelled due to inclement weather. Please check website and Facebook for cancellations. All park programs are subject to vehicle entry fee.

WASHTENAW.ORG/PARKS | PARKS@WASHTENAW.ORG | (734) 971-6337

WEBSTER 52

North Terr ito

DEXTER

rial

LY N D O N

23 £ ¤

e R iv

o Hur n

DEXTER

CHELSEA

21 15

¨ § ¦

S Y LVA N

LIMA

SCIO 22

Zeeb

SHARON

Pleasant Lake

FREEDOM

LODI

MANCHESTER B R I D G E WAT E R 11

R iv er

Sharon Hollow

s in R ai

MANCHESTER

WASHTENAW COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION | FALL 2020

Austin

Sa li n

r ive R e

12 £ ¤

SALINE

FACILITY MAP 1. Park Lyndon | 340 acres

2. Cavanaugh Lake County Park | 59 acres 3. Herman L. Koenn Preserve | 191 acres 4. Squiers Preserve | 57 acres 5. Clark & Avis Spike Preserve | 103 acres

SALEM

ORTHFIELD

6. Sharon Short Hills Preserve | 84 acres 7. Sharon Mills County Park | 248 acres 8. Leonard Preserve | 259 acres 9. Watkins Lake State Park & County Preserve 1,122 acres (407 acres owned by WCPARC)

10. Riverbend Preserve | 53 acres

11. Ervin-Stucki Preserve | 126 acres 12. Brauer Preserve | 314 acres

N ARBOR

13. Pierce Lake Golf Course & Park | 232 acres

SUPERIOR

14. Baker Woods Preserve | 70 acres 15. Trinkle Marsh Preserve at Easton Farm 151 acres

36 29

ANN ARBOR

16. Albert J. Miller and Robert & Nancy Smith Preserve | 29 acres

37 38

17. West Lake Preserve | 275 acres 18. Independence Lake County Park | 446 acres -and Gosline Preserve* | 40 acres

Geddes

19. Osborne Mill Preserve | 39 acres

20. Burns-Stokes Preserve | 29 acres

YPSILANTI

21. Fox Science Preserve | 73 acres 22. DeVine Preserve | 157 acres 23. Scio Woods Preserve | 91 acres

¨ § ¦ 94

24. Draper-Houston Meadows Preserve 113 acres 25. Harwood Heritage Preserve | 16 acres 26. Swift Run Dog Park | 10 acres

27. Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center -and Nelson Meade County Farm Park | 127 acres

YPSILANTI

ITTSFIELD

28. Parker Mill County Park | 44 acres 29. Tom A. Freeman Preserve | 59 acres

30. Raymond F. Goodrich Preserve | 48 acres 31. Northfield Woods Preserve/ Arbor Woods Preserve | 81 acres & 22 acres

23 £ ¤

32. Park Northfield | 12 acres 33. Whitmore Lake Preserve | 235 acres 34. Staebler Farm County Park | 98 acres

YORK

A U G U S TA

35. Weatherbee Woods | 84 acres 36. Kosch Headwaters Preserve | 160 acres

MILAN

37. Superior Center Park | 1 acre

W S

38. Meyer Preserve | 260 acres 39. Rolling Hills County Park & Water Park 439 acres

*Map not to scale

WASHTENAW.ORG/PARKS | PARKS@WASHTENAW.ORG | (734) 971-6337

Nature Hikes

with Naturalists Kelsey, Shawn & Elle HECKUVA HIKE LeFurge Woods Preserve | Naturalist, Kelsey Dehring We’re bringing the Heckuva Hikes to the eastside! We’ll hike out and back along the Superior Greenway putting in 3 - 4 miles across 3 different preserves. This wellness and fitness hike provides a fairly level terrain, and a chance to enjoy the sights and sounds of early fall. Please be sure to bring a mask, weather appropriate clothes and shoes, and water. Space is limited to 10 hikers. To register, email Kelsey Dehring at dehringk@washtenaw.org.

OCT 4

2PM - 4PM

CHANGING SEASONS MINDFULNESS HIKE Scio Woods Preserve | Naturalist, Elle Bogle Enjoy the fall colors and absorb the peacefulness of the trees as they prepare for the long season of rest. This hike will be at a slow to moderate pace through the woods. During the hike, we will stop periodically for quiet reflection and to connect with our senses. Coled by Parks Naturalist Elle Bogle and Julie Woodward of Mindful City Ann Arbor. Please bring a water bottle and a mask. This hike is limited to 10 people and pre-registration is required. To register, email Elle Bogle at boglee@washtenaw.org.

OCT 17

2PM - 4PM

TREE MYTHOLOGY Leonard Preserve | Naturalist, Elle Bogle Come for a peaceful hike and learn about the ancient significance, symbolism, and spirituality of specific trees as recognized by our native or indigenous peoples. Meet at the parking lot entrance. 10 people maximum. Please email boglee@washtenaw.org to register.

OCT 18

11AM - 1PM

Volunteer

with Stewardship Coordinator, Katie

VOLUNTEER FOR STEWARDSHIP SATURDAY Northfield Woods Preserve | Stewardship Coordinator, Katie Carlisle Join us the second Saturday of every month to help the environment and explore new places. Help us improve the diversity of the forest by removing buckthorn with hand tools. Registration is required, but no previous experience is necessary. Be prepared for working off-trail by wearing long pants and closed-toe shoes. Please be sure to bring a mask, drinking water, and anything else you need to work comfortably outside. Limit is 10 volunteers. Please email carlislec@washtenaw.org to register.

OCT 10

1PM - 4PM

Historical Tours

Sharon Mills County Park

OCT 11 & 18 1PM - 5PM

SHARON MILLS COUNTY PARK TOUR Sharon Mills County Park | Tour Guide, Cary Church Sharon Mills County Park highlights the ingenuity of Henry Ford’s Village Industries. Enjoy a walk through the beautiful landscape gardens and fall views over the peaceful River Raisin Mill Pond. Public Mill Tours are offered on select Sundays May through October and by appointment.

Photo Credit: Bryan Mitchell

WASHTENAW.ORG/PARKS | PARKS@WASHTENAW.ORG | (734) 971-6337

Nature Programs ADVENTURES, HIKES & EXPLORATION

with Naturalists, Kelsey, Shawn & Elle Learn about the nature and history of Washtenaw County through a naturalist-led hike or program. From Summer Butterflies to Tracks in the Snow, we offer programs for all ages and ability levels. Learn, play, explore and discover with Washtenaw County Parks!

Family Nature Adventures

Preschoool Hikes

REGISTRATION: parksonline.ewashtenaw.org Fee: Free Program 10 Participants/Section

Nature’s Recyclers: The FBI

Scio Woods Preserve | Naturalist, Elle Bogle

#811002

Nature’s waste and remains don’t just pile up, they decompose and are recycled. Join us for an investigation with the F.B.I. (fungi, bacteria, invertebrates) as we learn how these recyclers do their incredible jobs. This program will offer information and experiences for children and adults alike. Led by Elle Bogle.

DATES DAY 10/7 10/14

Wed Wed

#811002

Fox Science Preserve | Naturalist, Shawn Severance

Explore an old gravel quarry turned nature preserve! We will learn about Michigan’s glacial history, do experiments to identify common rock types, and maybe even find a few fossils! This program will offer information and experiences for children and adults alike!

DATES DAY 10/17

Sat

Leaf Man

#831003

County Farm Park | Naturalist, Shawn Severance

Meet at the Perennial Garden. Enjoy the vibrant colors of fall as the trees put themselves to bed for the long sleep of winter. Then, go on a gentle hike gathering the most beautiful leaves and make a leaf illustrations of your own.

DATES DAY TIME

10:00am - 11:30am 3:15pm - 4:45pm

Geology Rocks

REGISTRATION: parksonline.ewashtenaw.org Fee: Free Program (*Vehicle Admission Fee Required) 5 Participants/Section (Ages 2 to 5 with caregiver)

10/9 10/10

Fri Sat

Junior Naturalists

REGISTRATION: parksonline.ewashtenaw.org Fee: Free Program (*Vehicle Admission Fee Required) 5 Participants/Section (Ages 7 to 11)

Michigan’s Feathered Travellers* #831004 TIME

2:00pm - 3:30pm

Independence Lake County Park | Naturalist, Kelsey Dehring

Colder weather will soon be upon us and some of our feathered friends will be flying south for winter. We’ll discover which birds travel long distances to escape the cold, and which will hang around for the holidays. Independence Lake offers amazing birding opportunities to view waterfowl and other birds who prefer the cover of trees. Binoculars will be provided but feel free to bring your own. A bird field guide is suggested.

DATES DAY 10/21 10/24

YOU SHOULD KNOW!

TIME

10:00am - 11:00am 10:00am - 11:00am

• • •

Wed Sat

TIME

10:00am - 11:30am 10:00am - 11:30am

Please bring a mask to all in-person programs. Pre-registration is required for everyone attending over the age of 2. We can accept 5 children per section, accompanied by one adult. No unregistered siblings, please!

WASHTENAW.ORG/PARKS | PARKS@WASHTENAW.ORG | (734) 971-6337

Fall 2020

Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center

MEMBERSHIP

FITNESS

SWIM Photo Credit: Bryan Mitchell

WASHTENAW COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION | FALL 2020

Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center

Membership

Since the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center opened in 1991, it has been a popular venue for recreation enthusiasts. The center has approximately 51,000 square feet of space dedicated to fitness and recreation. September 1, 2020, membership rates will increase with monthly and annual payment options. Current members will be given the opportunity to lock-in their current rate.

RATES

(I) Individual: 16-64 Years ■ (Y) Youth: 3-15 Years (S) Senior: 65+ Years ■ (D) Disabled (with doctor’s note)

30-Day Pass

30-Day passes are valid for thirty (30) days from purchase at the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center.

TYPE

RESIDENT NON-RESIDENT

I/S/D/Y Family

$45 $45 $100 $100

Annual Pass (One-Time Payment)

Annual passes are valid for one (1) year from purchase at the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center.

TYPE

Individual Y/S/D Family Over 80

RESIDENT NON-RESIDENT $237 $355 $186 $278 $510 $767 $65 $65

Annual Pass (Monthly Billing)

*Requires one (1) year contract. Annual passes are valid for one (1) year from purchase at the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center.

TYPE

Individual Y/S/D Family

RESIDENT NON-RESIDENT $32/mo $37.50/mo $30.25/mo $34/mo $57/mo $78.50/mo

Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center Reopens! September 15, staff at the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center welcomed patrons back to the facility! With the reopening came some important and notable changes to the facility. Due to Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order [2020-176] the facility is operating at 25% capacity, approximately 114 people, and each room (weight room, cardio room, gymnasium and track) will has its own capacity requirements, until further notice. Other notable changes are: • Reduced building hours (M-F, 6:00AM-8:00PM; Sat-Sun, 8:00AM-6PM) for enhanced cleaning • Members are required to sign-in and out, as well as provide a contact number for contract tracing • Masks are required in all areas, except the pool • Locker rooms are closed for general use, members should come dressed to workout • Schedules for gym activities including, Pickleball and Badminton, will be posted on the website (washtenaw.org/reccenter), members must bring their personal equipment For more information about this and other changes check out the website washtenaw.org/reccenter. Photo Credit: Bryan Mitchell

WASHTENAW.ORG/PARKS | PARKS@WASHTENAW.ORG | (734) 971-6337

Virtual Fitness Classes

Basic Sculpt & Condition

GROUP FITNESS

REGISTRATION: No registration required ZOOM: Registration included in description FEE: Free MAXIMUM 100 PARTICIPANTS PER SESSION

Basic Sculpt & Condition

Slower paced entry-level workout for all ages. Hand weights and tubes strengthen and tone muscles while improving flexibility and balance. Wed. meeting link: https://zoom.us/j/97763178381 Wed. meeting ID: 977 6317 8381

Zumba® Zumba Fitness®

This Latin-based aerobic fitness class uses easy, fast, and slow rhythms set to fun Latin and international music. A real “feel happy” cardio workout! Link to participate via Zoom: Mon. meeting link: https://zoom.us/j/99653198067 Mon. meeting ID: 996 5319 8067 Wed. meeting link: https://zoom.us/j/95327892435 Wed. meeting ID: 953 2789 2435

DATES DAY 8/3 - 10/26 8/5 - 10/28

M W

Zumba Gold® This class combines zesty Latin and international rhythms with exhilarating, easy-to-follow moves. The pacing and moves are designed to suit the needs of the active older participant, as well as those just starting their journey to a fit and healthy lifestyle. Zoom meeting link: https://zoom.us/j/91592887293 Meeting ID: 915 9288 7293 8/7 - 10/30

8/5 - 10/28

Stretch and Strengthen

This class is for all ages to strengthen and stretch all major muscle groups at their own level. Core work and balance will be addressed. Tues. meeting link: https://zoom.us/j/94160728060 Tues. meeting ID: 941 6072 8060 Thurs. meeting link: https://zoom.us/j/91267433223 Thurs. meeting ID: 912 6743 3223 8/4 - 10/27 8/6 - 10/29

T Th

TIME

11:00am - Noon 11:00am - Noon

Aerobic Fitness Aerobic Interval

Combination of aerobic conditioning and muscle work. This is a great cardiovascular workout! Wed. meeting link: https://zoom.us/j/98016157989 Wed. meeting ID: 980 1615 7989

TIME DATES DAY

10:30 - 11:30am

TIME

9:30 - 10:30am

TIME DATES DAY

10:30 - 11:30am 6:00 - 7:00pm

DATES DAY

8/5 - 10/28

TIME

10:30 - 11:30am

Basic Aerobics

Slower paced, entry-level workout for all ages. A mix of aerobics, conditioning and stretching. Zoom meeting link: https://zoom.us/j/97197246537 Meeting ID: 971 9724 6537

DATES DAY 8/3 - 10/26

TIME

9:30 - 10:30am

WASHTENAW.ORG/PARKS | PARKS@WASHTENAW.ORG | (734) 971-6337

Outdoor Fitness GROUP FITNESS CLASSES REGISTRATION: No registration required ZOOM: Registration included in description FEE: Free MAXIMUM 100 PARTICIPANTS PER SESSION

Basic Sculpt & Condition Basic Sculpt & Condition

Slower paced entry-level workout for all ages. Hand weights and tubes strengthen and tone muscles while improving flexibility and balance.

DATES DAY 8/5 - 10/29

TIME

9:30 - 10:30am

Aerobic Fitness

OUTDOOR FITNESS COMING SOON! NORDIC WALKING Nordic Walking is outdoor fitness walking with specially designed poles, similar to cross country skiing. This full-body workout helps to build cardiovascular fitness, improves posture and reduces impact on joints. Core and upper body muscles are strengthened through the dynamic use of the poles. Learning the proper technique is important to maximize the benefits of this activity. Suitable for all ages and levels of ability. Training poles are provided or bring your own. Will meet on Thursdays October 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; November 12 at the entry way to Meri Lou Murray. Call 734-971-6337 for more information.

Aerobic Interval

Combination of aerobic conditioning and muscle work. This is a great cardiovascular workout!

DATES DAY 8/5 - 10/29

TIME

10:30 - 11:30am

Group Fitness Hotline 734-971-6355, #5 Call for daily, current class schedule; updated only to announce class cancellations.

WASHTENAW.ORG/PARKS | PARKS@WASHTENAW.ORG | (734) 971-6337

ANN ARBOR MI PERMIT 111

US POSTAGE PAID

PRE-SORT STANDARD

Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation P.O. Box 8645 Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8645

CONTACT INFORMATION Independence Lake Park (734) 449-4437 Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center (734) 971-6355 Pierce Lake Golf Course and Park (734) 475-5858 Rolling Hills Park and Water Park (734) 484-9676

Administrative Offices 2230 Platt Road (at County Farm Park) Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 8645 Ann Arbor, MI 48107 tel (734) 971-6337 fax (734) 971-6386

Visit us online for photos, maps, info, and detailed directions at washtenaw.org/parks Photo Credit: Bryan Mitchell