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Veterans Memorial Park and Buhr Park Ice Arenas Resume Limited Operations

UPDATE 1/25/21: Buhr Park Ice Arena open skating & rental reservations currently sold out. Should additional spots open, announcements will be posted on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ann-Arbor-Parks-Recreation/101194286129 & Twitter @A2Parks

Archived News Release: January 19, 2021 - ​Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation is announcing registration is underway for session 2 of its instructional skating programs at Veterans Memorial Park Indoor Ice Arena and Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Arena will resume open skating on Thursday, Jan. 21. These limited operations adhere to the current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services orders. Parks staff will continue to evaluate operations as new orders are issued. 

Veterans Memorial opens for lessons beginning Wednesday, Jan. 20. Visit http://www.a2gov.org/parksregister to sign up for classes and www.a2gov.org/vets for COVID-19 information and guidelines participants are encouraged to read before visiting. Session 2 runs Wednesday, Jan. 20-Saturday, March 6. The cost is $54, resident; $72 nonresident. Veterans Memorial will also be offering private, non-hockey rental opportunities for $250 per hour. Please contact Recreation Supervisor Bill Meeks at [email protected] for more information.

Instructional skat​​​ing resumes at Veterans Memorial Park Ice Arena, 2150 Jackson Ave.

Snow Plo​​w Sam
Preschool-age skaters develop preliminary coordination and strength to move around on the ice. The introductory classes are divided into four progressive levels for kids with no prior skating experience to build confidence in skating and themselves. Fun and games make this positive experience for your kids enjoyable and memorable. Ages 3½-6. No double runners. Helmets are required. Wednesdays, 11-11:45 a.m., and Saturdays, 9-9:45 a.m.

Due to COVID restrictions, skaters must be able to stand up independently as instructors will be hands off. Masks must be worn at all times and only one guest per skater is allowed in the facility. USFSA membership not required, and badges will not be issued.

Basic​​ Skills

Skating forms a strong foundation for your skaters to explore the world of skating. All will progress at their own pace working toward mastering each skill. Active Start encourages skaters to trade in hesitation for excitement as they grow a love for skating. FUNdamentals harness those skills as agility, balance, coordination and speed become the main focus of this curriculum. Ages 6-15. No experience necessary. Class will cover badges Basic 1-3. Helmets are required. Fridays, 5-5:45 p.m. and 6:15-7 p.m., and Saturdays, 10:15-11 a.m., and 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Fre​​​estyle

Skating levels are divided into three sections: skating skills, spins and jumps. The levels are designed to give skaters a strong foundation, and it is at this point the skater can choose to pursue a recreational or competitive approach to the sport of figure skating. Fridays, 5-5:45 p.m. and 6:15-7 p.m., and Saturdays, 10:15-11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.- 12:15 p.m.

Adu​lt

Ages 16 and older. All levels of ability. Helmets are required for beginners. Fridays, 6:15-7 p.m.

Open skating avai​​​lable at Buhr Park Ice Arena, 2751 Packard Road

Beginning Thursday, Jan. 21, you can preregister for open skating at Burh Park. Online registration begins Wednesday, Jan. 20 (www.a2gov.org/parksregister).

Timeslot​​s include:

Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m.; Fridays, 7:15-8:15 p.m.; Saturdays, 2-3 p.m.; and Sundays, 3:45-4:45 p.m.

Preregistration is encouraged as space is limited. Skate rental is also available. Face coverings are required at all times while at Buhr Park including outdoors and on the ice. Please remain 6 feet apart from others outside your household.

Buhr Park Ice Arena is also be available for small group and family rentals. Options are available to rent half of the ice rink or the entire ice rink. Please contact Recreation Supervisor Sarah Stewart at [email protected] for more information.

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Media Contact Information

Josh Landefeld
Parks and Recreation Deputy Manager
[email protected]


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