A game of pond hockey adds to the fun at a neighborhood skating party in Greenview Park

Andrew Turner l Contributor

The cold temperature didn't stop the fun as local residents gathered for a neighborhood skating party at the pond in Greenview Park Sunday afternoon.

The event was sponsored by The Friends of Greenview and Pioneer Nature Areas, a community based nonprofit organization that helps maintain the area’s trails and meadows. And though winter doesn’t allow for much preservation work to be done, it does provide another unique opportunity.

“It’s a chance for the community to have a little fun together,” said Don Wortman, event organizer and vice president of The Friends.

Families gathered at the pond to ice skate and play pond hockey. Between shifts on the ice, skaters were treated to hot chocolate and donuts provided by The Friends.

Getting the pond ready to skate on was no small task after all the snow the area received last week. Wortman, along with his snowblower, and other shovel-wielding helpers worked periodically throughout the week to clear the pond. What they found underneath the snow was a surprisingly smooth surface.

“This is the best the ice on the pond has ever been,” said Stephen Graham, a former board of directors member for The Friends. Other people in attendance agreed.

While the skating party offered families a chance to get together, it also gave The Friends of Greenview and Pioneer Nature Areas an opportunity to connect with community members who are interested in helping with the work they do.

Ice skaters take advantage of a surprisingly smooth pond.

Andrew Turner l Contributor

Much of the 44 acres that make up the Greenview and Pioneer Nature Areas are owned by the Ann Arbor Public School District and are managed by the city. According to Wortman, The Friends work with the city to play a vital role in the area's preservation, with tree planting, trail maintenance, invasive species removal and other projects.

“It’s becoming more important for The Friends to step up, with budget cuts in the city,” Wortman said.

The Friends recently received a $7,000 grant from the Ann Arbor Branch of the Woman’s National Farm & Garden Association for work they are planning in the spring. They intend to use the money on a meadow restoration project near the pond aimed at getting rid of invasive plant species and replacing them with native vegetation.

More information about The Friends of Greenview and Pioneer Nature Areas can be found at their website: http://www.friendsofgreenview.org/.

Andrew Turner is an intern for the Community Team at AnnArbor.com. Contact the staff at community@annarbor.com.