By Barb Pert Templeton
The Ira Township Parks and Recreation Department will offer special classes and programs for all ages at the Ira Township Municipal Park this summer.
Ira Township Parks and Recreation Director Cindy Babisz said they’ve been offering special summer programs regularly, since 2020. The weather is the main reason this summer’s program schedule is busier.
This year’s schedule includes the following:
USA Explore Archery
USA Archery Level II – with Certified Archery Instructor, Amber Trombley.
There are two age groups offered this year:
Class “A”: 5 to 7-year-olds – 5:00 to 5:45 p.m.
Class “B”: 8 to 16-year-olds – 6:00 to 7 p.m.
Dates are: July 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th
Cost: $60 per child. No credit for missed days.
Pre-registration is required to participate.
Trail Tuesdays, that invites the public to drop by the park to take a walk along the park trails together.
Parents will need to complete a registration waiver available at Ira Township Offices,
7085 Meldrum Road. Open Monday through Thursday, 7a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed for lunch,
From 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Seashell Art
Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Ira Township Hall, 7085 Meldrum Road, 48023
Pre-registration Required. Choice of project(s) upon registration.
Held at Ira Township Hall adjacent to the park.
Cost: $25 per Project. Limit three projects per person.
Register at Ira Township Offices, 7085 Meldrum Road, Monday through
Thursday, 7a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed 12pm – 1pm Lunch).
Trail Tuesdays at the Park
Drop-In Program on Tuesdays from 1 to 2 p.m.
Light Trail walking at Ira Township Park. Participants are encouraged to bring a snack, water, and weather appropriate clothing.
All Ages are welcome. Meet up at the pavilion.
Paint Like Bob Ross
This class will be offered on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Ira Township Hall. create an amazing landscape learning Bob Ross technique.
Ted Simpson, a Certified Bob Ross Instructor, will provide all the supplies. Everyone goes home with a complete painting and no experience is needed. Ted teaches all over Michigan and provides fun and informative lesson.
Contact Ted Simpson directly to register or ask questions at (248)622-9053.
Ira Township Municipal Park has two sets of walking trails.
Go to Ted’s website to register directly with QR Code.
Cost is $75.00 per person. Only pre-registered participants will be allowed in class.
Blue Water Healthy Living caught up with Ira Township Parks and Recreation Director Cindy Babisz to find out more about the summer program.
Blue Water Healthy Living: What are some of the programs the township has offered over the last few years?
Ira Park and Recreation Director Cindy Babisz: We have hosted nature heroes, archery, volleyball and music in the park. Amber Trombley is trying out some drop-in programs this year. Mom and Me at the park was successful and I anticipate Trail Tuesdays to be even more popular.
BWHL: Do those that register have to live in the township? If not, is there a fee for non-residents?
Babisz: Residents and nonresidents are welcome. We do not charge nonresident fees for programs and events.
BWHL: What programs are new to this schedule this year?
Babisz: Trail Tuesdays is new.
BWHL: Do the programs generally fill up fast as far as registration goes?
Babisz: USA Archery can fill up fast and there is a limit as to the number of students per class.
BWHL: How many students can each class accommodate?
Babisz: USA Archery has a maximum of 12. Seashell Art will have maximum of 20.
BWHL: How do you decide which programs to offer?
Babisz: I review new ideas and suggestions. I have a substantial list and history to draw from.
BWHL: Archery, seashell art and a painting option – were these classes requested by the community or is it more about scheduling with the instructors?
Babisz: Our community loves the Arts and Craft classes. I am always looking for new class options. Then I check with instructor options.
BWHL: Is Trail Tuesdays a new program on the summer calendar and what date does it begin?
Babisz: Yes, this is new and Amber has started this program.
BWHL: What’s the distance that trail Tuesdays will cover? Does the park trail have signs marking the foliage or critters that inhabit it?
Babisz: The Ira trail has two options, the upper and lower trail. There are no signs. However, Amber has a degree in Wildlife, Environmental and Fish.
BWHL: Can you share some of the other amenities the park offers should someone want to stay on there after attending a program?
Babisz: We have large and small pavilions, volleyball court, basketball court, pickleball courts, gaga pit and two new playscapes.
Ira Township Municipal Park is located at 7085 Meldrum Road in Ira Township.
