We got several more months of frigid winter weather left in the Mitten State, what are you going to do about it?
It’s time to throw off the heavy blankets, turn off the TV, and (safely) head for the great outdoors to take advantage of all Metro Detroit has to offer while supporting the local economy.
Below are several ways to participate in winter events locally and, for the youth, options to enroll in sports for the approaching spring season now.
Party at Valade
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s Valade Park is already the go-to destination on the riverfront this season. Each weekend, visitors are welcome to head over there and see the sights while warming up by oversized outdoor fires, enjoying hot seasonal alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, making s’mores on custom marshmallow roasters, sledding from the Sled Shed and more.
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy helps visitors embrace winter by extending its riverfront programming year-round. Through socially distanced fun, the riverfront provides a place of seasonal rest for the community, according to its website.
Winter at Valade hours is every Friday 4 to 9 p.m., now through February 27. Free parking is available in lots near the park. Coming up on Friday, January 28 to Sunday, January 30, the Conservancy is hosting a Winter around the World event with international food trucks, curling demos and a kid’s parade. At the special parade, children are invited to walk around the park waving flags or wearing apparel representing their heritage. All weekend there will be live music from Detroit artists celebrating other cultures.
- Feb. 11 – Feb 13 — Motown Love: Live music, Riverfront Carriage Rides, Date night in the park.
- Feb. 25 – Feb 27 — Mardi Gras at Valade: Second Line Band, mask making, Creole-inspired cuisine and drinks.
Get Lost at the WinterFest
Berkley’s own WinterFest is on tap from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 5, at the Berkley Community Center, 2400 Robina Ave in Berkley.
Hosted by the Berkley Parks & Recreation, attendees can take part in this free family-friendly outside event that features s’mores, ice skating, bounce houses, ice sculptures, a petting farm and lots more winter fun. For more information, find the Berkely Parks & Recreation page on Facebook.
Kicking Things Off Right
Think it’s too early to get a head start on summer activities for the kids? Think again.
he City of Detroit Parks & Recreation Division recently announced that registration is open for Detroit Youth Soccer League. In its third year, the soccer league is open for ages 3-14. The spring season is April 23 to June 5, 2022. Registration cost is $35 which includes uniforms and shin guards. The Division is encouraging people to register quickly at detrotimi.gov/soccer as spaces fill up fast.
“Detroit Youth Soccer League has been wildly successful with more than 2,000 participants last year,” said Keith Flournoy, deputy director, Detroit Parks & Recreation in a press release. “We have expanded our age group to allow for both youth and teens up to 14 to get exposed to soccer as a sport.”
As Detroit Parks and Recreation has continued investment in multi-sport fields at its parks. This season will be played at the recently renovated O’Hair Park and Rouge and Lasky Park. Youth and teens who join Detroit Youth Soccer League will have an opportunity to learn how to play soccer, stay active, enjoy the outdoors, learn teamwork and, most of all, have fun. In addition to soccer, the multi-sport fields can be used for most outdoor sports.
For more information, visit www.detroitmi.gov/soccer or call 313-224-1100.
R.J. Johns, a life coach who is helping his clients fight pandemic fatigue, told the Michigan Chronicle previously that stimulating our minds and bodies to do meaningful things including going outside is vital.
“It is very important that during this pandemic we keep up mental health and fight pandemic fatigue,” he said, adding that people were created to be relational beings and it is important to consider speaking with someone equipped to help them find the help they need to gain greater success throughout their life. “Only when we go in healed and whole do things start to work better.”
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