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*A2 City News October 2025 Community Newsletter* "10/01/2025"



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*The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Michigan
OCTOBER 2025 • Volume 19 • Number 10*

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leaves [ [link removed] ]

Seasonal leaf collection in A2 begins Oct. 6 with expanded options

The City of Ann Arbor is expanding services to help residents manage their seasonal leaves for 2025. Between Monday, Oct. 6, and Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, the number of bags that can be left at the curb for collection will increase. In addition, unlimited leaf drop off will begin to be accepted at the Ann Arbor compost facility, from residents or their landscapers, and free wood chips will be made available at three locations around the city.

Yard bag limit expansion

Beginning on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, residents may set out 20 paper yard bags per collection day instead of the normal limit of 10. Individual bags must not exceed 50 pounds. Residents are also encouraged to use compost carts for leaves.

Unlimited drop off for leaves

The Ann Arbor compost facility, 4170 Platt Road, will accept unlimited leaf drop offs from residents or their landscapers beginning Oct. 6 for the fall 2025 season. The facility, operated by WeCare Denali, is normally open weekdays 7 a.m.–4 p.m. To drop off, visitors must provide verification of Ann Arbor residency. Leaves from properties outside the city of Ann Arbor do not qualify for this free service.

Dealing with yard material at home

There are options other than paper yard bags and compost carts to make use of leaves, branches and other material from your yard (see more [ [link removed] ]). Some options include:


* Use a mulching mower to feed grass clippings and leaves back into your lawn. 
* Use mulched leaves to cover flower beds in winter.
* Create your own compost pile with tips from Washtenaw County’s composting page [ [link removed] ], which covers setup, maintenance and even how to become a master composter. 
* Plenty of other resources are also available online.
* Consider creating a dead-wood garden with limbs and branches you might otherwise discard. Even an old holiday tree could be used. These gardens not only fertilize the underlying soil, but they also become homes for beneficial insects, birds and fungi.

Free wood chips

The City of Ann Arbor has made free wood chips available to residents at three locations around the city. Residents are required to load and haul away the material themselves. The wood chips will be available until November or while supplies last. Locations for free wood chip pickup include:


* Veterans Memorial Park, 2150 Jackson Ave.
* Bicentennial Park (formerly Southeast Area Park), 2901 East Ellsworth Road
* Gallup Park boat launch, 3000 Fuller Road (boat launch entrance off Geddes Road)

No leaf burning

Burning leaves produces particulate matter which can be harmful. Michigan and City of Ann Arbor law make it illegal to burn leaves within the city limits.

More information about wood chips, fall leaves and all things compost is available at www.a2gov.org/compost [ [link removed] ].



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Public Works & Solid Waste Open House 2025 Flyer [ [link removed] ]

Touch a truck + more at the Public Works & Solid Waste Open House Oct. 25

Kids and adults of all ages are invited to the Ann Arbor Public Works & Solid Waste Open House [ [link removed] ] (PDF) Saturday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., 4251 Stone School Road. The family-friendly event will include:


* Paint a city snowplow
* Touch a truck and operate a solid waste truck!
* Fix a water main break and clogged sewer
* Tour the salt dome
* Create a craft & much more

This FREE open house is designed to give a behind-the-scenes look at city operations — such as forestry, street maintenance, solid waste/compost/recycling and utilities — in a fun and interesting way. Mark your calendars and come by for this must-attend event!



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I Voted sticker collage [ [link removed] ]

Special Election is Nov. 4

A Special Election [ [link removed] ] will be held in Ann Arbor Tuesday, Nov. 4, with polling places open on Election Day 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Here are some notes to know now:


* Ballot proposal: Washtenaw Intermediate School District Area Career and Technical Education Proposal
* Do you need to register to vote in Ann Arbor? Check your voter registration status, and if you're not already, find out how to register online (and when to do so by!) through the Michigan Voter Information Center [ [link removed] ]. City residents can also submit a voter registration form by mail, email, fax or in-person at the Ann Arbor City Clerk's office [ [link removed] ]. 
* The Ann Arbor City Clerk’s office will have extended office hours leading up to Election Day.
* Wednesday, Oct. 29–Friday, Oct. 31: 8 a.m.–7 p.m.
* Saturday, Nov. 1: 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
* Sunday, Nov. 2: 9 a.m.–7 p.m. p.m.
* Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4: 7 a.m.–8 p.m.

* For voters not wanting to wait for Election Day to cast their ballot, early voting [ [link removed] ] will again be open daily at four sites in the city Wednesday, Oct. 29, through Sunday, Nov. 2 — *Larcom City Hall*, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | *Traverwood Library Branch*, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. | *Malletts Creek Library Branch*, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. | *Westgate Library Branch*, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
* Absentee voting [ [link removed] ] is another alternative to casting a ballot at the polls on Election Day. Voting absentee is also referred to as voting by mail or voting at home. Learn more [ [link removed] ]!

And, as always, the Ann Arbor City Clerk’s office is happy to answer your questions! Reach out during regular business hours, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–noon —and— 1–5 p.m., at 734.794.6140 or [email protected].



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Fire Safety Week 2025 Lithium-ion Batteries Safety [ [link removed] ]

National Fire Prevention Week™

The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA) has declared Oct. 5–11, 2025, Fire Prevention Week [ [link removed] ]™ [ [link removed] ] (FPW) to raise awareness and educate on fire-safety and prevention topics. This year, FPW focuses on the theme of, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-ion Batteries in Your Home,” highlighting how to use lithium-ion batteries safely, with an emphasis on buying, charging and recycling them safely.

In addition, the Ann Arbor Fire Department [ [link removed] ] offers safety tips, as many devices we use every day [ [link removed] ] (PDF) are powered by lithium-ion batteries. This includes —

What to do:

* If possible, charge your device outside.
* Keep your batteries and device at room temperature.
* Plug your device charger directly into a wall outlet.

What NOT to do:

* Do not charge your device near exits and points of egress, including your apartment door, bedrooms door, and windows (particularly near a window with a fire escape).
* Do not charge your device in your bedroom.
* Do not charge your device on any surface other than the floor.
* Do not place your battery or charge in direct sunlight.
* Do not charge using an extension cord.


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Construction barrels [ [link removed] ]
Road closures for Probility Ann Arbor Marathon

Some streets in the city will be temporarily closed Sunday, Oct. 12, for the Probility Ann Arbor Marathon [ [link removed] ]. Streets will reopen as soon as early as safely possible after participants have cleared the areas. Motorists should plan to avoid the event route area. Visit the marathon online for routes and details [ [link removed] ], as well as the city roads and lane closures webpage [ [link removed] ] (closer to the event).  



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Ann Arbor Municipal Center Lights [ [link removed] ]

Ann Arbor awarded grant to advance Sustainable Energy Utility

In November 2024, Ann Arbor residents overwhelmingly (79%) voted to create the Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU), a supplemental, opt-in, fee-based utility authorized to provide renewable energy, beneficial electrification and energy efficiency services to entities within Ann Arbor. And now, the City of Ann Arbor is announcing the SEU has won a competitive grant for $250,000 from the Municipal Investment Fund (MIF) to support foundational activities, including building a public-private partnership plan; educating and connecting with potential vendors and contractors; beginning rate design; and more.

The first of its kind nationally, the SEU will help Ann Arbor residents, businesses and other institutions have access to clean, affordable, local, resilient and reliable energy.

The SEU recently welcomed its first executive director [ [link removed] ], Shoshannah Lenski, in August. The strategic plan is being developed; and exploratory activities surrounding permitting, legal and design components related to launching the SEU are underway as well. The MIF grant provides crucial, early-stage funding for this foundational work.

Read more about this substantial award [ [link removed] ]! 

Do you want to learn more and stay informed about the SEU? Stay in the loop by subscribing [ [link removed] ] to regular updates right to your inbox! 

"Photo credit: Quinn Evans Architects and Photographer James Haefner"



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Safe Streets for All Oct. 7, 2025, Meeting [ [link removed] ]

Attend a Safe Streets for All meeting Oct. 7

Join City of Ann Arbor Engineering Tuesday, Oct. 7, 4–7 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library Mallets Creek Branch to learn more about Safe Streets for All (SS4A). Ask questions, enjoy free snacks and get a free t-shirt. Visit the SS4A project page for details [ [link removed] ].



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2025 Transportation Survey [ [link removed] ]

Share input in the 2025 Ann Arbor Transportation Survey

How do you get around Ann Arbor? What works well — and what doesn’t work so well for you? The 2025 Transportation Survey [ [link removed] ] is open through Oct. 31, and your feedback will help shape the future of moving around the city. 

This annual survey supports Ann Arbor’s Vision Zero goals to make the transportation system safer, more accessible and better for everyone. Your input will help track progress and guide improvements over the next four years.

Relay input on how you travel and where improvements are needed, before the survey closes Oct. 31, 2025.



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Indigenous Peoples Day

Indigenous Peoples Day

City of Ann Arbor municipal offices, including the customer service center at Larcom City Hall and the 15th Judicial District Court at the Ann Arbor Justice Center, will be closed Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, for Indigenous Peoples Day. Safety services and utility operations will maintain 24-hour schedules. Curbside trash, recycling and compost service will also continue without interruption.



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Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Halloween 2025 [ [link removed] ]

Fall fun in the parks

Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation [ [link removed] ] is offering multiple ways to stay active in autumn and to extend your Halloween celebrations! Don’t be afraid to check out these opportunities and special events …

Find your local fall harvest favorites at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market [ [link removed] ], 315 Detroit St. The market is open 7 a.m.–3 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays through Dec. 24. And don't miss the final Food Truck Rally of the season after hours at the market, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 5–9 p.m., featuring food trucks and carts, and local pop-ups plus live music.

Welcome inside, swimmers [ [link removed] ]! Mack Indoor Pool is open for the 2025–26 season. The fall schedule includes times for masters swim, public swim (with lap lanes), lap swim (only), women’s swim, plus private and group lessons — registration is going on now. Go online for details. 

Skating and hockey are back [ [link removed] ]! Veterans Memorial Indoor Ice Arena (2150 Jackson Ave.) features open skating for all ages and abilities, with rentals available and attentive staff for a safe experience. 

For the holiday …

*Sunday, Oct. 12, noon–4 p.m. —* Don't miss the popular Trick-or-Treat on the River [ [link removed] ] at Gallup Park Canoe Livery, 3000 Fuller Road. Spend the afternoon enjoying the haunting fall beauty of the Huron River while trick-or-treating by canoe or kayak. Just hop in a boat (rental fee is $25 per boat) and visit stations on the river for a treat at each stop. Keep an eye out for ducks, swamp monsters, witches and pirates on your adventure on the river! Feel free to dress up, bring a bag for your candy and your own water bottle. There are also games/activities on land. No preregistration required. All ages welcome, but children must be 1 year or older. Call 734.794.6240 on the day of the event for a recorded, event/weather-status message or go online for day-of updates. 

*Sunday, Oct. 19, 1–6 p.m. —* Buhr Park Boo Bash will be a day packed full of free treats, tricks and fun you won't want to miss! The whole family will enjoy the silent disco, photo booth, craft stations, inflatables, spooky trivia, face painting, plus contests for *pumpkin carving and decorating [ [link removed] ], costumes and *pie baking [ [link removed] ]. Register for *contests by Oct. 17; there are brackets for age groups and awards at stake. Buhr Boo Bash [ [link removed] ], 2751 Packard Road, will also feature food trucks and seasonal artisan vendors — so make a day of it! Do you want to know what else? *Cobblestone Farm Association Harvest Festival will also take place on site, noon–4 p.m.!* Enjoy craft demonstrations, traditional and vintage lawn games and tours of the restored 1844 Ticknor-Campbell farmhouse at this living-history harvest festival. A trick-or-treat scavenger hunt will take place at the farmhouse, log cabin and outdoors, with live music performed by traditional Irish musicians. Free (donations appreciated).

*Wednesday, Oct. 29 —* Celebrate Halloween at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market [ [link removed] ]! There will be treats, games and pumpkin fun! Activities will begin at 9 a.m. (315 Detroit St.). 

*Saturday, Nov. 1, 7–8:30 p.m. —* Get ready for chills and thrills on the ice with hauntingly fun music and a costume contest. Join the fun at Veterans Memorial Indoor Ice Arena Spooky Skate [ [link removed] ], 2150 Jackson Ave. General admission rates apply. 



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Halloween generic

Halloween trick-or-treat tips + times

For participating residents, Halloween trick-or-treating will take place in Ann Arbor neighborhoods 5–8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31. As a safety reminder, adults should supervise their trick-or-treaters, and children should stay in neighborhoods that are well lit and familiar to help keep this holiday fright free and full of fun. Michigan Medicine also provides tips for a safer Halloween [ [link removed] ], including treat smarts, street smarts and costume cautions.



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Barton-Bandemer Pedestrian Tunnel - September 2025 Progress [ [link removed] ]

Coming soon: Grand opening of Barton-Bandemer Pedestrian Tunnel

Border to Border Trail users and Bandemer Park and Barton Nature Area visitors have been patiently waiting ... and that patience will very soon pay off! The Barton Bandemer Tunnel project [ [link removed] ] is entering the homestretch, with the tunnel’s official October grand-opening date announcement coming any day now.

In the meantime, it’s crucial that NO ONE ENTERS the work zone as sectioned off by fencing and other barriers — even if the gates are open. Although the project may look complete and usable, it is not ready and, more importantly, it is NOT YET SAFE for use, and only authorized personnel are permitted.

Stay tuned [ [link removed] ] for the exciting grand opening news! Thank you for your continued patience (it won’t be long now!). 



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Bicentennial Park Splash Pad Project

Bicentennial Park splash pad

Construction is underway on Ann Arbor’s first universal-access splash pad at Bicentennial Park [ [link removed] ]. Once completed, this will be a space where families of all abilities can play together. Fewer than $400,000 remain to close the funding gap. Every gift helps bring this one-of-a-kind amenity to life. Learn more about this exciting project and also about ways to donate [ [link removed] ].



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Elevate Liberty Plaza Mural 2025 [ [link removed] ]

New mural ‘Elevates’ Liberty Plaza

The Ann Arbor Art Center (A2AC) recently caught up with artist, C. Stanley Creative, who transformed over 30 walls of Liberty Plaza in downtown Ann Arbor. Hear the artist's vision, see the vibrant murals in the video [ [link removed] ] ... then, head to Liberty Plaza to experience for yourself! This is the second installation in the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority’s Elevate program [ [link removed] ], a public art and placemaking initiative in partnership with Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation and the A2AC as a key partner and collaborator.



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CTN October 2025 [ [link removed] ]

CTN highlights

A round of applause goes to Ann Arbor Community Television Network (CTN), which has earned several honors in the annual, multi-state competition, Philo Festival of Media Arts Awards! Presented by the Alliance for Community Media – Central States Region, the Philo Awards recognize excellence in public, educational and government access (PEG) TV. More than 130 entries from Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana as well as Michigan were submitted for consideration. Congratulations to the talented and dedicated CTN staff! Learn more and find out how to watch the winning entries!

Check out CTN’s, current, wide range of programs available to watch online now as well, including:

CTN Promo — Water Resource and Recovery Facility Open House [link removed]

CTN Sports — Saline @ Pioneer Football and Halftime Show, Sept. 12 [link removed]

CTN Sports — Saline @ Pioneer Field Hockey, Sept. 8 [link removed]

CTN Sports — Huron @ Pioneer Football and Halftime Show, Sept. 26 [link removed]

CTN Sports — Pioneer @ Skyline Field Hockey, Sept. 29 [link removed]

CTN Sports Promo — Don’t miss a game!  [link removed]

FYI — Mayor Christopher Taylor discusses living sustainably and the 2025 A2ZERO Green Fair; visit the Harvest Festival at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market; and tour Leslie Woods Nature Area [link removed]

FYI — Scott Robbert with the Irreverent Warriors explains the Detroit Silkies Hike; combatting mental health through humor and camaraderie for veterans, reserves, and active military personnel on Aug. 30; go Over the Edge with Friends in Deed; and explore Fuller Park [link removed]

FYI — Charlie Engelman, the viral sensation behind Odd Animal Specimens; Applied Intuition’s expansion in Ann Arbor; and get back to school safety tips from the AAPD 00:00 Applied Intuition [link removed]

FYI — Attorney with Michigan Auto Law, Jordan Ewald, shares essential ways to safely share the roads with school buses; get details on Bicentennial Park and ways the community can support the parks exciting renovation; and get moving with Bikeapalooza.  [link removed]  

FYI —Sarah Miller and Chad Wiebesick with Destination Ann Arbor share how Washtenaw County welcomes all regardless of physical abilities; LGBTQ+ Michigan historical marker at Larcom City Hall; and explore Furstenberg Nature Area. [link removed]

Green Light — Michelle Bennett, city planner, and Missy Stults, director of sustainability and innovations for the City of Ann Arbor, discuss the city's comprehensive land use plan. [link removed]

LGBTQ+ Michigan Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony — [link removed]

Park Peek — Furstenberg Nature Area [link removed]

Park Peek — Leslie Wood Nature Area [link removed]

Park Peek — Burns Park [link removed]

Park Peek — Leslie Woods Nature Area [link removed]

Senior Moments — Fitness instructor Mark A. Harris demonstrates light exercise routines by using a stability ball and explains how these exercise movements are beneficial to maintaining health and safety. [link removed]

Senior Moments — Ann Arbor artist Michele Robb shares her journey into the unique world of gourd art. She discusses what gourd art is, how she creates her intricate pieces and showcases her beautifully crafted work. [link removed]



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Best in Governance Award 2025 [ [link removed] ]

Best in Governance Award

The City of Ann Arbor has been honored as a Top Performer in the Best in Governance Awards for Education, Arts and Culture [ [link removed] ], presented by Polco. The Best in Governance Awards program honors communities for both resident experience and measurable outcomes. These prestigious awards highlight local governments that stand out as the most effective, innovative and community-centered across the country.



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Sister City Signage - Lubny 2025

Sister City signage

Ann Arbor signage has recently been updated to include newest Sister City, Lubny, Ukraine. Signs are located on State Street north of Ellsworth, Plymouth Road west of US-23 and Platt Road north of I-94.



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Sept. 27, 2025, Concert at Michigan Stadium - AAFD-AAPD Image Collage [ [link removed] ]

Working in concert: Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, Michigan Stadium at the University of Michigan hosted its first concert ever, which also happened to be the biggest concert in U.S. history, with more than 112,400 ticket holders in attendance. While Zach Bryan and John Mayer headlined the event, hundreds of other, perhaps, lesser-known “VIPs” worked, nonstop, behind the scenes to ensure a smooth, orderly and safe event. Thank you to all who kept city residents, students, workers, visitors and performers happy, entertained and, most of all, secure, including Ann Arbor Emergency Management, Fire and Police departments.

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"A2 City News is emailed monthly to newsletter subscribers [ [link removed] ] from the City of Ann Arbor [ [link removed] ]."
"Comments or questions <[email protected]> about this publication are welcomed."








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