July is National Park and Recreation Month! Last year we explored what city parks and recreation departments do, as well as general ways they help seniors. This year we’re going to build on that and do a deep dive into the different programs available to seniors through local parks and recreation departments.
Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation
- Runs the Ann Arbor Senior Center
- Runs Ann Arbor Farmers Market (which accepts Senior Market Bucks!)
- Runs Milan Seniors for Healthy Living
- Offers Total Fitness class for seniors at the Riverbank Center
Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation
- Runs the Pittsfield Township Senior Center
- Runs the Pittsfield Township Farmers Market
- Operates a Recreation Center that includes a warm leisure pool.
- Runs (or at least supports) the Saline Farmers Markets.
- Holds free movie showings at various parks.
- Offers free yoga in various parks.
- Offers different levels of water aerobics (see website for pricing).
Superior Township Parks and Recreation
- Offers free movie showings at Oakbrook Park
Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation
- Oversees the Border to Border Trail, which connects various parts of Washtenaw County and runs as far as Chelsea. The path is ADA compliant!
- Offers river walking at Rolling Hills Water Park (Ypsilanti) on weekday mornings in the summer ($4 drop in or $60 for a punch card).
- Accepts volunteers to help with the various gardens in the parks.
- Runs the Michigan Folk School that covers all types of topics from natural dyes and blacksmithing to weeknight cooking and wilderness survival.
- Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center offers discounted membership for seniors (age 65+) and veterans.
- Offers garden walks in the various parks.
- Other offerings include a free fishing weekend each summer, solstice mindfulness hikes, and birding activities.
Ypsilanti Parks and Recreation
- Offers reduced price tickets to the Detroit Zoo and other attractions for Ypsilanti residents.
- Holds an annual Fall River Day in September.
Ypsilanti Township Recreation & Parks
- Runs the Ypsilanti Township 50 & Beyond Program.
- Offers a variety of senior-focused fitness classes (e.g., martial arts, urban ballroom).
- Holds an annual Rosie the Riveter Craft Show in July.