Events in Ada

Ada Parks & Recreation Department

Program Offerings - Fall 2008

 

Ada Township Parks & Recreation Department:

Office located in Ada Park, 1180 Buttrick Ave, Ada, MI 49301

Mailing address: P.O. Box 370, 7330, Thornapple River Dr., Ada, MI 49301

Phone: 616-676-0520 fax: 616-676-5870 e-mail:
adaparks@ada.mi.us
web site: www.ada.mi.us

 

Mission: "To provide all community members with diverse recreational opportunities including access to premier natural, historical and cultural areas that enhance our quality of life and inspire the preservation of nature."

 

Ada Township Parks:

Ada Park & Locke Arboretum 1180 Buttrick Ave., 57 acres

Softball & soccer fields, tennis courts, basketball court, playground, fishing pond, trails, picnic tables, grills, pavilion, gazebos, Les Craig Learning Center and the Bud Locke Arboretum.

Leonard Field & Ada Covered Bridge 7490 Thornapple River Drive, 2 acres

Softball field, bike path, river overlook deck, Ada Covered Bridge.

Grand River Natural Area
Grand River Drive SE, enter via Ada Park or McGraw Park , 110 acres

Nature area, trails, bike path, woodlands, wetlands, Grand River.

Roselle Park     1010 Grand River Dr. NE, 247 acres

Bike path, trails, picnic area, observation decks, natural areas, wetlands, prairie, forests, wildlife, river shore.

Observation silo open dawn to dusk – call Park office to set time for access to silo observation deck.

 

For your information:

Park Hours: Park grounds are open to the public dawn to dusk. Park office open daily 9-5.

Dog Policy: Township ordinances require dogs to be on a leash and cleaned up after in all parks.

Shelter & Gazebo Reservations: Ada Park, available April through October. Contact the Park office.

Athletic Field Reservations:     Area leagues use the ball fields in Ada Park and Leonard Field throughout the playing season. For use times or to reserve one, contact the Park office.

E-News: Are you interested in receiving newsletters or announcements from the Ada Parks & Recreation Department via e-mail? If so, send a request to: adaparks@ada.mi.us

 

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Special Events:

 

River Clean-Up Day        Saturday, September 27      8:30 a.m. -12:00

All along the Thornapple River and Grand River volunteers will be removing trash and debris from the shores and in our rivers. This event is in partnership with the Thornapple River Watershed Council and the West Michigan Environmental Action Council. Ada Township volunteers will meet at Leonard Field Park and Covered bridge between 8:30 and 9:00 am for an orientation and supplies then head out to designated sites along the rivers. Individuals or groups are welcome to help out but must pre- register with the Ada Township Parks office by Wednesday, September 24. To sign up or for more information contact:

Ada Township Parks & Recreation Department 616-676-0520 adaparks@ada.mi.us

Thornapple River Watershed Council      269-948-8056 ext 117 dstrouse @thornapple river.org

West Michigan Environmental Action Council 616-451-3051ex 25
kklomp@wmeac.org

 

Roselle Park Open House and River Festival Saturday, October 4 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Come out and enjoy Ada Township's new Roselle Park! See how the development of this unique restoration project is coming along and enjoy the new park facilities.

Special activities set for the day will include:

*Exhibits and displays by local river conservation and history organizations.

*Live Music            *Hands-on and discovery activities for kids

*Wagon Rides            *Special Presentations

*Bike paths opens            *Guided Hikes

*Snacks available            *Free admission

Ada Parks & Recreation Programs – Fall 2008 P. 2

 

Lectures and Special Speakers

 

The Grand:   Rivers of Michigan Series    by author Kit Lane

Wednesday, September 24, 2008         7:00 p.m.     Averill Museum      No fee

Hosted by the Ada Historical Society and held at the Averill Museum at 7144 Headley St. in Ada.

Kit Lane, author of more than 20 books on Michigan History, will speak about her new book, The Grand. It is the second book of the Rivers of Michigan Series. Kit will discuss the longest and most historic river in the State of Michigan with a mile-by-mile survey discussing interesting history and sights along the way. There is no fee for this event but Kit may have books for sale.

For information call 616-676-9346 or email: adahistoricalsociety@gmail.com

 

Bats of the World
    Saturday, October 18        4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Ada Park Learning Center                $5/adult, $3/youth

Reservations are required since space is limited. Call ahead: 616-676-0520.

A special presentation by the Organization for Bat Conservation (www.obc.org) with live bats and an exciting multimedia presentation about bats from around the world. Learn about the benefits of these fascinating creatures, their unique adaptations, sound waves, ecosystems, food webs, conservation and world geography. Live bats to be shown including local brown bats, large fruit bats and a "Flying Fox" with a 4-foot wingspans!

 

Planning and Certifying your Backyard Habitat

Two presentation times: 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 23

Ada Park Learning Center             $4.00/adult

Pre-registration by phone or e-mail appreciated, pay at event.

Presentation will focus on methods for developing and enhancing habitats on your property for wildlife as well as the certification process for the National Wildlife Federation's Backyard Habitat Program. Open to residential landowners, schools and businesses. More details about NWF is available at: www.nwf.org.

Participants will receive materials to certify their property with the NWF.

 

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Walks with a Naturalist        Times & Days vary     $3/adults $2/youth.

Guided outings by Park Naturalists in the Township Parks. Dress for the weather of the day.

Pre-registration is appreciated by calling 676-0520 or email. Pay on site.

 

3 Parks in 1 Hike        Thursday, October 9     9:00 a.m.    Ada Park

This walk will start in Ada Park, follow the bike path through the Grand River Natural Area and end up at the McGraw Park to view the Grand River. Walking on the bike path, about 1 ½ miles.

 

The Back Trails of Roselle    Thursday, November 6     10:00 a.m.     Roselle Park

This hike will leave the paved paths to explore north section of the park including a visit to the Fen on site. Walking on the bike path, dirt trails and open fields (rough terrain) about 2 ½ miles.

 

Full Moon Night Hike    Thursday, November 13     7:00 p.m.    Roselle Park

Come dressed for a cool hike through Roselle Park by the light of the moon. Silo observation deck open as well. Walking on the bike path, about 1 ½ miles.

 

 

River City Wild Ones meeting & workshop     Monday, October 20 7:00 p.m.     Ada Park

River City Wild Ones, a group dedicated to the preservation of native plants and education programs about them will hold its October meeting and program at Ada Park at 7:00 p.m., Monday, October 20.

The topic will be on sowing wildflower seeds and presented by Julie Frankie of the Meijer Gardens.

Pre-registration is required through the River City Wild Ones: 616-233-0833, rivercitywildones@gmail.com.

Ada Parks & Recreation Programs – Youth Programs P.3

 

Schools Based Programs – Field Trips, Rentals, Service Learning

*Field Trips: K-12 Environmental and Outdoor Education Field Trips are available at Ada Park & Arboretum, Leonard Field and Covered Bridge and the new Roselle Park. These are naturalist guided, outdoor programs, 1-2 hours in length, tailored to your curriculum needs. Themes may include ecology, adaptations, plants, trees, wildlife, rivers, wetlands and others. There is a fee of $2/student. Contact the Park office for details and to schedule events.

*Rentals: Ada Park has shelter rentals available for self-guided programs by schools. $15-$25.

*Service Learning Projects are available, usually without a fee.

*Outreach programs into schools or other properties are set up by individual requests.

 

Boy and Girl Scout Programs:

*Badge work in the Parks: Guided and instructed programs are available for Scouts after school,

some evenings and occasional weekends. Contact the Park office to discuss details on your groups

needs, program options, set up a time, and fees.

*Rentals: Ada Park has shelter facilities available for self-guided programs by Scout groups.

*Service and Conservation Projects: A variety of projects are available for Scouts ranging from

conservation work to facility improvement to helping with education and recreation programs. No fee.

Other Youth Groups:

*Contact the Park office for facility use, guided program opportunities or volunteer service projects.

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Junior Naturalist         Ages 8-12    Dates vary    4:00 – 5:30 p.m.     $4/youth*

Each event with special presentations, hands-on activities, games and outings. Pre-registration requested & guardian contact information form required.

*Fantastic Fall Fishing        Thursday, September 25        Ada Park

*Terrific Trees            Thursday, October 16        Ada Park

*Who are you calling a Turkey?    Thursday, November 6        Ada Park

 

Terrific Tuesdays     Ages 3-5     Dates vary    10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon $4/youth*

Pre-Schoolers bring your parent for a fun morning of nature study, hands-on activities and a craft.

Pre-registration requested by calling 676-0520 or email adaparks@ada.mi.us.

*Be A Nature Detective        Tuesday, September 30        Ada Park

*Trick or be a Treat!            Tuesday, October 21        Ada Park

*Amazing Animal Adaptations    Tuesday, November 4        Ada Park

 

"Halloween Happenings"

 

It's a Hoot! - Pre-Halloween Fun Day         Ages 6-12        Ada Park

Saturday, October 25        10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon        $4.00/youth*

Join in a series of fun activities to put you in the spirit of fall harvest and Halloween fun. From playing games like bobbing-for-apples, to taking a hike to look for creepy creatures, to painting mini-pumpkins to playing themed games. Parents welcome to stay to help or drop off kids.

 

Halloween Pumpkin Carving Contest     Ages 12 and under     Averill Historical Museum

Drop off - Thursday, October 30, 3:00 - 5:30 p.m. Awards - Friday, October 31, 7:00 p.m.

Drop off your carved pumpkins and Jack-o-Lantern creations to the Averill Historical Museum on Thursday, October 30 between 3:00 and 5:30 for display and judging. Awards will be given for the "funniest," "scariest" and "most creative" pumpkins at 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 31.

 

Trick or Treat             Ada Township Fire Station

Friday, October 31            6:00 – 7:00 p.m.        Free

Stop by the Ada Fire Station Halloween evening for their unique Tricks & Treats event.

 

*Ada Township residents receive $1.00 off the fee of these programs.

(Don't miss the Bats on October 18! – See P.2 for details)

Ada Parks & Recreation Programs P. 4

 

For the Health of It!

 

Yoga for Nature Lovers        Wednesdays, Sept. 24 – Oct. 29     9:00 - 10:00 am

Instructor: Melissa Gaudette.     Ada Park        Fee of $70 for the 6 session program.

Pre-registration is required by contacting the Ada Park office by Monday, Sept. 22^nd.

Start your week with yoga in beautiful Ada Park !   We will meet outdoors (weather permitting) or we'll use the multi purpose room in the park office building (next to the tennis courts).  All levels welcome.  Please bring a yoga mat.  Enjoy the park before or after yoga to walk, bike or run for a complete work-out experience.

 
 

Pickleball at Ada Park        Mondays & Wednesdays     Ada Park

Pickle-Ball is a hybrid of badminton, tennis and table-tennis, played with wooden paddles and a perforated plastic ball on a tennis court with the playing court smaller. Tennis Court #1 at Ada Park is reserved on Monday and Wednesday afternoons & evenings for adults to enjoy this fun game. Newcomers are welcome. No fees.

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Averill Historical Museum of Ada

Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 – 4:00 PM or by appointment.

On Headley St. across from the Ada Post Office.

For membership, to volunteer or other information call 616-676-9346

or email: adahistoricalsociety@gmail.com
www.hsmichigan.org/ada/museum

 

The Ada Farmer's Market

Located at the Averill Museum and Barn

Open Fridays until October 31^st

11:00 am - 3:00 pm.

 

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Ada and Cascade Township's Fall Trash Collection Day

Saturday, October 18        8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Leonard Field parking lot for "Shred-It" paper recycling and Salvation Army donations.

Kent County Road Commission Fase Street facility for all other items.

 

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Volunteer Opportunities:

Ada Parks & Recreation Department is recruiting Volunteers to assist in the following areas:

Grounds, gardeners, odd jobs, trail monitors, habitat stewards, program instructors, clerical.

Contact the Park office at 676-0502 to apply or attend one of the following work days:

Upcoming Volunteer Work days –

 

Tuesday, September 23, from 9 – 11 a.m. at Ada Park. We will remove woody plants from the Prairie Fen and work on the Woodland Garden and Backyard Habitat areas.

 

Saturday, September 27, from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. River Clean-up. Join us for a morning of cleaning up the banks of the beautiful Thornapple and Grand Rivers. Meet at Leonard Field for donuts and coffee and then head to near-by river access points for clean-up duties.

 

Saturday, October 4, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Roselle Park Open House and Riverfest. Be a part of the first annual Riverfest. Help is needed with set-up and clean-up, information tables, host, parking, snacks, youth activities and guided nature walks.

 

Tuesday, October 7, from 9 – 11 a.m. at Roselle Park. We will prepare the Rain Gardens for the winter and work on the NWF Backyard Habitat demonstration site.