City Guide
Individual Sports
Archery
4 Seasons Archery, 5060 Jackson Rd. 913-6283. Thirty-yard indoor target range, 3-D target range, lessons, clinics, pro shop. Competitive adult and noncompetitive youth leagues. Birthday party packages. www.4seasonsarchery.comWashtenaw Sportsman's Club,5095 Ellis Rd., Ypsilanti. Jack Romeo, 971-3402. Outdoor 3-D, field, and practice ranges. Indoor ranges up to 35 yards. All leagues and matches are open to the public. Junior Olympic Archery Development Program. strings37@sbcglobal.net, www.wsclub.org
Badminton
Ann Arbor Badminton Club. Alex Hong, 302-0191. Meets Mon., Wed., Fri., & Sun. 7:30-10 p.m. and Sat. 3-5:45 p.m. at Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center. Gym membership or $6 entrance fee required. Players of all levels welcome; bring your own rackets and shuttlecocks. alexhong5115@yahoo.com
Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center, 2960 Washtenaw. 971-6355. Drop-in play on weekdays and weekends; check website for drop-in schedule. parks.ewashtenaw.org
Bicycling
See the Parking & Transportation section of this guide for bicycle commuting and other bicycling information.City cycling. Ann Arbor has a growing network of bike lanes. Planning and recreation agencies throughout Washtenaw County are collaborating to develop the Huron River Greenway Border-to-Border Trail, 35 miles of shared-use paths and bicycle lanes across the county. Cyclists can already ride off road from Parker Mill to Bandemer Park.
Bicycle maps. See www.a2gov.org/parks for PDF maps and where to purchase a paper map ($2).
Bicycle registration (onetime fee $8) is required of all city cyclists age 12 & over; it can be done through most local bike shops or at the city clerk’s office on the second floor of City Hall (994-2725). Bring your bike or its serial number.
Rental. Mountain bikes, road bikes, tandem bikes, adult three-wheelers, and city bikes by the hour, day, week, month, or (city bikes only) semester at the Campus Student Bike Shop (336 Maynard, 327-6949).
Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society, More than 500 members. Schedules rides throughout Washtenaw and into surrounding counties. Publishes a newsletter and ride calendar, both free to members. Riders of all abilities welcome; nonmembers welcome. Sponsors the annual One Helluva Ride on second Sat. of July. Annual dues $15, family $20 (includes mileage recognition patches for minimum 500 miles/year and discounts at area bike shops). www.aabts.org
Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living, 3941 Research Park. 971-0277, ext. 22. Offers bike rides for all ages and abilities. Rides leave from facility Thurs. 6 p.m. mstack@aacil.org, www.aacil.org
Ann Arbor Ski Club, P.O. Box 3258, AA 48106. 786-2237. Social & athletic club organizes mountain biking trips on nearby trails Fri. evenings and Sun. mornings. Open to nonmembers. msayers@carsim.com, www.a2skiclub.org/biking
Ann Arbor Velo Club. P.O. Box 3658, AA 48106. Promotes 5 or more races a year. Training rides Mon., Tues., Thurs., Sat., and Sun. each week Mar.-Oct., focusing on bike handling skills, fitness training, and racing tactics. Offers a junior development program and a women’s team. www.aavc.org
Dirt biking. Bandemer Park has a new dirt bike jump course.
Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition. 864-4095. Aims to improve bicycling and walking through advocacy and education. Website features biking-related news (both local and national), laws, links, and details on upcoming projects. info@wbwc.org, www.wbwc.org
Wolver-Bents Recumbent Cyclists, 706 Dwight, Ypsilanti 48198. 487-9058. The rider of a recumbent bicycle reclines on a chairlike seat. Monthly rides. wolverbob@yahoo.com, www.wolverbents.org
Related Topics:
Boating & Sailing
Barton Boat Club. Harry Hawkins, 761-3100. Club meets Apr.-mid-Oct., Sun. 2 p.m. on Barton Pond for Laser and Snipe class sailboat racing. Holiday and social events. Junior sailing instruction. Annual dues $285; $100 initiation fee. Nominal fee for winter boat storage. hhawkins@westhawkpromo.com, www.provide.net/~rblaw/bbc.htm
U-M Sailing Club, P.O. Box 4023, AA 48106. 426-
4299. Beginning sailing and windsurfing classes open to the public. Hosts formal regattas and informal intra club races on Baseline Lake at the Dexter Clubhouse, 8010 Strawberry Lake Rd. Summer social activities include picnics, barbecues, campouts, and movie nights. Annual dues $180/person (college students $120), $280/family (families of college students $200). umsc@umich.edu, www.michigansailingclub.org
Bowling
Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living. 971-0277, ext. 22. Weekly bowling outing Thurs. 1-2:30 p.m. at Colonial Lanes. $7 for three games and shoes. Preregistration required. mstack@aacil.org, www.aacil.orgArbor Valley USBC (United States Bowling Congress), 2707 Yost. 973-2695. Serves all area USBC-certified bowlers. Leagues for men, women, and youth bowlers. Annual dues (local and national chapters) $18. dmarend@comcast.net, www.arborvalleyusbc.com
Bel-Mark Lanes, 3530 Jackson. 994-8433. Forty lanes, bar & grill, poker room, video games, darts. Leagues bowl Sept.-May. Open bowling $1-$4.25/game. Rock & Bowl Fri. & Sat. nights, $4.25/game. Shoe rental $3. www.belmarklanes.com
Colonial Lanes, 1950 South Industrial. 665-4474. Forty lanes, restaurant and lounge, video/pinball room. Shoe rental $3.50. Leagues year round. Birthday parties, corporate outings. Call for hours and info on “College Rock” and “cosmic” (glow-in-the-dark) sessions. cubsac@ameritech.net, www.cubsac.com
Rec & Ed (994-2300) offers Strike Force bowling league for grades 11 and 12 with mental and physical disabilities year round. brzezinl@aaps.k12.mi.us
Canoeing, Kayaking, & Paddleboating
Argo Park Canoe Livery, 1055 Longshore. 794-6241. Rents canoes, kayaks, and rowboats; a driver’s license or car key is required for deposit. Rental $18 for two hours, $1 each additional hour, $24 all day. River trips of two, three, four, and six hours available with van transportation upstream, $22-$42. Season passes available. Moonlight paddles, kayak instruction, and more public programs. Open late Apr.-mid-Oct. Before Memorial Day weekend & after Labor Day: weekends 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Memorial Day weekend-Labor Day: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Weekends & holidays: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. a2gov.org/canoe
Gallup Park Canoe Livery, 3000 Fuller. 794-6240. Rents canoes, kayaks, and rowboats; see Argo listing for trip information and rental fees. Also rents paddleboats for $9 / half hour. Public programs, year-round river day camps, and a coffee shop. Apr.: weekends only, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. May before Memorial Day weekend: daily 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Memorial Day weekend-Labor Day: daily 9 a.m.-9 p.m. After Labor Day-mid-Oct.: weekends 10 a.m.-7 p.m. a2gov.org/canoe
Skip’s Huron River Canoe Livery, Delhi Metro park, East Delhi Rd. 769-8686. Rents canoes and kayaks; age 12 & over for kayaks. Open Apr.-Oct. daily except Wed.; in late fall open only on weekends. Park at Delhi Metropark; the livery will transport you to a put-in point upstream. Weekdays: Hudson Mills Metropark trip (3-4 hours, $35 aluminum canoe, $40 plastic canoe, $30 kayak) leaves on the hour Mon. noon & 1 p.m. and Tues., Thurs., & Fri. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Dexter-Huron Metropark trip (one-two hours, $23 for any craft) leaves Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Fri. 3 & 4 p.m. Weekends: Hudson Mills trip leaves Delhi on the hour, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $20 cash deposit for all canoes. Reservations and prepayment are required for weekend and holiday trips, one or two weeks in advance.
Disc Golf
Ann Arbor Area Disc Golf Club, 317 S. Division, PMB 196, AA 48104. William Gilbert, 449-4300. Hosts leagues and tournaments year round at Hudson Mills Metropark, Mary Beth Doyle Park, Rolling Hills County Park, and The Ponds at Lakeshore in Ypsilanti. Summer leagues for all club members Mon. (Rolling Hills & The Ponds) and Wed. (Hudson Mills). $25 club fee; park vehicle entrance fees extra. cyferban@aol.com, www.a3disc.org
Bandemer Park, N. Main at Lake Shore Dr. and off Barton Dr. where it meets Whitmore Lake Rd. Nine-hole course along the Huron River.
Hudson Mills Metropark, 8801 North Territorial. 426-8211. Two 24-hole courses; $2 to play. Vehicle entrance fee $4/day, $20/year ($12 for seniors age 62 & over). Facility rents discs for a $10 deposit, Memorial Day weekend-Labor Day 8 a.m.-8 p.m. S
Independence Lake County Park, 3200 Jennings, Webster Twp. Eighteen-hole course.
Mary Beth Doyle Park (formerly Brown Park), Birch Hollow Rd. east of Stone School Rd. Eighteen-hole course with a pond and a tricky path through the woods.
Rolling Hills County Park, 7660 Stony Creek Rd. 484-9676. Eighteen-hole course with amateur and advanced tees. Vehicle entrance fees: county residents $5/day ($2.50 for age 65 & over), $25/year; non residents $9/day ($5 for age 65 & over), $45/year. parks.ewashtenaw.org S
Fencing
Ann Arbor Sword Club. 996-4290. Modern competitive fencing, historical and theatrical swordplay, and instruction. Sept.-May, Tues. 7-10 p.m. at Pittsfield Grange Hall, 3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd.; June-Aug., call for location. Swordplay basics class in Sept.-May season, 6:30-7:15 p.m. All ages welcome. info@annarborsword.com, www.annarborsword.com
U-M Fencing Club. University competitive team open to the public; those not affiliated with the U-M pay $60 for facility pass. Sept.-May. www.umich.edu/~fencing
YMCA 996-9622. Classes year round, all levels, ages 12 & up. Equipment provided. Instruction and open fencing Thurs. evening & Sat. afternoon. www.annarborymca.org
Fishing
All anglers are advised to consult the Michigan Department of Natural Resources fishing regulations online at michigan.gov/dnr. All age 17 & over must have a fishing license. Yearly fee is $28 (all species) or $15 (no trout or salmon). Licenses are sold at Meijer (3145 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., 3825 Carpenter, & 5645 Jackson), Kmart (215 N. Maple in Maple Village & 3100 Washtenaw), and Dunham’s Sports (217 N. Maple in Maple Village & 2850 Washtenaw).
Authorities advise caution in eating certain fish from Michigan waters, including the Great Lakes. Toxic chemicals in some fish may be harmful if those fish are eaten too often; women of childbearing age and children under age 15 are especially vulnerable. Up-to-date advisories are on the Michigan Department of Community Health hotline (800-648-6942) and at the department’s website (www.michigan.gov/mdch-toxic—click on Michigan Fish and Game Advisory).
City fishing. The serene ponds above the Huron River’s dams offer great fishing. The Huron contains largemouth and smallmouth bass, rock bass, crappies, bluegills, carp, pike, catfish, trout, sunfish, and some walleyes. Best spots include Barton Dam (off Huron River Dr.), Gallup Park, Olson Park, and Argo Dam. Live bait is available at Argo Park and Gallup Park canoe liveries. Gallup Park offers a free youth fishing pond.
Area fishing. At the four-acre, spring-fed pond at Rolling Hills County Park (484-9676), visitors may fish from the bank or two fishing piers, one of which is handicapped accessible. At Spring Valley Trout Farm (12190 Island Lake Rd., Dexter; 426-4772) you can catch your own farm-raised catfish or rainbow trout; all equipment is provided, and no license is required. Numerous small lakes, many only a short drive away, offer good fishing; call the Huron- Clinton Metroparks Authority (800-477-2757), the Waterloo State Recreation Area (475-8307), or the Pinckney State Recreation Area (426-4913). The Michigan Fishing Hotline, (517) 373-0908, has fishing and lake information for the entire state.
Flying
Ann Arbor Flyers, Ann Arbor Airport, 801 Airport Dr. Don Musinski, 645-7061. One of the oldest aviation clubs in the country, dating to 1940; offers primary and advanced training on a fleet of four modern aircraft with instrument flight rules capability. Monthly meetings (second Wed. 7:30 p.m.) and social activities. Open to the public. www.annarborflyers.comGolf—Driving Ranges
Indian Trail Golf Center, 5440 Earhart. 929-0807. Outdoor driving range with covered tee area and putt ing surface. Bucket of balls $5, $8, $10, or $15. Discount with purchases over $50 on ball-dispensing machine card. Open 9 a.m.-dusk, except Tues. noon-dusk. www.indiantrailgolf.com
Miles of Golf, 3113 Carpenter. 973-9004. Open year round. Practice greens, grass, heated/sheltered tees, club testing and fitting center, lessons, pro shop, and repair facility. Bucket of balls $8, $10, or $12. Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. www.milesofgolf.com
Stonebridge Golf Club, 1825 Clubhouse Dr. 429- 8383. Outdoor facility with practice areas for driving, putting, chipping, and sand shots. Bucket of balls $5, $7.50, or $10; discounts with range card. Open daily sunrise-sunset. info@stonebridgegolfclub.net, www.stonebridgegolfclub.net
Zeeb Golf Driving Range, 2735 S. Zeeb Rd. 994-
4005. Outdoor driving range with putting green, rain shelter, and regripping service; chipping area coming soon. Golf instruction available. Bucket of balls $4, $6, or $9. Open daily 9 a.m.-dusk. zeebgolf@gmail.com
Golf—Organizations
Huron Valley Women’s Golf Club. Evening leagues at local courses, beginners’ league, weekend local golf events, and weekend trips to resort course. Annual dues $50 (includes a USGA handicap and membership in the Golf Association of Michigan). www.hvwgc.orgGolf—Private Courses
Ann Arbor Country Club, 4699 E. Loch Alpine. 426- 4693. No waiting list. generalmanager@annarborcc.com, www.annarborcc.com
Ann Arbor Golf and Outing Club, 400 E. Stadium. 663-4044. Waiting list three to four years. www.aagoc.org
Barton Hills Country Club, 730 Country Club Rd. 663-8511. No waiting list. Barton Hills residency not required. bartongolfshop@bhcconline.com, www. bhcconline.com
Polo Fields Golf and Country Club, 5200 Polo Fields Dr. 998-1555. No waiting list. lstewart@polofields.org, www.polofields.org
Travis Pointe Country Club, 2829 Travis Pointe Rd. 662-2582. No waiting list. igaenssle@travispointe.com, www.travispointe.com
Golf—Public & Semiprivate Courses
Georgetown Country Club, 1365 King George. 971-5500. 9 holes; women par 30, men par 28. Part of a swim, golf, and tennis club (memberships available). Greens fees: $12 weekdays, $15 weekends & holidays; seniors (age 60 & over) and juniors (age 14 & under) $10 weekdays, $13 weekends & holidays. Second round $4. Pull carts only (rental $2). Twilight rates. Open to the public daily Apr. 1-Oct. 31, weather permitting: summer 8 a.m.-9 p.m., call for spring and fall hours. questions@georgetowncc.org, www.georgetowncc.org S
Huron Hills Golf Course, 3465 E. Huron River Dr. 794-6246. 18 holes, par 67. Overlooking the Huron River, Huron Hills provides some of the city’s best scenery. Walk-on play may be available. Tee-time reservations anytime. Greens fees for 9/18 holes: weekdays $13/$18; weekends & holidays $14/$20; juniors (age 17 & under) and seniors (age 57 & over) weekdays $9/$14. Juniors free with adult after 3 p.m. on Sun. Club rental $9/$12, pull cart rental $2, power cart rental $7/$13. Twilight rates. Snack bar. www.a2golf.org S
Lake Forest Golf Club and Practice Center, 3110 W. Ellsworth. 994-8580. 18 holes, par 72. Wide fairways, large greens, woodlands, and wetlands on a championship course suitable for all skill levels. Practice center includes sand and grass chipping areas. Clinics and private lessons available. Large banquet room available year round. Full bar and grill open for lunch and dinner in season. Greens fees for 9/18 holes: weekdays $15/$25 (with cart $25/$38), weekends $20/$30 (with cart $25/$44). Discounts for seniors (age 55 & over); students (must have valid school ID) get $3 off any 18-hole rate. Twilight rates. Daily dawn-dusk. golf@lkforest.com, www.lakeforestgc.com S
Leslie Park Golf Course, 2120 Traver. 794-6245. 18 holes, par 72. Rolling hills, Traver Creek, and a series of small ponds make this a picturesque course for intermediate and experienced golfers. Same reservation policies and hours as Huron Hills. Greens fees for 9/18 holes: weekdays $16/$25; weekends & holidays $18/$29; juniors (age 17 & under) and seniors (age 57 & over) weekdays, $13/$17. Power carts for 9 or 18 holes: $6/$13 per rider. Twilight rates (after 6 p.m.), weekday specials (before 11 a.m.), and weekend and afternoon specials (after 2 p.m.) available. Season passes. Snack bar. www.a2golf.org S
Stonebridge Golf Club, 1825 Clubhouse Dr. 429-8383. 18 holes, par 72. This privately owned course, open to the public, was designed by Arthur Hills. Each set of tees has a USGA rating. PGA pros on staff give lessons. Full pro shop. Reservations recommended. Large banquet room available. Full bar and grill. Greens fees for 9/18 holes: $25/$36, with cart $35/$50. Twilight, off-season, and senior (age 55 & over) rates. Daily sunrise-sunset. info@stonebridgegolfclub.net, www.stonebridgegolfclub.net S
Golf—U-M Courses
Radrick Farms, 4875 Geddes. 998-7040. 18 holes, par 72. Designed by Pete Dye, Radrick covers 260 acres and is reserved for U-M faculty, staff, and alumni, and their guests. (The waiting list is five years for faculty and staff and 10 years for alumni.) A special donations club is open to the public for golfing privileges (minimum donation to the U-M $400). plscott@umich.edu, www.umich.edu/~radrick
University Golf Course, 500 E. Stadium. 615-4653. 18 holes, par 71. One of five U.S. courses designed by Scottish architect Alister MacKenzie. Open to U-M students, faculty, staff, and alumni, and their guests. cegreen@umich.edu, www.mgoblue.com/umgc
Orienteering
Southern Michigan Orienteering Club. Mark Voit, (517) 347-2927. Stages four to six orienteering meets each spring and fall. Participants use detailed maps and navigate unfamiliar landscapes. Courses for beginners at every meet. Annual dues $15, family $25; nonmembers and beginners welcome for a small event fee. voit@comcast.net, www.michigano.orgPlatform Tennis
Ann Arbor Platform Tennis Club, P.O. Box 3575, AA 48106. This social winter sport is played on a court a third the size of a tennis court, surrounded by 12-foot-high screens. Players use a short-handled paddle and a sponge rubber ball; rules resemble tennis rules. Club members play year round; competitive season Oct.-Apr. Courts are at 3235 Cherry Hill. Season membership ($275-$550) or a two-month trial membership ($75-$125) includes corporate membership privileges at the adjoining Huron Valley Tennis Club. admin@aaplatformtennis.com, www.aaplatformtennis.comRelated Topics:
Racquetball, Paddleball, Handball, Squash, & Wallyball
Courts are available at several public facilities. The U-M’s CCRB (936-0627) has 10 courts, the IMSB (764-3163) has 14, and the NCRB (764-2117) has five. Hours vary; courts are in high demand. Reservations are usually necessary except on challenge or open courts, which change players hourly. Most private health clubs have racquetball courts for members.Related Topics:
Riflery, Skeet Shooting, & Trapshooting
Washtenaw Sportsman’s Club, 5095 Ellis Rd., Ypsilanti 48197. Ed Krasny, 971-5077. Annual dues $130, $80 for age 65 & over. Pistol and 100-to-600-yard rifle ranges. Hunter safety training clinics, junior rifle range (Chuck Morgan, 645-3197, or cmorgan2002@comcast.net). Open trap & skeet shooting Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., $4 per round (skeet@wsclub.org). Also 65-yard outdoor and 35-yard indoor archery ranges (Jack Romeo, 971-3402, or strings37@sbcglobal.net). www.wsclub.org SRock Climbing
Planet Rock, 82 Aprill. 827-2680. Climbing gym with instruction. Available for private groups and parties. Pro shop. Daily pass: adults $16, students $15, kids $12 (ages 5-13); shoes ($4) & harnesses ($4) extra. Group and party packages. Mon.-Wed. & Fri. 3-10 p.m., Thurs. 3-11 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. info@planet-rock.com, www.planet-rock.com
U-M Outdoor Adventures. 764-7625. A climbing wall (M Rock) in the IMSB is open to the public. M Rock offers skill clinics and classes in bouldering and top-roping. Available for birthday parties and events. Call for fees and times. www.recsports.umich.edu/outdooradv/climbing
Running & Track
For information on area running events and organizations, contact the Ann Arbor Track Club (below) or retailers Tortoise and Hare, 209 E. Liberty, 769-9510, and Running Fit, 123 E. Liberty, 769-5016.
Ann Arbor Track Club, P.O. Box 7551, AA 48107. 332-9129. All-volunteer club that hosts numerous local events year round including races such as the Dexter-Ann Arbor Run, training runs and walks, social gatherings, and service activities. Hosts weekly coached adult and youth workouts. Families $30, adults $20, students (ages 22 & under) $15. comm@aatrackclub.org, www.aatrackclub.org
Motown-Ann Arbor Hash House Harriers. 332-9314. Local chapter of an international, unorthodox running club for people who like to make a game of running. The task is to follow a trail designed to be confusing. (Participants watch out for one another so no one ends up lost.) Each run includes at least one pit stop (beer, pop, and water) and is followed by a trip to a nearby restaurant for socializing and food. Runners and walkers of all abilities welcome. Runs usually on Sat. or Sun. afternoons. See website for complete schedule. www.a2h3.org
Skating: Ice
A2Ice3, 2121 Oak Valley. 213-1600. “The Cube” contains three rinks—two NHL size and one Olympic size—used by clubs and hockey leagues and available for public skating, private party rental, and lessons. Open year round. Public skating fees: adults $4, children (age 12 & under) and seniors (age 62 & over) $3; skate rental $3. Call for hours or check online. a2ice3@a2ice3.com, www.a2ice3.com S
Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club, 2121 Oak Valley. 213-6768. Member of the U.S. Figure Skating Association. Year-round lessons for skaters of all skill levels in freestyle, ice dance, field moves, power skating, hockey techniques, and synchronized skating. Skating times available at A2Ice3 (see above). aaskating@yahoo.com, www.annarborfsc.com
Buhr Park, 2751 Packard. 794-6234. Outdoor covered regulation NHL-size rink, with cooled subfloor, open Nov.-Mar. (except in unseasonably warm weather). Public skating, drop-in hockey, special programs, hourly rentals. Heated lobby, skate rental ($3), lockers, and skate sharpening ($6). Open skating times vary; call ahead. Fees: resident adults $5, nonresident $6; resident youths (age 17 & under) and resident seniors (age 60 & over) $3.75, nonresident $5. Drop-in hockey and season passes available. www.a2gov.org/buhr S
Veterans Memorial Park Ice Arena, 2150 Jackson. 794-6235. Open Sept.-May. Vets has an indoor regulation NHL-size rink, seating for 1,000 spectators, skate rental ($3), skate sharpening ($6), coin- operated lockers, and pro shop. Fees for residents: adults $5, youths (age 17 & under) and seniors (age 55 & over) $4; nonresident fees $1 more. General skating on weekend afternoons and evenings (call for hours). Discount coupons available. The rink may be rented for private gatherings. www.a2gov.org/veterans S
Yost Ice Arena, 1000 S. State. 764-4600. The U-M’s regulation NHL-size rink provides public skating, skate rental ($2), skate sharpening ($4-$5), lockers, summer camps, and learn-to-skate classes. Youth birthday party packages. Pro shop. Public skating hours: Sept.-Apr.: Mon.-Fri. noon-1 p.m., Thurs. 8-10 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 2-4 p.m.; times may vary. July & Aug.: Fri. noon-1 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m. May & June: Closed. Fees: adults $5, seniors (age 65 & over) and students/youths $3, U-M faculty and staff $4. Weekday noon skate $2, skate rental $1. yostice@umich.edu, www.umich.edu/yost
Related Topics:
Skating: In-Line & Skateboarding
Two favorite in-line skating spots are Gallup Park, with its miles of paved trails, and the path around Traver Pond at Olson Park. Scheffler Park also has a small paved area for neighborhood pickup games.Skateboarding is banned in city parking structures, in Liberty Plaza, on the U-M Diag, and on certain downtown streets. In-line skating is generally not restricted (although skaters are allowed on the street only when crossing).Ann Arbor Friday Night Skate. Club meets second Fri. 6:45 p.m. during the summer at the Diag flagpole for 8-to-12-mile skates. Advanced beginner skills are required. brian.renaud@gmail.com, sites.google.com/site/annarborinline
Related Topics:
Skiing
Ann Arbor Ski Club, P.O. Box 3258, AA 48106. 786-2237. Plans trips in Michigan and the western U.S. for snowboarders and skiers age 21 & over. Lessons for members as well as year-round social and other athletic events. Meets Sept.-Apr., every other Thurs. 7:30 p.m. at Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard. www.a2skiclub.org
Hudson Mills Metropark. 426-8211. Cross-country skiing daily 7 a.m.-dusk. No trail fees. Groomed trails. Ski rental weekends $10/half day. Vehicle entrance fees (see listing in Regional & State Parks under Parks & Nature Areas, above).
Rolling Hills County Park. 484-9676. Cross- country skiing daily 8 a.m.-dusk. No trail fees. Groomed trails. Ski rental $4-$5 for two hours. Vehicle entrance fees: county residents $5/day ($2.50 for age 65 & over), $25/year; nonresidents $9/day ($5 for age 65 & over), $45/year.
Cross-country trails. There is no charge to ski the ungroomed trails at Bird Hills Park, County Farm Park, Delhi Metropark, Dolph Park, Fuller Park, Gallup Park, Huron Hills and Leslie Park golf courses, Independence Lake County Park, or the U-M’s Saginaw Forest. The U-M’s Radrick Farms Golf Course allows skiing when conditions are suitable. The public schools’ Eberwhite Woods is also skiable, as are the prairies at Pioneer High.
Washtenaw Ski Touring Club, P.O. Box 1967, AA 48106. Organizes weekend cross-country ski trips in northern Michigan and Ontario Dec.-Mar., and local skiing as conditions permit. Social meetings, hikes, and sports store discounts. Meetings begin in early Nov. and include presentations on cross-country skiing and information on club trips. For details, see the monthly Events listings in the Ann Arbor Observer. esteinma@umich.edu, www.hvcn.org/info/skiclub
Sledding & Tobogganing
Ann Arbor has great sledding hills. The city parks staff recommends these sites: Buhr Park, Burns Park, Huron Hills Golf Course, Leslie Park, and Veterans Memorial Park. All sites are unsupervised. Rolling Hills County Park (484-9676) has sledding and rents toboggans and sled tubes. Sledding is prohibited in the U-M Nichols Arboretum.Swimming
For private pools, see the Yellow Pages.
Ann Arbor city pools. The city’s three outdoor public pools at Buhr, Fuller, and Veterans parks (see individual listings below) are open Memorial Day weekend-Labor Day. Fees: adults (ages 18-55) $4, youths & seniors $3.50, under age 3 free. Season passes. www.a2gov.org
Ann Arbor Queer Aquatics (A2QUA). Kelly, 761-2790. Gay and lesbian swim club meets for coached practices Sun. 9:30-11 a.m., Memorial Day-Labor Day at Fuller Pool; Sun. 10-11:30 a.m., the rest of the year at Mack Pool. All swimming abilities are welcome; straights welcome, too. $7 recommended donation. lyndenkelly@hotmail.com, www.a2qua.com
Buhr Pool, 2751 Packard. 794-6234. Outdoor 25-yard pool with two lap lanes, separate zero-depth-entry tot pool, sun deck, and locker rooms. Buhr also offers swim lessons, camp, and teams; call for dates, times, and fees. Open swim daily 1-8 p.m. (weekends & holidays open at noon). Family swims weekdays 5-6:30 p.m. Adult lap swim weekdays noon-1 p.m. (with two lap lanes available all other times). Tot splash Mon., Wed., Fri. 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Tues. & Thurs. noon-1 p.m. Fees: see Ann Arbor city pools, above. www.a2gov.org/buhr S
Fuller Pool, 1519 Fuller. 794-6236. The largest outdoor pool in town, with 50-meter Olympic lap lanes available daily, water slide, full handicapped accessibility, and family locker rooms. Fuller also has sun decks, a day camp, and a playground next door. Open swim daily 1-7 p.m. (till 8 p.m. after June 12). Four adult lanes daily 1-6:30 p.m., additional morning hours on weekends. Tot splash weekday mornings. Fees: see Ann Arbor city pools, above. www.a2gov.org/fuller S
Independence Lake County Park. See listing in Regional & State Parks under Parks & Nature Areas, above.
Mack Pool, 715 Brooks (in Ann Arbor Open @ Mack School). 794-6237. This 25-yard indoor pool has six training lanes, a wading pool, and a handicapped access ramp. Locker rooms. Open swim hours vary; call ahead. No daytime drop-in swimming during the school year. Season passes available. For programs and lessons, check website. Closed July & Aug. for annual maintenance. Fees: see Ann Arbor city pools, above. www.a2gov.org/mack S
Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center, 2960 Washtenaw. 971-6355. Lap, family, and open swim times at the 25-yard, wheelchair-accessible indoor pool. Group or private instructional swim and water exercise class offered year round. Drop-in fees: resident adults (ages 18-61) $6 (nonresident $8), resident youths & seniors $4 (nonresident $5). Check website for pool hours. parks.ewashtenaw.org S
Rec & Ed (994-2300, ext. 53232) offers swimming and beginning diving classes year round for ages 6 months & over on weeknights and Sat. during the school year; weekdays, weeknights, and Sat. during the summer. Classes are taught in the Ann Arbor middle school pools. www.aareced.com
Rolling Hills Family Water Park, 484-9676. This 6.5-acre water park includes wave and activity pools, water slides, a lazy river, a spray play area, and concessions. Open Memorial Day weekend-Labor Day daily 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Vehicle entrance fees: county residents $5/day ($2.50 for age 65 & over), $25/year; nonresidents $9/day ($5 for age 65 & over), $45/year. Water park admission: county residents $6 weekdays (after 5 p.m. $4), $7 weekends & holidays; nonresidents $8 weekdays (after 5 p.m. $5), $9 weekends & holidays. Children 36 inches tall and under are free.
U-M pools. The university has three pools open to students, faculty, staff, and recreational sports members. The CCRB’s Margaret Bell Pool (764-9450) is 25 yards long with six lanes and locker rooms. The IMSB pool (763-3562) is 25 yards long and has five lanes plus locker rooms. The NCRB pool (763-4560) is 25 yards long with six lanes plus locker rooms and a sun deck. Hours vary. The U-Move Fitness program (764-1342) sponsors swimming instruction and aquatic fitness classes.
Veterans Memorial Park Pool, 2150 Jackson. 794-6235. Outdoor 25-yard pool with four lanes. Also, exercise and locker rooms, zero-depth pool, children’s water-play area, 125-foot water slide, and vending machines. Handicapped access ramp. Fees: see Ann Arbor city pools, above. Open swim: weekdays 3:30-7 p.m. (1-4:45 p.m. & 6:30-8 p.m. mid-June-Aug.), weekends & holidays noon-7 p.m. (noon-4:45 p.m. & 6:30-8 p.m. mid-June-Aug.). Adult lap swim weekdays noon-1 p.m. Family swim daily 5-6:30 p.m. Tot splash Mon., Wed., & Fri. noon-1 p.m. Fees: see Ann Arbor city pools, above. www.a2gov.org/veterans S
YMCA, 400 W. Washington. 996-9622. The Y’s aquatics center features a six-lane, 25-yard pool for lap swim and instruction, and a family pool with a twirl pool and play equipment. Portable lift makes either pool accessible to people of all abilities. Lap swimming options available to members throughout the day. Swim lessons for all ages, adult water aerobics, lifeguard certification, and arthritis exercise classes year round. www.annarborymca.org S
Tennis
Courts are available in Ann Arbor’s city parks and public schools and at the U-M.
City and school courts are free for public use, first come first served, when not occupied by classes or tournaments. Lighted courts in town include three at Vets Park. There are eight courts at Huron High, 2727 Fuller (994-2075), and 12 courts at Pioneer High, 601 W. Stadium (994-2151). The U-M has 10 courts at Palmer Field, 401 Washtenaw (763-3084), and two on North Campus at Baits Dr. and Hubbard Rd.
Instructional tennis is available at Rec & Ed (994-2300, ext. 53243) for all ages and skill levels. Also, cardio-tennis, adult clinics, and USTA leagues for youths and adults. shadigiv@aaps.k12.mi.us
Indoor tennis clubs: Chippewa Club, 2525 Golfside (434-6100); Huron Valley Tennis Club, 3235 Cherry Hill (662-5514); Liberty Athletic Club, 2975 W. Liberty (665-3738); Racquet Club of Ann Arbor, 3010 Hickory Ln. (971-5413); and Travis Pointe Country Club, 2829 Travis Pointe (665-8463). These clubs have pros who can be hired for private and group lessons. Most clubs also have outdoor courts for summer play. Membership prices vary and change frequently; call for details.
Ann Arbor Ski Club, P.O. Box 3258, AA 48106. 786- 2237. Social and athletic club organizes 10-week sessions in fall, winter, and spring. Matches Sat. 6 p.m. and Sun. 6 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. at Chippewa Tennis Club, 2525 Golfside. Members $95, nonmembers $110. yegor@ieee.org, www.a2skiclub.org/social/tennis
Ann Arbor Area Community Tennis Association. Provides area tennis information, including local facility information, Find-a-Partner listings, and announcements. Supports, promotes, and hosts local events, tournaments, and clinics. Dues $15, junior $10, family $20. aaacta@umich.edu, www.aaacta.org
U-M Varsity Tennis Center, 2250 S. State. 615- 9347. Eight indoor and 12 outdoor courts. Annual memberships for U-M student, faculty, staff, and alumni, $90-$290. Others can be sponsored by a U-M affiliate. Additional hourly indoor court fees $14-$28, depending on time of day. www.mgoblue.com/vtc
Related Topics:
Triathlon
Ann Arbor Triathlon Club. Promotes triathlon (swimming, biking, & running) with training events and social activities. Workouts, clinics, races, and more. All fitness levels are welcome. Dues $30/year (includes discounts at local merchants and gyms). www.aatriclub.org
