outdoor activities

July is National Park and Recreation Month, and as Washtenaw County honors its 200th anniversary, its park system—which celebrated its own 50th anniversary in 2023—is showcasing how public spaces serve as vital community infrastructure rather than just places for leisure. Rhonda Bouma is Deputy Director of Operations for the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission. She joined Rebekah Warren to talk about what the county's park service has achieved and what it has planned for the future.

As part of its bicentennial celebration, Washtenaw County is holding a free youth rodeo on Friday. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

A new facility is making a splash in one of Ann Arbor’s parks with the city’s first splash pad opening to the public. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

Westside Art Hop is Ann Arbor’s quirkiest art fair and takes place tomorrow, Saturday June 13th through Sunday June 14th. Art Hop showcases the work of local and regional artists on Ann Arbor’s Old West Side in a fun, friendly, and fabulously accessible way. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor talks to Caitlin Boyce-Jensen about the unique art event.

Organizers are proudly reflecting on the growth of "Peacenic Ypsi," an annual community picnic intended to build bridges between residents and law enforcement, as its third year approaches. This year's event takes place on Saturday, June 13th at Ypsilanti's West Willow Park. Lee Van Roth talks about this summer event with Peacenic Ypsi founder Pastor Joseph Jackson.

The pool at Veterans Memorial Park in Ann Arbor reopened today and will serve as a welcome oasis from the scorching summer heat. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.

The playground at Ann Arbor’s Fuller Park will soon be completely replaced following a series of community engagement discussions. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

The Ann Arbor Police Department is advancing its community policing efforts by increasing its presence around the downtown area. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

Local dog owners can now take their furry companions to Olson Dog Park after the City of Ann Arbor recently opened it to the public. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

The Ann Arbor City Council has approved a $1.7 million budget to upgrade two parks on the west side of town. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.