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Parks & Recreation Commission
Parks and Recreation merged with the Arts Commission in August of 2023 to form the Parks and Arts Commission.
Agendas & Minutes
Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
Mission
The Parks and Recreation Commission is appointed by City Council to ensure recreational programs and opportunities are afforded all citizens, by encouraging public-private partnerships between the City, local businesses, organizations, neighborhoods, Washtenaw County, and neighboring townships and by encouraging volunteerism. The goal of the Parks and Recreation Commission is to seek sustainable alternatives and methods for making recreational programming available to the citizens of the City of Ypsilanti.
- Adopt-A-Park Program
- Parks & Facilities
- Recreation Programs
- Pavilion Rentals
- Recreation Facility Rentals
- Partnerships & Promotions
Adopt-A-Park Program
The Adopt-A-Park program was developed to encourage neighbors, community groups, local businesses, and service clubs to dig in to help keep our community’s Parks and Recreation system vibrant. From larger community-wide parks that host major events, to neighborhood pocket parks and tot lots, this public green space in our community is a major asset of our City and used by a diversity of residents.
Lean more about the Adopt-A-Park program and adopt a park today!
Parks & Facilities
The City of Ypsilanti has a variety of public parks and facilities. They provide residents with recreational opportunities, sports, playgrounds, festivals, fishing, gardening, and fitness classes. For a map and detailed listing of all park amenities, click here
Recreation Programming
Recreation programs and services are offered in partnership with the following organizations
Rutherford Pool - 975 North Congress St Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Ypsilanti Senior Center - 1015 North Congress St. Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Ypsilanti Township Recreation & Parks - 2025 E. Clark Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48198
Parkridge Community Center - 591 Armstrong St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation - 2960 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Ann Arbor YMCA Ypsilanti Programs - 400 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Pavilion Rentals
Pavilions may be reserved for special events on an hourly basis (two hour minimum). Pavilions that can be reserved are located in Candy Cane Park, Parkridge Park, Peninsular Park, Prospect Park, and Recreation Park, and Waterworks Park. The Gazebo at Riverside Park can also be reserved. To request a pavilion please complete the request form below
Recreation Facility Rentals
If you’re looking for a great space to host a birthday party, baby shower, wedding, graduation party, company function or any gathering or meeting, the City of Ypsilanti has multiple recreation facilities to meet your needs
Ypsilanti Senior Center - The facility is perfect for family reunions, parties, showers, and receptions; community classes; club meetings; and the services of faith-based organizations. To rent the Senior Center or for more information click here. The Senior Center is owned by the City of Ypsilanti, and operated by the Ypsilanti Senior Center, a registered 501c3 non-profit organization.
Ypsilanti Freighthouse - The facility provides an environmentally sound gathering place for recreation, celebration, arts, education and local activities.To rent the Freighthouse or for more information click here. The Freighthouse is proudly owned and operated by the City of Ypsilanti.
Rutherford Pool - The facility is available for rental at times that the Pool is not normally scheduled for programming. The Pool is not able to be rented after dark due to safety issues. To rent Rutherford Pool or for more information click here. The Rutherford Pool is owned by the City of Ypsilanti, and operated by the Friends of Rutherford Pool, a registered 501c3 non-profit organization.
Partnerships & Promotions
Detroit Zoo Discounted Tickets
We are excited to announce that City of Ypsilanti Parks & Recreation has joined the Detroit Zoo’s TICKETS & MORE Online Discount program!. You may now buy specially priced tickets for the Detroit Zoo online with the added convenience of printing your tickets and then presenting them at the Zoo entrance. Simply visit our exclusive Detroit Zoo Tickets & More Discount Online Ticket Store in either of the following two ways: 1: Click here for the discounted tickets store. 2: Go direct to the online store 24/7 from any computer at: https://tickets.detroitzoo.org and enter the exclusive store name password: YPSIPARKS. Purchasing tickets has never been easier! We hope you and your family enjoy the Detroit Zoo this season!
Cedar Point Discounted Tickets
The City of Ypsilanti Parks & Recreation is teaming up with Cedar Point to provide discounted ticket opportunities for park entrance at Cedar Point in 2019. It is now easier than ever to get your tickets through the online web store set up for Ypsilanti. To get your tickets click here and enter the Ypsilanti store login information.
Username - CPYPSILANTI Password - ypsilanti
Michigan Adventure Discounted Tickets
The City of Ypsilanti Parks & Recreation is teaming up with Michigan Adventure to provide discounted ticket opportunities for park entrance at Michigan Adventure in 2019. It is now easier than ever to get your tickets through the online web store set up for Ypsilanti To get your tickets click here and enter the Ypsilanti store login information.
Username - YPSILANTIPAR Password - 48197GONDOLA
Park Special Events
View the Calendar of Public Events here!
Communications & Contact Info
To stay to up to date on parks and recreation events, programs, and park amenities, like City of Ypsilanti Parks and Recreation on Facebook.
Questions or comments, contact the Parks & Recreation Commission at: parks@cityofypsilantimi.com
Professional Certification
The Parks & Recreation Commission is proud to have member(s) of the Commission that are Certified Parks & Recreation Professional’s. The Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification is the national standard for all parks and recreation professionals who want to be at the forefront of the profession. Attaining the CPRP designation shows that those professionals have met education and experience qualifications, and illustrates their commitment to the profession as well as their knowledge and understanding of key concepts within parks and recreation.
Helpful Documents
- Parks and Recreation Commissioner Description of Duties
- Parks and Recreation Commission Rules of Procedure and Bylaws
- Parks and Recreation Master Plan (2020, no appendices)
- Chapter 78: Parks and Public Property as adopted Oct 2021
- Resolution Certifying July at Parks and Recreation Month
- PRC calendar of meetings 2023
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Bonnie Wessler
DPS DirectorPhone: 734-483-1421