City Guide
Individual Sports
Archery
Washtenaw 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, wsclub.org
Badminton
Ann Arbor Badminton Club. 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 $8 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. 8 indoor courts with drop-in play on weekdays and weekends; see website for drop-in schedule. parks.ewashtenaw.org
Bicycling
See the Transportation section of this guide for bicycle commuting and other bicycling information.Bicycle maps. See a2gov.org/parks for .pdf maps and where to purchase a paper map ($2).
Bicycle rental. Mountain bikes, road bikes, tandem bikes, adult three-wheelers, and casual bikes by the hour, day, week, month, or (casual bikes only) semester at the Campus Student Bike Shop (336 Maynard, 327-6949). campusstudentbikeshop.com
Bicycle repair. The bicycling group Common Cycle runs The Mobile Repair Stand (Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday Artisan Market, 315 Detroit St.) to assist with and teach bicycle repairs, ranging from fixing a flat to overhauling a headset. info@commoncycle.org, commoncycle.org
Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society. Ann Hunt, 604-3351. More than 500 members. Schedules rides throughout Washtenaw and surrounding counties, generally listed on the society's website, in the Events section of the monthly Ann Arbor Observer, and at AnnArborObserver.com. Publishes a newsletter and ride calendar, both free to members. Riders of all abilities welcome, as are nonmembers. Annual dues $20, family $25 (includes mileage recognition patches for minimum 500 miles/year and discounts at area bike shops). membership@aabts.org, aabts.org, facebook.com/aabts.mi
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 Wed. 6-7:30 p.m. May-Sept. Check calendar online for more information. mary@aacil.org, 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. See website for schedule. https://a2skiclub.org/trips-and-activities/20-activities/sports
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. Junior development program and a women’s team. www.aavc.org
Dirt biking. Bandemer Park (Barton Dr. at Whitmore Lake Rd.) has a dirt bike jump course.
Mountain biking. Bluffs Nature Area (N. Main across from Lakeshore Dr.) has rugged trails throughout the park while Olson Park (corner of Dhu Varren and Pontiac Trail) also has a network of trails.
Wolver-Bents Recumbent Cyclists, 706 Dwight, Ypsilanti 48198. 487-9058. Club for recumbent bike riders, who recline on a chairlike seat. Monthly rides. wolverbob@gmail.com, wolverbents.org
Related Topics:
Boating & Sailing
Barton Boat 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 $355. Nominal fee for winter boat storage. dbochar@gmail.com, mlallen422@gmail.com
Michigan Sailing Club, P.O. Box 147, Dexter 48130. 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. Annual dues $200/person (college students $135), $305/family (families of college students $220). umsc@umich.edu, michigansailingclub.org
Bowling
Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living, 971-0277, ext. 22. Weekly outing for bowlers with disabilities. Thurs. 1-2:30 p.m. at Colonial Lanes. $7 for 3 games and shoes. Preregistration required. See online calendar for more information. mary@aacil.org, annarborcil.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, arborvalleyusbc.com
Bel-Mark Lanes, 3530 Jackson. 994-8433. 39 lanes (including 9-lane private party suite), bar & grill, pizza, video games, and darts. Open bowling most days. Karaoke and Rock & Bowl Fri. & Sat. nights. belmarklanes.com
Colonial Lanes, 1950 South Industrial. 665-4474. 40 lanes, video/pinball room, CUBS' A.C. Sports Bar & Restaurant. Open bowling daily; phone ahead for lane availability. Leagues year round. Birthday parties, corporate outings. Call for hours and info on "College Rock" and "cosmic" (glow-in-the-dark) sessions. writeus@cubsac.com, cla2.net, cubsac.com
Rec & Ed (994-2300) offers year-round programs for bowlers in grades 11 through adult with mental and physical disabilities. Programs include Strike Force Bowling, Cooperative Cooking, and Dinner and a Movie. brzezinl@aaps.k12.mi.us
Canoeing, Kayaking, & Paddleboating
Argo Park Canoe Livery, 1055 Longshore. 794-6241. Rents canoes and 1- and 2-person kayaks; a driver's license or car key required for deposit. Rental $18 for 2 hours, $1 each additional hour, $24 all day. River trips of 2, 3, 4, and 6 hours available with van transportation upstream, $22-$42. Season passes available. Moonlight paddles, river day camps, kayak instruction, and other public programs. Open early May.-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, 1- and 2-person kayaks, kids kayaks, and rowboats; see Argo listing for trip information and rental fees. Also rents paddleboats for $9/half hour. Public programs, river day camps, and a coffee shop. Apr.: weekends only, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 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.-June daily except Wed.; open daily July-Labor Day; open Sat. and Sun. week after Labor Day-mid Oct. (depending on river conditions). Hours Mon. 12 am.-6 p.m., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Wed 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (after July 4th), and Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Park at Delhi Metropark; transport to a put-in point upstream. Weekdays: Hudson Mills Metropark trip (3-4 hours, $38 aluminum canoe, $43 fiberglass canoe, $33 kayak) leaves on the hour Mon. noon and 1 p.m. and Tues., Thurs., & Fri. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (Dexter-Huron Metropark trip 1-2 hours, $25 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, 1 or 2 weeks in advance. Metroparks vehicle entrance fee required $5/day, $25/year ($15/year for age 62 & over). S
Disc Golf
Ann Arbor Area Disc Golf Club (A3Disc), 5980 Plum Hollow Dr. #13, Ypsilanti 48197. William Gilbert, 649-8220. Hosts leagues and tournaments year round at Hudson Mills Metropark, Mary Beth Doyle Park, Bandemer Park, Rolling Hills and Independence Lake County Parks, The Ponds at Lakeshore in Ypsilanti, and Brighton Recreation Area State Park. Summer leagues for all club members Mon. (Lakeshore) and Wed. (Hudson Mills). $25 club fee; park vehicle entrance fees extra. cyferban@aol.com, a3disc.org
Bandemer Park, N. Main at Lakeshore Dr. and off Barton Dr. where it meets Whitmore Lake Rd. 9-hole course along the Huron River.
Hudson Mills Metropark, 8801 North Territorial. 426-8211. Two 24-hole courses; $2 daily wristband or $50 ($30 seniors) annual bag tag to play. Vehicle entrance fee $5/day, $25/year ($15 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, Birch Hollow Rd. east of Stone School Rd. 18-hole course with a pond and a tricky path through the woods.
Rolling Hills County Park, 7660 Stony Creek Rd. 484-9676. 18-hole course with amateur and advanced tees. Vehicle entrance fees: see listing under Regional & State Parks, above. parks.ewashtenaw.org S
Fencing
Ann Arbor Sword Club, 996-4290. Modern competitive fencing, historical and theatrical swordplay, and instruction. Sept.-May, Tues. 6:30-10 p.m. at Pittsfield Grange Hall, 3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd.; June-Aug., contact group for location. Swordplay basics class in Sept.-May season, 6:30-7:15 p.m. All ages welcome. Schedule and details at website. info@annarborsword.com, 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. umich.edu/~fencing
YMCA, 400 W. Washington. 996-9622. Classes year round, all levels, ages 12 & up. Equipment provided. Instruction and open fencing Thurs. evening & Sat. afternoon. 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, salmon, lake sturgeon, lake herring, amphibians, reptiles, or crustaceans). 72-hour fishing license available for $21 (all species). Licenses are sold at Meijer (3145 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., 3825 Carpenter, & 5645 Jackson), Kmart (215 N. Maple in Maple Village & 3100 Washtenaw), MC Sports (462 Briarwood Circle in Briarwood Mall), 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 (michigan.gov/mdch-toxic, click on Michigan Fish Advisory & Eat Safe Fish).
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 4-acre, spring-fed pond at Rolling Hills County Park (484-9676), visitors may fish from the bank or 2 fishing piers, 1 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, no license is required; fish cleaned, iced, and packaged, or cooked on site (grills provided); group outings available. Numerous small lakes, many only a short drive away, offer good fishing; call the Huron-Clinton Metroparks (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 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 4 modern aircraft with instrument flight rules capability. Monthly meetings (2nd Wed. 7:30 p.m.) at the airport terminal building and social activities. Open to the public. annarborflyers.com
U-M Flyers, Ann Arbor Airport, 1075 Airport Dr., row P. 994-6208. For those interested in learning to fly. Emphasis on safety and continuing education. Monthly dues plus fees for lessons and plane rental. For dues information and meeting times, call or see website. information@uofmflyers.org, uofmflyers.org
Golf-Driving Ranges
Indian Trail Golf Center, 5440 Earhart. 929-0807. Outdoor driving range with covered tee area and putting surface. Bucket of balls $6, $9, $12, or $16. Save up to 30 percent with the golf key discount. Open 9 a.m.-dusk, except Tues. noon-dusk. 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. 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 $5.50, $8, or $11; discounts with range card. Open daily sunrise-sunset. info@stonebridgegolfclub.net, 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 and sand trap. Golf instruction available. Bucket of balls $4.50, $7, or $10. Open daily 9 a.m.-dusk. zeebgolf@gmail.com
Golf-Organizations
Huron Valley Women's Golf Club. Daytime and evening leagues at local courses; leagues for beginners, intermediate, and experienced. Annual dues $50 (includes a USGA handicap and membership in the Golf Association of Michigan). hvwgc.org
Golf-Private Courses
Ann Arbor Golf and Outing Club, 400 E. Stadium. 663-4044. Waiting list 1-2 years. proshop@aagoc.org, aagoc.org
Barton Hills Country Club, 730 Country Club Rd. 663-8511. Membership full. Barton Hills residency not required. barton@bhcconline.com, bhcconline.com
Polo Fields Golf and Country Club, 5200 Polo Fields Dr. 998-1555. No waiting list. dkuenzli@polofieldsccmi.com, www.polofieldsccmi.com
Travis Pointe Country Club, 2829 Travis Pointe Rd. 662-2582. travispointe.com
Golf-Public & Semiprivate Courses
Ann Arbor Country Club, 4699 E. Loch Alpine. 426- 4693. No waiting list. generalmanager@annarborcc.com, annarborcc.com
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; seniors (age 60 & over) and juniors (age 14 & under) $10 weekdays. 2nd round $4. Pull carts only (rental $2). Twilight rates. Open to the public daily Apr.-Oct., weather permitting: summer 8 a.m.-9 p.m., call for spring and fall hours. questions@georgetowncc.org, 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 59 & over) weekdays $9/$14. Juniors free with adult after 3 p.m. on Sun. Club rental $10/$15, pull cart rental $3/$5, power cart rental $8/$14. Twilight rates (times vary). Snack bar. 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 grass hitting stations, 2 putting greens, and sand and grass chipping areas. Banquets, outings, leagues, and lessons available. 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/$45). Discounts for seniors (age 55 & over) $25 weekdays. Students (must have valid school ID) get $3 off any 18-hole rate. Twilight rates daily. Open daily dawn-dusk. information@lakeforestgc.com, 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. Tee times suggested. Greens fees for 9/18 holes: weekdays $16/$25; weekends & holidays $20/$30; juniors (age 17 & under) and seniors (age 59 & over) weekdays, $13/$17. Power carts for 9/18 holes: $8/$14 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. a2golf.org S
Stonebridge Golf Club, 1825 Clubhouse Dr. 429-8383. 18 holes, par 72. This public course 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, 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 4-6 seasons.) A special donations club is open to the public for golfing privileges (minimum donation to the U-M $400). plscott@umich.edu, radrick.umich.edu
University Golf Course, 500 E. Stadium. 615-4653. 18 holes, par 71. One of about 10 U.S. courses designed by Scottish architect Alister MacKenzie. Open to U-M students, faculty, staff, and alumni, and their guests. cegreen@umich.edu, mgoblue.com/umgc
Ice Skating
A2Ice3, 2121 Oak Valley. 213-1600. "The Cube" contains 3 rinks-2 NHL size and 1 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, 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, 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) $4, nonresident $5. Drop-in hockey and season passes available. 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. Instructional lessons for all ages. Rink may be rented for private gatherings. a2gov.org/vets S
Yost Ice Arena, 1116 S. State. 764-4600. Home to U-M's varsity hockey team, this NHL-size rink offers hockey leagues and clinics, learn-to-skate classes, public skating, skate rental, skate sharpening, lockers, concession stand, and birthday party packages. See website for rates, registration information, and times. yostice@umich.edu">yostice@umich.edu, umich.edu/yost The U-M's regulation NHL-size rink provides public skating, skate rental, skate sharpening, lockers, summer camps, and learn-to-skate classes. Youth birthday party packages. Pro shop. See website for rates, registration information, and times. yostice@umich.edu">yostice@umich.edu, umich.edu/yost S
Related Topics:
In-Line Skating, Skateboarding, & Roller Hockey
Two favorite in-line skating spots are Gallup Park, with its miles of paved trails, and the path around Traver Pond at Olson Park. An ideal spot for a roller hockey match is Scheffler Park, which has a small paved area often used for neighborhood pickup games. Skateboarding is banned in city parking structures, in Liberty Plaza, on the U-M Diag, and on certain downtown streets. As of summer 2012, a design firm has been chosen for a new skatepark facility in Veterans Park; see a2skatepark.org/ for updates. In-line skating is generally not restricted but skaters are allowed on streets only when crossing them.
Ann Arbor Friday Night Skate. Meets occasional Fri. 6:45 p.m. during the summer at the Diag flagpole for 8-to-12-mile skates. Advanced beginner skills are required. See website for meeting information. brian.renaud@gmail.com">brian.renaud@gmail.com, sites.google.com/site/annarborinline
Ann Arbor Saturday / Sunday Skate. Meets occasionally, usually during the spring and fall, at Gallup Park for a 15-mile skate. Advanced beginner skills required. See website for meeting information and time. brian.renaud@gmail.com">brian.renaud@gmail.com, sites.google.com/site/annarborinline
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Orienteering
Southern Michigan Orienteering Club. Mark Voit, (517) 347-2927. Stages 5-8 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, michigano.org
Pickleball
Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center, 971-6355. Eight indoor courts. Call for drop-in times or see website for current gym schedule. parks.ewashtenaw.org
Rec & Ed, 994-2300, ext. 53254. Drop-in play twice a week; $5 at the door, $4 online or with a 10-session punch card. Usually held on Fri. & Mon. 6-8 p.m. Days and times vary; see website for schedule. Balls and paddles available. draves@aaps.k12.mi.us, aareced.com
Platform Tennis
Ann Arbor Platform Tennis Club. 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 Huron Valley Tennis Club, 3235 Cherry Hill. Season membership ($300-$600) or a 2-month trial membership ($75-$125) includes corporate membership privileges at the adjoining Huron Valley Tennis Club. admin@aaplatformtennis.com, aaplatformtennis.com
Health & Fitness Center at WCC, 975-9950. Outdoor platform tennis during center hours (see General Programs & Facilities). Racquets and balls available. Call for reservations. wccfitness.org
Related Topics:
Racquetball, Paddleball, Handball, Squash, & Wallyball
Courts are available at several public facilities. The U-M’s CCRB (936-0627) has 6 courts, the IMSB (764-3163) has 11, and the NCRB (764-2117) has 5. Hours vary; courts in high demand. Reservations usually necessary except on challenge or open courts, which change players hourly. Most private health clubs have racquetball courts for members.
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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 range up to 100 yards and a 600-yard rifle range. Hunter safety training clinics, junior rifle range (Chuck Morgan, 654-3197, or cmorgan2002@comcast.net). Open trap & skeet shooting Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., $5 per round. Indoor and outdoor archery courses. wsclub.org S
Rock 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. First-time packages ($42) include gear, safety instruction and day pass. 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. gyminfo@planet-rock.com, planet-rock.com
U-M Outdoor Adventures, 764-7625. A 20-ft. climbing wall (MRock) in the IMSB is open to the public. Introductory and intermediate classes in bouldering and top-roping. Available for birthday parties and events. Call for fees and times. 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, 2631 Plymouth, 623-9640, and Running Fit, 123 E. Liberty, 769-5016.
Ann Arbor Track Club, P.O. Box 7551, AA 48107. Promotes fitness, friendship and fun through running and walking. Hosts events year round including races such as the Dexter-Ann Arbor Run and the Burns Park Run as well as training runs and walks, track meets, cross country races, social gatherings, and service activities. Hosts weekly coached adult and youth workouts. Annual membership: families $35, adults $20, students (ages 22 & under) $15. comm@aatrackclub.org, aatrackclub.org
Motown-Ann Arbor Hash House Harriers, (313) 799-2643. Local chapter of an international, unorthodox running club for people who make a game of running. The task is to follow a trail designed to be confusing. Each run includes at least 1 pit stop (beer, pop, and water) and is followed by a trip to a restaurant or an organizer's house for socializing and food. Runners and walkers of all abilities welcome. Runs usually on Sat. or Sun. afternoons. See website for complete schedule. moa2hhh@gmail.com, moa2h3.org
Skiing
Ann Arbor Ski Club, P.O. Box 3258, AA 48106. Plans trips in Michigan and the western U.S. for snowboarders and skiers age 21 & over. Year-round social and other athletic events. Meets Sept.-Apr., every other Thurs. 7:30 p.m. at Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard. a2ski.membership@gmail.com, 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, 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 2 hours. Vehicle entrance fees: see listing in Regional & State Parks under Parks & Nature Areas, above.
Cross-country trails. There is no charge to ski the ungroomed trails at these parks: Bird Hills, County Farm, Dolph, Fuller, Gallup, Independence Lake; or the Huron Hills and Leslie Park golf courses; or the U-M's Saginaw Forest. The U-M’s Radrick Farms Golf Course allows skiing when conditions are suitable (ungroomed trails). 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. wstcski@gmail.com, hvcn.org/info/skiclub
Sledding & Tobogganing
Ann Arbor has great sledding hills. The city parks staff recommends these sites: Buhr, Burns, Leslie, and Veterans parks, and Huron Hills Golf Course. All sites are unsupervised. Rolling Hills County Park (484-9676) has sledding and rents toboggans and sled tubes for $2/hour. Sledding is prohibited in the U-M Nichols Arboretum.
Swimming
For private pools, see the Yellow Pages or the Internet.
Ann Arbor city pools. The city’s 3 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 $4, under age 3 free. Season passes. Youth day camps, swim teams and American Red Cross lessons for all ages. 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 people and all swimming abilities welcome. $7 recommended donation. lyndenkelly@hotmail.com, a2qua.org
Buhr Pool, 2751 Packard. 794-6234. Outdoor 25-yard pool with 2 lap lanes, separate zero-depth-entry tot pool, sun deck, and locker rooms. Swim lessons, day camp, water polo camp, and neighborhood swim team; call for dates, times, and fees. Open swim daily 1-5 p.m. & 6:30-8 p.m. (weekends & holidays noon - 8 p.m.). Family swims weekdays 5-6:30 p.m. Adult lap swim weekdays noon-1 p.m. (with 2 lap lanes available all other times). Tot splash Mon., Wed., Fri. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Tues. & Thurs. noon-1 p.m. Fees: see Ann Arbor city pools, above. a2gov.org/buhr S
Fuller Pool, 1519 Fuller. 794-6236. The largest outdoor pool in town, with 50-meter Olympic lap lanes available daily, children's shallow area, water slide, full handicapped accessibility, and family locker rooms. Fuller also has lounge chairs, a day camp, and a picnic pavilion. Open swim daily 1-7 p.m. (till 8 p.m. after June 17). Tot splash Tues. & Thurs. mornings after AAPS let out. Fees: see Ann Arbor city pools, above. a2gov.org/fuller S
Health & Fitness Center at WCC, 4833 E. Huron River Dr. 975-9950. Indoor 25-yard, saltwater lap pool with 5 lanes and a handicapped accessible pool lift. Also has a warm-water pool. Swim instruction, water aerobics, and aquatic arthritis classes for all abilities. wccfitness.org
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 6 training lanes, a wading pool, and a handicapped access ramp. Locker rooms. Closed for summer. Times and season programs announced in Aug. Programs include master's swimming, American Red Cross lessons, aerobics, and synchronized swimming. Fees: see Ann Arbor city pools, above. 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 classes offered year round. Drop-in fees: resident adults (ages 18-61) $7 (nonresident $9), resident youths & seniors $5 (nonresident $6). See website for current pool schedule. parks.ewashtenaw.org S
Rec&Ed, 994-2300, ext. 53232. Swimming, beginning diving, and water polo classes for ages 6 months to adult. Classes meet on weeknights and Saturdays year round in Ann Arbor middle and high school pools. 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: Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., Sun., & some holidays 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 25-yard pools open to students, recreational sports members, and their guests. The CCRB’s Margaret Bell Pool (763-3084) has 6 lanes and locker rooms; the IMSB pool (763-3562) has 5 lanes plus locker rooms; the NCRB pool (763-4560) has 6 lanes plus locker rooms and a sun deck. Hours vary; see website for pool schedules, resports.umich.edu. 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 4 lanes. Also, exercise and locker rooms, zero-depth entry 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-Sept.), weekends & holidays noon-7 p.m. (noon-4:45 p.m. & 6:30-8 p.m. mid-June-Sept.). 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. a2gov.org/vets S
YMCA, 400 W. Washington. 996-9622. The Y’s aquatics center features a 6-lane, 25-yard pool for lap swim and instruction, and a family pool with a whirlpool 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. 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. There are 3 courts (lighted) at Vets Park, 8 at Huron High, 2727 Fuller (994-2075), and 12 at Pioneer High, 601 W. Stadium (994-2151). The U-M has 8 lighted asphalt courts (open daily 7 a.m.-11 p.m.) at Palmer Field, 401 Washtenaw (763-3084), and 2 on North Campus at Baits Dr. and Hubbard Rd.
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 Tennis Club. Organizes 10-week tennis leagues 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. See website for up-to-date information. aatennisclub@gmail.com, home.comcast.net/~aatennisclub/
Ann Arbor Area Community Tennis Association. Provides area facility information, Find-a-Partner listings, and announcements. Supports, promotes, and hosts local events, tournaments, and clinics. Dues $15, junior (ages 10-18) $10, family $20. info@aaacta.org, aaacta.org
Rec&Ed, 994-2300, ext. 53243. Year-round programs for youth and adults. Adult clinics, instructional classes, cardio tennis, and USTA summer league teams. Youth instructional tennis classes (ages 5-15) and junior team tennis program, including USTA junior travel teams (ages 9-18). shadigiv@aaps.k12.mi.us
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 $50-$310. Others can be sponsored by a U-M affiliate. Additional hourly indoor court fees $12-$24, depending on time of day. mgoblue.com/vtc
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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). info@aatriclub.org, aatriclub.org
