Veterans Memorial Park Pool and Ice Arena

Sticks and Pucks

Sticks and pucks at Veterans Memorial is a public session open to all ages and all skill levels. This unstructured ice time provides an opportunity for hockey players to focus on individual skill development. Sessions are limited to 40 skaters to maintain a safe environment for everyone on the ice. Parents are welcome to join their child on the ice.

• Skates, sticks and helmets required for anyone on the ice, USA Hockey's full equipment guidelines recommended.
• All pucks provided by the ice rink must be returned to the front desk at the conclusion of each session.
• No goalies allowed during this time.
• No "pick-up" games allowed.
• No checking, rough housing or slapshots.
• Skate trainers are not allowed for use during this time.

**Rink only provides rental skates, nets and pucks

Admission Fees

Adult: $8
Youth/Senior: $7
Skate Rental:​ $3
** Ice Skating Punch Passes are not valid for Sticks & Pucks admission

Schedule

Sundays: 2:40-3:40 p.m.

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Hockey Leagues

Adult Competitive B and C Leagues will be playing Sundays starting September 15th, 2:40 p.m.-11:50 p.m., with occasional games on Thursdays.

Draft League Hockey

Recreational hockey for adult players who have not played in organized leagues, male or female. No checking is allowed, with an emphasis on fun. Fee is $225 per player for a full season, and a new jersey fee of $27. Goalies are free! Every player must register with USA Hockey. 15 game seasons playing Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

For more information reach out to Veteran's Memorial Staff at vetspark@a2gov.org.

Past Masters Hockey

Past Masters skate for players 55 and over. This non-contact session is perfect for skaters looking to maintain their skills and enjoy friendly competition. Full hockey equipment is required. Join us to stay active, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and prove that the love of the game never fades.

Schedule

Thursdays 9:30-10:50 a.m.

Birthday Parties

Want to have your birthday party at the rink with all your friends? We are now hosting parties during our Saturday and Sunday public skates.
Party times: Skate 1-2:30 p.m. You get the party room from 12:30-3 p.m. Meeting room has seating for up to 35 people.

You can bring in whatever food and drink that you like. We have refrigerator and freezer storage capabilities as well. Cost: $100 (paid at reservation); $6 for each skater, skates included (counted and collected the day of). Book online or call the rink at 734.794.6235.

Meeting Room Rental

The Veterans Memorial Park meeting room is available to rent year-round. The room is approximately 360 square feet with a 65" TV, speakers, connections for laptops, video and other portable devices. The room features seven tables (6 feet x 2.5 feet) and 35 chairs. Fees are $40/per hour, resident; and $50/per hour, nonresident (one-hour minimum rental). For inquiries, please reach out to the general email box, vetspark@a2gov.org

Registration and class dates

Registration for Sessions 3 and 4 will open December 2nd at 8 a.m.

Session 3 Skating Lessons run January 27th to March 22nd.

Session 4 Skating Lessons run March 24th to May 3rd.

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Ice Explorers

Age Group: Children 2.5 - 3.5 years old

Duration: 30 minutes per class

Description: Ice Explorers is an introductory program designed to prepare young children for our Kinderskate program. This class eases children into the ice skating experience through a structured approach:

First 3 weeks: Off-ice classes

Focus on developing foundational skills that will ease the transition to on-ice activities.

Remaining weeks: On-ice classes

Apply and build upon the skills learned off-ice.

Requirements:

• Helmets
• Gloves

This program serves as an ideal stepping stone for children before they enter the Kinderskate program, allowing them to become comfortable with ice-related activities in a gradual, age-appropriate manner.

Kinderskate

Age Group: 3.5 to 6 years old

Duration: 45 minutes per class (30 minutes instruction + 15 minutes circle time where parents can join (skate rental $1))

Description: Kinderskate is designed for preschool-aged children with no prior skating experience. This program helps young skaters develop preliminary coordination and strength on the ice while building confidence in skating and themselves.

Key Features:

• Four progressive levels
• Fun and games for an enjoyable, memorable experience
• Works with Snowplow Sam badges

Equipment Requirements:

• Helmets are required
• Snow pants and gloves recommended
• No double runners or adjustable skates allowed

This introductory class provides a positive and structured environment for young children to begin their skating journey.

Beginner Skating

Age Group: 6-15 years old

Experience Level: No prior experience necessary

Description: This program builds a strong foundation for new skaters, allowing them to explore the world of skating at their own pace. The curriculum is divided into two main stages:

1. Active Start:
• Encourages skaters to replace hesitation with excitement
• Fosters a love for skating
2. FUNdamentals:
   • Agility
   • Balance
   • Coordination
   • Speed
• Focuses on developing key skills:

Class Coverage: Basic badges 1-3

Equipment Requirements:

• Helmets are required
• Gloves are required

This program provides a structured and enjoyable environment for beginners to master essential skating skills, setting the stage for further advancement in various skating disciplines.

Advanced

Description: This advanced class is designed for skaters who have mastered the fundamentals and are ready to progress to more complex skills. The curriculum covers badges Basic 4 and up, focusing on three key areas:

1. Skating Skills
2. Spins
3. Jumps

Program Structure: The class is divided into these three sections to ensure a comprehensive development of figure skating abilities. This structured approach provides skaters with a strong foundation in all essential aspects of the sport.

Progression: Upon completing this level, skaters will have the skills and knowledge to choose their path in figure skating:

• Recreational skating
• Competitive figure skating

This class serves as a crucial steppingstone for those looking to advance their skating abilities and potentially pursue figure skating at a higher level.

Beginner Hockey Skills

Description: This program focuses on teaching the essential skills of hockey skating, emphasizing proper techniques with and without the use of pucks.

Skaters will learn:

• Basic hockey stance
• Stride technique
• Knee bend
• Other crucial fundamentals for hockey success

Goal: To develop more proficient and agile skaters on the ice.

Prerequisites:

• Skill level equivalent or higher than Learn to Skate Basic Badge Level 2
• Skaters must provide their own hockey stick and helmet

This class is designed to build a strong foundation in hockey-specific skating skills, preparing participants for future hockey training and gameplay.

Adult Instructional

Age Group: 16 and older

Skill Level: All abilities welcome

Description: This inclusive skating program is designed to accommodate adult skaters of all skill levels, from complete beginners to more experienced skaters looking to refine their techniques. Whether you're stepping onto the ice for the first time or aiming to perfect your skills, our class provides a supportive and engaging environment for adult learners.

Key Features:

• Personalized instruction to match individual skill levels
• Focus on both fundamental and advanced skating techniques
• Opportunity to progress at your own pace
• Supportive atmosphere for adult learners

Safety:

• Helmets are required for beginners
• Helmets are highly encouraged for all participants, regardless of skill level

Whether you're skating for fitness, social enjoyment, or personal challenge, this class offers a great opportunity to develop your skating abilities in a fun, adult-oriented setting.

Join us to experience the joy of skating, improve your skills, and meet fellow adult skating enthusiasts!

Adult Hockey Skills Clinic

Whether you're looking to improve your game or get back on the ice, this adult hockey skills clinic is perfect for players of all levels. Our experienced coaches will focus on:

• Skating techniques and power
• Puck handling and control
• Passing and receiving
• Shooting accuracy and power
• Positional play and game strategy

Sessions combine drills, and personalized feedback to help you elevate your performance. Suitable for beginners to intermediate players aged 16+. Full hockey gear required.

Join us to enhance your skills, build confidence, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow adult players!

Youth Hockey Skills Clinic

Give your young hockey player the edge they need to excel on the ice! Our Youth Hockey Skills Clinic is designed for players aged 4-16 who want to improve their game and have fun doing it.

Our experienced coaches will focus on:

• Foundational skating skills
• Stick handling and puck control
• Passing and receiving techniques
• Shooting fundamentals
• Basic offensive and defensive strategies
• Teamwork and sportsmanship

Through a mix of engaging drills, and games players will develop their skills in a supportive environment. We cater to all skill levels.

Full hockey gear required. Join us to watch your child's confidence and abilities grow both on and off the ice!

Please reach out to Veteran's Memorial Staff if you have any questions regarding ice skating lessons this upcoming season!

​General Information

If your child is not toilet trained, please have them wear a swim diaper or waterproof pants. For your safety and comfort, smoking, alcohol, glass containers and inflatable toys are prohibited. The City of Ann Arbor's four pools offer a variety of programs for all experience levels. This includes swim team, swim lessons as well as lap and public open swim times. There are also a wide range of rental opportunities at each facility for personal or business use. We do not allow outside swim instruction or coaching.

Deep End Testing

All children under the age of 12 must pass a deep end test to swim in the deep end. Deep end testing will be available at scheduled times throughout the day.  

Adult Swim

During open swimming, 10 minutes prior to every hour will be adult swim only. This is a great time to have children use the restroom, take a break, drink water, and reapply sunscreen. There will not be adult swim 10 minutes prior to the pool closing.

Tunes at Two

Swim, relax and jam! We plan to play music daily from 2-4 p.m.​

City of Ann Arbor Public Pool Rules

• All swimmers must take a shower before entering the pool.
• Everyone must wear a clean bathing suit with liner to enter the water.
• No running or horseplay.
• All children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by someone age 16 or older.
• All children under the age of 12 must pass a deep end test in order to swim in the deep end.
• Inflatables are not allowed in the pool (balls are permitted). All flotation devices must be U.S. Coast Guard approved.
• Diving is permitted only in the deep end of the pool. No flips, spin jumps, or back dives are allowed.
• No smoking.
• Snorkels, masks, fins, kickboards, and pull buoys are for lap swimming only.
• The City of Ann Arbor is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
• The wading pool is for children ages 7 and under accompanied by a parent or guardian. Parents and/or guardians must actively supervise their children.
• No glass containers are permitted within the pool area.
• The consumption of alcohol prior to or while visiting the pool is prohibited.
• Persons with infections, a communicable disease, or open skin irritations are not allowed in the pool.
• No spitting or otherwise polluting the pool.
• No pets are allowed on the pool deck.
• No animals are allowed in the pool.
• All food waste must be disposed of in garbage cans.

Weather Policy

We close for thunder and lightning and reopen when weather permits. No refunds are given for inclement weather. Swim lessons continue rain or shine.

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Youth Swim Lessons

Session 1 Group Swim Lesson Registration will open May 1 at 8a.m.

Schedule:

Swim Levels:

GUPPIES

This program helps toddlers ages 1 to 3 years old and their parent or adult to become comfortable in the water and to learn skills needed for continued comfort and enjoyment in the water.

GOLDFISH

A class for 3 and 4 your old swimmers who are just starting off. Swimmers will be in the water with only the instructor and will work on getting comfortable in the pool and some important basic skills.

MINNOWS

This class will work on building the basic skills in the water. Your 5 and 6 year old beginner swimmers will work towards more independence in the water. They will be challenged to float and move through the water on their own.

DOLPHINS

Fundamental aquatic skills for those who can fully submerge their head, float independently, blow bubbles and feel comfortable in the water.

MAKO SHARKS

Beginning stroke development for those who can push off the side, flutter kick on back/front with arm actions and float on their front and back comfortably.

HAMMERHEAD SHARKS

Intermediate stroke development for those who can swim front and back crawl for 10 yards, demonstrate elementary backstroke and enter deep water comfortably.

TIGER SHARKS

Full stroke development for those who can swim front crawl for 15 yards with rotary breathing, swim backstroke for 15 yards and tread water for at least 30 seconds

Private Swim Lessons

Individual swim instruction is for swimmers ages 3 to adult, each private lesson is 30-minutes long and customized to meet the needs of the swimming participant. Private lessons are for one participant only. Fee: Half hour $22 resident; $30 nonresident.

Ann Arbor Octopods Swim Team

Join the Ann Arbor Octopods Swim Team!

The Ann Arbor Octopods Swim Team is a fun and competitive program for swimmers ages 5–17. With four sessions throughout the year, swimmers can continue to develop their skills and enjoy the sport year-round. Registration is required for each session.

During the fall, winter, and spring, practices are held at Mack Indoor Pool, and the team competes in the SMSL league. In the summer, training moves outdoors to Buhr and Vet’s pools, where the team competes in the WISC league.

To join the team, swimmers must be able to swim one length of the pool using front crawl. Whether you're looking to build confidence, refine your strokes, or race in competitions, the Octopods provide a great opportunity to grow as a swimmer while being part of a team!

Team Contact Information

Have questions or want to talk to a coach? Contact us at octopods@a2gov.org

Birthday Parties

​Interested in having a birthday party at Veteran's Memorial Outdoor Pool? We allow birthday parties on a first come first serve basis. Space on the pool deck cannot be reserved. We do have an indoor meeting room that is available to rent out for birthday parties though. Reach out to staff for further information, or to schedule a birthday party!

To learn more, call 734.794.6235 or email vetspark@a2gov.org