Page 1
Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission
Indoors / Outdoors
Summer 2003
Inside this issue:
Adult Swim Classes
Adult Dance & Fitness
Calendar of Events
Class Refund Policy
Director’s Message
Fitness by the Day
Hiking at Indy Lake Park
Nature Program Calendar
Registration Form
Senior Fitness
Water Exercise Classes
Youth Swim Classes
The Spray Zone at Independence Lake Park includes 48 separate water activities
that either continuously or intermittently spout recirculated water for play.
Indy Lake - Something for Everyone!
Independence Lake Park is generally considered to be the most
beautiful park in the Washtenaw
County Park system. This large
scenic park is located on the
shores of a 200-acre natural lake
and is well known for its beach and
picnic facilities. The park has it all,
everything from great scenic beauty
to a wide array of recreational opportunities to meet almost anyone’s
personal leisure needs.
sand beach and toilet facilities.
The Commission has made some
significant upgrades at the park recently including a major trail system
expansion and two children’s playground facilities. The latest addition
to the park, which has proven to be
particularly popular, is the Spray
Zone. This water playground
opened in 2002 and offers a new
and additional way for the public to
cool off at the park. Water is
The park offers picnic shelters, vol- sprayed onto a concrete pad area,
leyball courts, horseshoe pits, chil- which is covered with a colorful,
dren’s playgrounds, boat rentals,
rubberized play surface that is soft
hiking and biking trails, nature
underfoot. Various water features
study areas, sun bathing areas, an are located both above and below
elevated wildlife observation platground. Above ground features are
form, play field, large group center, simple attractive pipe structures,
fishing pier, small boat access
which shoot, spray and gush water.
area, marsh boardwalk crossing,
Below ground geysers and jet ele-
7
6&7
10
10
2
7
9
4
11
5
7
8
ments shoot water from specially
designed nozzles buried in the concrete. Water pumped to the spray
features is drained to an underground reservoir and filtration system so that water can be conserved, sanitized, and re-used
again. All total there are 48 spray
activities that either continuously or
intermittently spout water for play.
The Spray Zone will open this year
on May 24.
Prior to the opening of the Spray
Zone, the Commission built a large
more traditional playground facility
that debuted in 1999. This playground includes a large, handicapped accessible play structure
971-6337 www.ewashtenaw.org
(Continued on page 3)
Page 2
From the Director’s Desk...
If there’s one thing to be said about
Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation, it’s that things are always
changing -- and this year is no exception. As the park system continues to grow and evolve, staff is dedicated to continually improving the facilities, programs and recreational
experiences offered to you by the
Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission. We hope
you’re as excited about the changes
as we are!
dent that he will have an immediate
impact on the operations at the recreation center.
You’ll also note significant changes
at a few of our other parks, some of
which are highlighted elsewhere in
this newsletter. Nearly complete, the
two-year improvement project at
Rolling Hills Park will soon be dedicated. The major component of the
project is the new Lazy River Ride, a
700 ft. meandering channel located
within the expanded water park area.
The most significant change at the
A new full-service concession buildMeri Lou Murray Recreation Cen- ing, a sprayground, observation platter is the addition of Gus Rosa as an forms, a fishing dock, a paved trail
Assistant Building Manager (see
network, and parking lot improvephoto). Gus began working for the ments are also part of the project.
department full-time on March 24,
and replaces Daren Kaschinske, who At the award winning Pierce Lake
resigned to take a job in his homeGolf Course, early spring golfers will
town of Saginaw, Michigan.
witness the finishing touches on an
enhanced irrigation system,
expanded cart path network, improved tees and greens, and landscape restoration. In Webster Township, the second phase of the popular Spray Zone attraction at Independence Lake Park has been completed and awaits summer visitors;
along with a boat launch and a paved
trail network that promises yearround enjoyment.
In the southwest corner of the
County, Sharon Mills Park begins
We appreciate the many contribuits first full year of operation. Deditions Daren made during his two
cated last fall, the park is nestled on
years at the recreation center and
the banks of the River Raisin and
wish him luck in his new position.
commemorates the local heritage
and historical buildings painstakingly
Mr. Rosa is already well know among restored by the Parks Commission
regular patrons and staff, having
over the past two years. Already rebeen a part-time employee of this de- nowned for its scenic beauty, the
partment, working throughout the
park also provides regularly schedWCPARC system, for nearly two
uled interpretative tours and a peaceyears. He has a degree in Health
ful gathering space for small groups.
and Human Performance from Austin
Peay State University, and prior ex- Another change that we hope is imperience in facility programming and mediately noticeable to all of our visimanagement at Fort Campbell, Ken- tors is improved customer service. In
tucky. We are inspired by the enthu- preparation for the busy summer
siastic professionalism that Gus
season, all full time staff participated
brings to the position and are confi- in a Zingtrain customer service work-
shop in early April. Highly acclaimed
throughout the country, the training
program was first developed locally
by the founders of Zingerman’s Delicatessen.
With only 35 full-time employees and
nearly 300 seasonal employees, the
intent of the workshop was to train
the trainers within our department.
Staff collectively developed a vision
of great service, explored the three
steps to achieving that reputation,
and learned how to handle the inevitable complaint. The workshop was
a resounding success and I’m confident that you’ll notice the results.
Finally, I’d like to mention our efforts
at identifying future changes within
the parks system. For the remainder
of the year and with the help of a
talented team of consultants, the
department will be preparing our fiveyear parks and recreation plan
(2004-2008). The plan, which is
based on local surveys, market research, existing capital maintenance
and improvement needs, and industry trends, will serve as a road map
for future recreational investments by
the Washtenaw County Parks and
Recreation Commission.
The many health benefits that result
from the provision of parks and recreational facilities in a community are
well documented. The stated mission of this department is to improve
the quality of life within the County by
providing a wide range of active and
passive recreational opportunities
that meet the needs of residents,
while protecting and preserving important natural resources for future
generations. Your input to the plan
development process is invaluable in
achieving that mission and in guiding
the future growth of this important
community asset. Let us know what
you think.
I wish you all a safe and enjoyable
summer season.
971-6337 www.ewashtenaw.org
Bob Tetens, Director
Page 3
Independence Lake Park
of three other shelters available at
and offers a wide range of play op- the park. All shelters include a
portunities and levels of challenge large barbeque grill, and are close
for children five to 12 years of age. to a beach area, a children’s play
It is located within the main picnick- structure and bathrooms. Rates for
ing area near the beach with paved each of the shelters vary according
access from the main parking lot.
to day of the week, size and location. For rates or reservations,
please call the park office at 4494437.
(Continued from page 1)
Preliminary designs are currently
underway for a new headquarters
and activity building planned for the
main beach center location. The
new building will be winterized for
year- round operations and include
an administrative office, activity
center, first aid room, lounge warmTwo miles of new hard surfaced
ing area, nature exhibit, park contrails were added to the park trail
cession, storage, and concession
system in 2001. The new multiuse patio.
paved asphalt and wood boardwalk
trail provide great views of the lake
and the many other features and
facilities within the park. In the
future these trails will be linked to a
Jennings Road connector. That
link and recent entry road paving
and boat access area parking improvements will enhance public
access for cross country skiing, ice
fishing and other winter activities.
Follow the signs to the park entrance. Vehicle admission to the
park for county residents is $4 per
day, $2 for seniors or $20 for an
annual pass.
If you haven’t visited Independence
Lake County Park before, we cordially invite you to the park this
summer. We think that you’ll find it
to be an unrivaled recreational experience right here in Washtenaw
County. If you have visited the
park but not recently, please come
and experience the new features.
We especially encourage you to
consider bringing your family or
your group to the park for a picnic.
Whatever your leisure interests, we
believe your experience at Indy
Lake will be beneficial to you.
Commission consultants hope to
have completed plans and specifications for the improvements
completed later this summer in time
for a fall construction start. The
new building is scheduled to be
completed and open to the public
by Memorial Day 2004.
Family and group activities are also
popular at the park. Larger groups
can rent the Robert Gamble Group
Center (shown above) with a
private beach and picnic seating for
480. Smaller groups can rent one
The park is open year-round, 8 AM
to 9 PM during the summer, 8 AM
to 8 PM September through May.
The park is located just west of
Whitmore Lake about 10 miles
north of Ann Arbor on Jennings
Road. It is readily accessible via
US 23 from either the North Territorial or Six Mile interchange exits.
971-6337 www.ewashtenaw.org
Ray Essel, Park Planner
Independence Lake
County Park
3200 Jennings Road
Whitmore Lake, MI 48189
(734) 449-4437
Page 4
Nature Programs
Sunday, July 13th -12 to 4 p.m.
Parker Mill County Park
Huron River Day Activities
*Tours of Parker Mill Grist Mill
*Rubber Duck Races on the Creek
Call for specific times/more information.
Thursday, July 17th
“Nature Fun For Kids”
Saturday, July 19th – 10 a.m.
Park Lyndon North
“Ferns and Summer
Wildflowers of Embury
Woods”
WCPARC day campers participate in a nature activity each Tuesday morning at
Independence Lake Park presented by Park Naturalist, Faye Stoner.
Upcoming
Nature Programs
June
Saturday, June 7th - 1 p.m.
Independence Lake,
Sunday, June 29th - 10 a.m.
Park Lyndon North
Sunday, July 20th - 1 to 4 p.m.
Sharon Mills County Park
“Introduction to Dragonflies”
“Tours of Sharon Mills”
Guest lecturer Canadian entomologist
Paul Desjardins
Thursday, July 24th
“Nature Fun For Kids”
“Crossing the Marsh”
Thursday, July 31st
Meet at Gamble Group Center
Wear old clothes, old shoes!
Park entry fee required.
“Nature Fun For Kids”
Saturday, June 7th - 8 p.m.
Rolling Hills
August
Sunday, Aug. 3rd - 1 p.m.
Independence Lake
“All About Owls”
*Repeat Offering due
to a cold April 5th!
Lecture and slides, followed by a hike
to try our luck at calling owls
Pre-registration required at 971-6337.
Park entry fee required.
Sunday, June 29th - 1 to 4 p.m.
Sharon Mills County Park
Sunday, June 15th - 2 p.m.
Park Lyndon South - West Lot
Thursday, July 3rd - 11 a.m.
County Farm Park – Medford Lot
“Tours of Sharon Mills”
“Wildflowers of the Prairie”
Park entry fee required.
Thursday, Aug. 7th
“Nature Fun For Kids”
July
“Sunday Family Nature Walk” “Nature Stories in the Woods”
For kids 7 and under – Bring a lunch
too!
th
Thursday, July 10 – 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, Aug. 14th
“Nature Fun For Kids”
Saturday, Aug. 16th - 1 p.m.
Osborne Mill County Park
“Wetland to Wetland Hike –
Wading the River!”
Wear old shoes that can get wet!
Six Thursdays this summer Program
For more information contact
themes and locations will vary, call for
more information. Bring your lunch for Faye Stoner, Park Naturalist
971-6337, ext 318, or email
a park picnic afterwards.
“Nature Fun For Kids”
Stonerf@ewashtenaw.org
971-6337 www.ewashtenaw.org
Page 5
2003
Summer Classes
At the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center
Senior Fitness
Register June 2 – 17
Classes begin June 23
Senior Aerobics
Big Band and contemporary
music makes aerobic exercise
lots of fun for the older participant. This one- hour class
requires 45 minutes of standing
and finishes with balance
exercises, light weight
resistance and/or floor work.
Senior Step Aerobics
An excellent exercise program
specifically designed for the
senior participant. Each
participant has a step unit and
chair (for balance and support).
This class sharpens balance
awareness and increases
cardiovascular and muscle
endurance.
Index
Adult Instructional Swim
Dance & Fitness
Fitness by the Day
Senior Fitness
Youth Instructional Swim
Water Exercise
7
6&7
7
5
8
7
Senior Stretch Fit
This class combines basic
stretching, and Pilates-like
exercises through standing, wall
and floor work. Benefits include
muscle flexibility, increased
43040 M/W 8:15-9:00 AM— $33 range of motion and general well
being.
43010 M/F 9:15-10:15 AM— $33 Senior Strength Training
A 4-week class designed to
43060 T/TH 10:45-11:45 AM
teach older adults strength
$33
training using machines, hand
weights & bands.
Cardiovascular fitness, flexibility
& balance will also be covered.
There are no make ups for this
class. Limit: 6 participants
Senior Modified Exercise
This exercise class offers full
range of motion exercises,
resistance training and is mildly
aerobic. Fun, with plenty of
conversation.
43020 M 10:40-11:30 AM— $16
43021 W 10:40-11:30 AM— $16
Senior R.E.T.
Hand weights, bands and
resistant tubing are used to tone
muscles, and improve strength
and balance in this 45 minute
class.
43030 T/TH 8:30-9:30 AM— $33
43050 Tue 2:30-3:30
July 1, 8, 15 and 22 — –$32
For up to the minute changes to
the class schedule, call the
Aerobic Hotline
971-6337, ext 352
The recording is changed each
morning and occasionally during
the day due to emergencies.
Photo Policy
On occasion, WCPARC
staff may take photos of participants enrolled in our programs.
These photos are for department use only and may be used
in future newsletters, flyers or
display.
971-6337 www.ewashtenaw.org
Page 6
Adult Dance and Fitness
Aerobics
A traditional dance aerobics class with
plenty of dance moves and fun choreography. Finishes off with floor work.
R.E.T.
R.E.T. stands for
resistance, endurance and toning.
Adapted Pilates 2
This class will increase core strength & Designed to strengthen and tone the
flexibility of the spine thru its wide vari- total body. This mildly aerobic workout
is adaptable yet challenging for all
ety of exercises. Improved posture,
fitness levels. Hand held weights,
alignment & an increased mind-body
tubes & bands are provided for each
connection are benefits of this class.
participant.
Ballroom Dance
Learn basic moves for Fox
Trot, Waltz & Swing with Eric
& Karen. Partners
required. Four classes.
Fat Burner
This workout can be a combination of
high/low impact aerobics, STEP or
muscle conditioning. Always different,
never boring, excellent cross training.
Join us!
Step
This fun aerobic workout has a third of
the impact and twice the benefits.
Concentrating on the lower extremities
makes this class an excellent fat
burner. 1,2,3..Step!
Self Defense Kickboxing
Learn proper technique for kicks,
punches, blocks & combinations with
an emphasis on practical applications
for self-defense. This class involves
bag work, targets, stretching & abs
Kick Boxing
work. Participants are encouraged to
This workout takes the elements of
boxing and power kicking into an easy bring their own gloves.
to follow aerobic and conditioning
class. Participants are encouraged to Swing Dance
Learn turns, routines,
bring their own gloves as this class
involves bag work.
cuddle figures and exits.
Partners required. Four
classes.
New Age Conditioning
Combines yoga, movement therapy,
stretching & pilates. This class will in- Total Abs
crease core strength, spinal flexibility & 30 min. of core strength training at its
best. Concentrated abdominal work &
improve posture.
back muscle conditioning to give you
the abs look you want.
Power R.E.T.
Intervals of aerobics and conditioning. Turbo Kick
Fast paced, easy to follow and very
A fun format of kicks, punches & drills
effective fat burner. Join us, it’s fun!
both aerobic and anaerobic. Class includes bag work, along with weights &
tubes for conditioning. Participants are
encouraged to bring their own gloves.
Punch Cards
Ten “drop in”class visits,
purchased in advance,
at a discount.
$38– Adults
$28– Seniors
Yogalates
A rigorous cardio-vascular practice
that combines the formats of active
yoga and Pilates.
Summer term = 10 wks.
Begins June 23
Aerobics
42010 T/TH 5:30-6:30 PM
$58
42011 F 9:15-10:15 AM
$29
Adapted Pilates 2
42020 T 7:50-8:50 PM
$29
42021 W 7:05-8:05 AM
$29
42022 F 8:10-9:10 AM
$29
Ballroom Dance
Sunday 4:30-5:30 PM $35/couple
42030– June 22 - August 3
Fat Burner
42040 T/TH 9:30-10:30AM
$58
Kick Boxing
42050 T 5:30-6:30 PM
$29
42051 W 9:15-10:15 AM
$29
New Age Conditioning
42060 M 7:05 - 8:05 AM
$29
Power R.E.T.
42071 M 5:30-6:30 PM
$29
R.E.T.
$58
42080 T/TH 12:15-1:15 PM
42081 T/TH 6:40-7:40 PM
$58
42082 SA 9:30-10:45 AM— — $34
Step
42090 M 4:15-5:15 PM
$29
42091 T/TH 7:05-8:20 AM— — $77
42092 T/TH 6:40-7:40 PM
$58
42093 W 5:30-6:30 PM
$29
42094 F 5:30-6:30 PM
$29
42095 SA 8:15-9:15 AM
$29
Self Defense Kickboxing
42110 W 10:30-11:30 AM
$29
42111 F 10:30-11:30 AM
$29
Swing Dance
Fridays, 7:45-8:45 PM
$35/couple
42120– June 27 - August 1
Total Abs
42130 T 4:50 - 5:20 PM
$15
42131 F 4:50 - 5:20 PM
$15
Turbo Kick
42140* M 6:40-7:40 PM
$29
Yogalates
42150 M 7:45-8:45 PM
$29
42151 W 6:40-7:40 PM
$29
42152 S 12:30 -1:30 PM
$29
Photo Policy: On occasion, WCPARC
staff may take photos of participants enrolled in our programs. These photos are
for department use only and may be used
in future newsletters, flyers or display.
971-6337 www.ewashtenaw.org
Page 7
Fitness By the Day
Monday
7:05, New Life Conditioning, Marie
8:15, Senior Step, Barb M.
9:15, Senior Aerobics, Sue- Gym
10:40, Sr. Modified Exercise, Eric E.
12:15, R.E.T., Karyn
4:15, Step, Sabrina
5:30, Power R.E.T., Heather
6:40, Turbo Kick, Debbie
7:45, Yogalates, Jani
Tuesday
7:05, Step, Joanne
8:30, Senior RET, Sue- Gym
9:30, Fat Burner, Marie- Gym
10:45, Sr. Stretch Fit, Barb O.- Gym
12:15, R.E.T, Elizabeth
4:15, Total Abs, Sabrina
5:30, Kickboxing, Rob
5:30, Aerobics, Debra- Gym
6:40, Step, Noura
6:40, RET, Debra- Gym
7:45, Adptd Pilates 2, Aleksandra
Wednesday
7:05, Adapted Pilates 2, Joanne
8:15, Senior Step, Barb M.
9:15, Kickboxing, Sue
10:30, Self Defense Kickboxing, Ann
10:40, Sr. Modified Exercise, Eric E.
5:30, Step, Elizabeth
6:40, Yogalates, Jani
Thursday
7:05, Step, Joanne
8:30, Senior R.E.T, Sue9:30, Fat Burner, Marie- Gym
10:45, Sr. Stretch Fit, Barb O.- Gym
12:15, R.E.T, Elizabeth
5:30, Aerobics, Debra- Gym
6:40, Step, Noura
6:40, RET, Debra- Gym
Friday
8:10, Adptd Pilates 2, Aleksandra
9:15, Senior Aerobics, Sue- Gym
9:15, Aerobics, Eileen
10:30, Self Defense Kickboxing, Ann
4:50, Total Abs, Sabrina
5:30, Step, Marie
7:45, Ballroom Dance, Eric T.
Saturday
8:15, Step, Marie
9:30-10:45, R.E.T, Sue
12:30, Yogalates, Jani
Sunday
4:30, Swing Dance, Eric T.
Clip
and
Save!
Water Exercise
For up to the minute changes to
the class schedule, call the
Aerobic Hotline
971-6337, ext 352
The recording is changed each
morning and occasionally during
the day due to emergencies.
Punch Cards
Ten “drop in”class visits,
purchased in advance,
at a discount.
$38– Adults
$28– Seniors
Beginning
Weight Training
A 4-week class designed to teach
the principles of complete fitness
including strength training, cardiovascular conditioning & flexibility.
There are no make ups for this
class. Limited to 6 students. We
also offer a class specifically for
older adults.
Tuesdays, 5:00-6:15 pm — $51
Aqua Aerobics
Aqua Aerobics allows you to
increase and maintain aerobic
fitness without the impact or sweat
of a traditional aerobics class.
You will also spend time warming
up, cooling down, and in "floor
work" exercises. No swimming
skills required. $29 per class.
42440
42441
42442
42443
42444
42445
42446
M
T
W
W
TH
F
SA
8:00 - 9:00 PM
10:00 -11:00 AM
9:00 -10:00 AM
8:00 - 9:00 PM
10:00 -11:00 AM
9:00 -10:00 AM
9:00 -10:00 AM
Easy Toning
Designed for beginning exercisers,
older adults and others looking for
a low to moderate intensity workout, this water exercise class
focuses on upper and lower body
stretching, range of motion and
strength exercise. No swimming
skills required. $29 per class.
42430 M
42431 T
42432 TH
9:00-10:00 AM
9:00-10:00 AM
9:00-10:00 AM
Adult Swim
42160– July 1, 8, 15 and 22
Drop In Class Fee Schedule
Resident
with ID
Nonresident
or no ID
Youth
(13-17)
$5.00
$7.00
Adult
(18-61)
$5.00
$7.00
Senior
62+
$4.00
$5.00
Disabled
$4.00
$5.00
Instructional Swim
We offer two instructors and divide
into two skill levels on the first day
of class. This class is designed for
any adults who wish to learn to
swim, improve strokes or just learn
to be comfortable in the water.
Sorry, you can’t drop in on an instructional swim class. Class
meets Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00 pm
42410— July 9 - August 9 — $28
971-6337 www.ewashtenaw.org
Page 8
Youth Swim Classes
We will offer one 5-week session during the summer term. Please note
that spring term session B will end on June 28. Registration for youth swim
will only be accepted June 28 - July 8.
Register Saturday, June 28 - Tuesday, July 8
Classes meet July 9 - August 9
Class Schedule
All Classes $25
Infant Toddler
41010 SA 11:15-11:45
Pre-school 1
41020 SA 10:35-11:05
41021 SA 11:50-12:20
41022 W 10:00-10:30
41023 F 10:00-10:30
Pre-school 2
31030 SA 10:00-10:30
Young Swimmer 1
41040 SA 10:00-10:30
41041 SA 11:15-11:45
41042 SA 12:30-1:00
41043 W 10:30-11:00
41044 F 10:30-11:00
Young Swimmer 2
41050 SA 10:35-11:05
41051 SA 11:50-12:20
41052 SA 12:30-1:00
Level 2
41060 SA 10:00-10:35
41061 SA 11:15-11:50
41062 SA 11:50-12:25
Level 3
41070 SA 10:35-11:15
41071 SA 12:30-1:10
Level 4
41080 SA 11:50-12:30
Level 5 / 6
41090 SA 12:30-1:10
Children who are not 100% potty
trained are required to wear diapers
with training pants and a swimsuit.
Infant Toddler
(6 months – 2 yrs with adult)
With adult participation, infants and
toddlers learn to enjoy water activities.
Songs and games are played to teach
the children water comfort. One adult
per child.
Pre-school 1
(2-4 yrs with adult)
Through songs and games, and with
adult help, pre-school aged children
learn water comfort and simple water
skills. One adult per child.
Pre-school 2
(4-5 yrs with adult)
These children will begin to practice
Young Swimmer 1 skills. This class is
for children who aren’t ready to be in
the water without a parent. One adult
per child.
Youth swim classes sell out quickly.
We recommend you register in person
on or near the first day of registration.
Young Swimmer 1
(At least 4 yrs of age)
A great class for beginners! Children
with little or no water experience will
learn water comfort, supported
floating and kicking, and basic arm
movement.
Young Swimmer 2
(Ages 4-5)
Children already comfortable in the
water will begin to practice swimming
skills without support. Floating, kicking, front and back crawls and safety
skills will be taught.
Level 2
(At least 5 yrs of age)
Children who can float and kick on both
front and back without support begin to
complete their strokes. This class
focuses on stroke completion and
technique.
Level 3
(Must pass level 2 or Aquatic
Programmer permission)
Children will learn to combine and
coordinate basic swimming skills into
complete strokes. Rhythmic
breathing will be introduced; front and
back crawls, treading water and safety
skills will improve.
Level 4
(Must pass level 3 or Aquatic
Programmer permission)
Students improve stroke technique and
endurance. Skills taught include 25 yd.
front and back crawls, sidestroke,
breaststroke, sculling and rescue
techniques.
Level 5/6
(Must pass level 4 or Aquatic
Programmer permission) Students will
refine all strokes learned while increasing endurance and stroke efficiency.
Strokes will continue to be improved
while more distance is introduced.
Skills taught will include improvement
on all strokes plus butterfly, open turns
and rescue skills.
You may watch classes from the deck
only on the first and last day. The observation windows on the main floor
overlooking the pool are suitable for
viewing swim classes.
971-6337 www.ewashtenaw.org
Page 9
Nature Hiking at Indy Lake Park
possible to observe five species of
turtles, and wetland birds such as
rails, green herons, wood ducks,
and ospreys. Nesting platforms
have been erected in the park in
the hopes of attracting nesting pairs
of osprey, which are fish-eating
eagles that visit the park each
spring and fall. The trail then leads
to the most unique feature of the
park, the tall grass prairie. This
remnant of the pioneer days is protected from tree and shrub invasion
by a management program of prescribed burns. In addition to the
more common prairie species,
there are also many species of
Observation tower on the Prairie Trail at
orchids, gentians, and lesser
Independence Lake Park
known prairie flowers. In the fall
this prairie is an amazing sea of
If you enjoy leisure experiences on six-foot tall grass and colorful flowoutdoor trails, Independence Lake ers.
Park offers several miles of nonpaved and paved trails for hiking,
The trails travel through woodland,
biking, rollerblading, and related
prairie, and wetland, making it
physical activity, and the nature
possible for one to walk under a
trails are especially appealing.
mature red oak with red-bellied
According to Faye Stoner, Park
woodpecker calling from nearby, to
Naturalist, “Independence Lake
walk through tall-grass prairie
Park is a wonderful place for nature plants higher than your head with
observation. The variety of habitats butterflies, beetles and grasshopfound there makes for an exceppers everywhere you look. Then
tional opportunity to see a wide
on to view wetland cattails, sweet
diversity of both plant and animals flag, and tussock sedge, catching
alike.”
glimpses of water snakes and
painted turtle, if you’re observant
The main established nature trail at enough, all within a mile and a half
the park is the mile-long Prairie
of trail. It is important to note that
Nature Trail. It begins at a railed
despite all the new development at
boardwalk that takes hikers through the park, the great majority of Indethe middle of Cord Grass Marsh
pendence Lake Park’s landscape
between Little Heron and Big Heron remains natural and serene- just for
Ponds. From the boardwalk, it is
you, the chirp of the birds, and the
whisper of the breeze.
the Commission. Nature program
topics, dates and times are listed
on page four in this quarterly newsletter and the Ann Arbor Observer.
Watch for upcoming walks at Independence Lake or other County
parks or call the Commission Office
at 971-6337 for trail maps or further
information.
Ray Essel, Park Planner
Independence Lake Park
Trivia Question
When did Indy Lake Park
open to the public?
Answer found on page 12.
Service Opportunities
Cub Scouts from Pack 409 in Whitmore Lake
helped remove invasive plants from the prairie at
Independence Lake Park in April.
If you or your group are interested
in a nature-related service project
in any of the Washtenaw County
Parks, please contact Faye Stoner,
Park Naturalist 971-6337, ext 318,
or email stonerf@ewashtenaw.org
For those who would rather explore
these natural areas with a guide,
WCPARC offers regular interpretive
programming to view and learn
about the park’s natural features
and creatures. Programs are lead
by Faye Stoner, Park Naturalist for
971-6337 www.ewashtenaw.org
Page 10
Calendar, Refund Policies & Drop In Fees
Calendar of Events
Spray Zone open at Indy Park
Saturday, May 24
Water Park open at Rolling Hills
Saturday, May 24 through September 1
Memorial Day
Monday, May 26 - Recreation Center closed
Summer registration begins
Monday, June 2
Spring classes end
Saturday, June 14
Spring interim (make up week)
Sunday, June 15 - Sunday, June 22
Summer registration ends
Tuesday, June 17
Summer classes begin
Monday, June 23
Youth swim class registration only
Saturday, June 28 - Tuesday, July 8 only
Independence Day
Friday, July 4 - Rec Center closed, all parks open
Youth swim classes
July 9 - August 9
Rec Center Closed for Annual Cleaning
Monday, August 18 - Monday, September 1
Rec Center reopens
Tuesday, September 2
Fall registration begins (tentative)
Tuesday, September 2
Fall classes begin (tentative)
Monday, September 22
Class Refund Policy
Canceled by
WCPARC
or full class
Full refund
No service fee
Participant cancels
before 1st class
Subtract
$4 service fee
Participant cancels Subtract $4 service
before 2nd week of fee and $5 for ea.
class
class attended
Participant misses
class
No refunds.
You make up
during term.
Drop In Class Fee Schedule
Resident Nonwith ID
resident
or no ID
Youth
(13-17)
$5.00
$7.00
Adult
(18-61)
$5.00
$7.00
Senior 62+
$4.00
$5.00
Disabled
$4.00
$5.00
Cancellation after the first wk. of class
will be made only upon certification of a
medical disability or a letter from employer indicating transfer from the area.
Instructor changes or subs are not
grounds for refunds.
971-6337 www.ewashtenaw.org
WCPARC
Time
Fee
Mail to P O Box 8645, Ann Arbor, 48107
Total
Day
Senior (62+)
Check #
Amount
Time
Cash receipt #
Date
Signature (parents must sign for children under 18)
Staff Initials
Date
___________________________________________________________________
Waiver: I attest that I am/my child is physically capable of participating in the above pr
ograms for which I have registered and hereby release WCPARC from any responsibility
whatsoever for personal injuries, damages, or loss of equipment resulting from participation.
Checks payable to:
Adult (18-61)
Class Title
Youth (3-17)
Please double check your registration form for
accuracy. Registration cannot be processed if
payment is incorrect. We do not accept credit
cards for payment at this time.
We will contact you only if there is a
problem with your registration.
Class #
Circle one:
Emergency Name and Phone ________________________________
Home Ph _____________________Work Ph ____________________
Address _________________________________________________
Name _________________________________________ __________
WCPARC Registration Form
Please use one form per person. The form may be copied.
Page 11
Sign Me Up!
Register in Person:
At the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center
2960 Washtenaw at Platt
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Building Hours:
Monday – Friday, 7 AM- 10 PM
Saturday, 8 AM – 6 PM
Sunday, Noon – 10 PM
By Mail:
Mail your completed form(s) with check to:
WCPARC
P.O. Box 8645
Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8645
Youth Swim Registration
June 28 - July 8 only
Page 12
Washtenaw County Parks and
Recreation Commission
David Rutledge - President
Janice Anschuetz - Vice President
Robert W. Marans - Secretary
Janis Bobrin
Jimmie Maggard
Nelson K. Meade
Patricia Scribner
Rolland Sizemore
Fred Veigel
Joe Yekulis
Robert L. Tetens - Director
The Robert Gamble Group Center at Indy Lake Park includes
a playground, private beach, restrooms and seating for 480.
Coming Attractions
The fall newsletter will feature Parker Mill, an operational grist
mill, built in the 1870’s that is maintained by WCPARC. Public
tours, including demonstrations of the workings of the mill, are
scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays in the fall beginning on
September 20. Times TBA.
Administrative Offices
2230 Platt Road
P.O. Box 8645
Ann Arbor, MI 48108-8645
TEL (734) 971-6337
FAX (734) 971-6386
www.ewashtenaw.org
Answer to question on page 9:
July 13, 1980
Attention Postmaster: Please deliver by May 31, 2003.
Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
Indoors Outdoors
Summer 2003
PRE-SORT
STANDARD
US POSTAGE PAID
ANN ARBOR MI
PERMIT 111