Ann Arbor Veterans Day Free Activities And Community Events
Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation offers complimentary recreational activities for military veterans and active service members during Veterans Day. These offerings include free skating, swimming, and golf at specific city facilities. Additionally, various community organizations in the Washtenaw County area host free ceremonies, concerts, and events to honor veterans.
Free Recreational Activities for Veterans
Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation provides complimentary access to recreational facilities for active and retired military veterans. The specific activities, locations, and hours vary depending on the source and date of the information provided.
Skating and Ice Arena Access
Veterans can access free ice skating and skate rentals at two primary locations, though the schedules differ between sources.
- Veterans Memorial Park Indoor Ice Arena (2150 Jackson Ave.):
- According to one source, free skating is available between 10:30 p.m. (start time ambiguous) and 10:30 p.m.
- A second source specifies open skating and free skate rental from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Arena (2751 Packard Rd.):
- One source lists free skating between 2:45 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., and again between 7:00 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.
- Another source lists open skating and free skate rental from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., noting that this is weather-dependent.
Operational Updates: A bulletin regarding park activities noted that due to warm temperatures, the Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Arena would not open on a specific weekend. The tentative opening date was rescheduled for Thursday, Nov. 14. This information is subject to change and is updated via the city's website and social media channels.
Swimming
Free swimming is available at the Mack Indoor Pool, located at 715 Brooks St. inside Ann Arbor Open School. * Hours: Free open swim is available from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Golf
Complimentary golf and golf cart rentals are available at Huron Hills Golf Course, located at 3465 E. Huron River Dr. * Availability: Free rounds are available all day on the specified date. * Booking: Participants are advised to book in advance by phone (734.794.6246) or online. Veteran status must be indicated when checking in at the clubhouse.
Community Events and Ceremonies
Several local organizations host free events and ceremonies to honor veterans. These events include concerts, educational programs, and memorial services.
Leslie Science & Nature Center
The center hosts a Veterans Day event at 2:00 p.m. at 1831 Traver Road, Ann Arbor. The event includes a program honoring veterans, photo opportunities with a bald eagle, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for new accessible pathways and an eagle enclosure. Admission is free.
Dexter Community Band
The Dexter Community Band performs a Veterans Day Concert at 3:00 p.m. at the Dexter Center for the Performing Arts (Dexter High School, 2200 N. Parker at Shield). The volunteer ensemble performs a program of patriotic music, including "A New Birth of Freedom" with a narration of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, "American Salute," "Liberty Fanfare," "God Bless the U.S.A.," the "Armed Forces Salute," and two Sousa marches. Admission is free.
Saline New Horizons Band
The Saline New Horizons Band offers a Veterans Tribute Concert at 4:00 p.m. at the Saline Middle School Auditorium (7190 N. Maple). The band is joined by the men’s chorus Measure for Measure for a program of patriotic music. Admission is free.
Milan Veterans Day Ceremony
A ceremony takes place at 1:30 p.m. at Wilson Park in Milan. The event features contributions from citizens, organizations, and church groups. It includes the presentation of new names engraved on the Veterans Wall of Honor. Admission is free.
St. Andrew's United Church of Christ (Dexter)
The church hosts a service at 10:00 a.m. at 7610 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Veterans and active service members are honored guests. The ceremony includes the presentation of flags for each military branch accompanied by their respective anthems, a presentation of the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag, patriotic hymns, and a message. "Taps" is played at the close of the service, followed by a reception.
Concordia University Veterans Day Celebration
Concordia University hosts a celebration from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 4090 Geddes, Ann Arbor. The event includes patriotic music performances by the Concordia Choir and Band, flag presentations, a chapel service, and lunch with a speaker from Selfridge Air National Guard Base. Admission is free.
Veterans Administration Ann Arbor Healthcare System
The VAAAHS presents its annual Veterans Day Program at 9:30 a.m. at the VA Ann Arbor Medical Center (Circle Drive), 2215 Fuller Road. The event includes participation from Governor Rick Snyder, U.S. Rep John D. Dingell, Major General Gregory Vadnais, and a Coast Guard rescue helicopter flyover, along with the VAAAHS and the University of Michigan Tri-Service ROTC.
Additional Offers and Discounts
Dining and Retail Discounts
Various restaurants and retailers offer deals and discounts to veterans on Veterans Day. A comprehensive roundup of these offers is available at militarybenefits.info/veterans-day-discounts-sales-deals-free-meals/.
Entertainment
The Michigan Theater offers free admission to all veterans and active-duty service members.
City Services and Leaf Collection
Ann Arbor municipal offices, including the customer service center and the 15th Judicial District Court, are closed for Veterans Day. However, trash, compost, and recycling curbside collection services continue without interruption. Safety services and utility operations maintain 24-hour schedules.
Expanded fall leaf services conclude on Friday, Dec. 12. This expansion includes an increase in the number of bags allowed at the curb for collection (up to 20), unlimited leaf drop-off at the Ann Arbor compost facility, and free wood chips available at four locations around the city.
Park Volunteer Opportunities and New Facilities
The city offers fall volunteer opportunities through the GIVE 365 program. Volunteers can participate in events such as an adopter-led workday at Graydon Park, which may include raking leaves, trimming plant material, and litter pickup. Tools and supplies are provided.
A new pop-up dog park is scheduled for a grand opening on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will include free giveaways (while supplies last) and a photo backdrop.
Farmers Market
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market is open on Saturday, Nov. 9, and Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 315 Detroit Street.
Conclusion
Ann Arbor and the surrounding Washtenaw County area provide a variety of free activities and events for veterans during the Veterans Day period. These include specific recreational passes for skating, swimming, and golf offered by the city's Parks & Recreation department, as well as numerous community-hosted concerts, ceremonies, and educational programs. Veterans are encouraged to check specific event details and booking requirements, such as the requirement to book golf rounds in advance and indicate veteran status upon arrival.
Sources
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