Free “Skate Day” for Ypsi kids celebrates end of school year

On the Ground Ypsilanti is an “embedded journalism” program covering the city and township of Ypsilanti. It is supported by Ann Arbor SPARK, the Center for Health and Research Transformation, Destination Ann Arbor, Eastern Michigan University, Engage @ EMU, Washtenaw Community College, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, and Washtenaw ISD.

Ypsilanti’s Corner Health Center is inviting local youth to celebrate the end of the school year and the beginning of summer by enjoying free roller-skating at the inaugural Ypsi Skate Night. The free community event is designed to get young people moving, connected, and excited about the months ahead.

Hosted by Corner Health Center in partnership with several local institutions such as Ypsilanti Community Schools and Ypsilanti District Library, Ypsi Skate Night will bring youth and families together at Rollers Skate Park, 19750 Sumpter Rd. in Belleville, on June 4 from 5-8 p.m.

Ashley Anderson, Corner Health Center’s director of programs, says the event is intended to recognize young people for making it through another school year while connecting them with resources and opportunities available throughout the community.

“My hope is that this is something that the youth in Ypsilanti can look forward to every year,” she says.

The event grew out of Corner Health Center’s Healthy Youth Healthy Futures program, which provides nutrition and movement opportunities for local youth. Anderson says organizers were looking for a way to celebrate students while encouraging physical activity and community engagement.

“We were thinking of ways for youth to get out there, move, have fun, and celebrate the end of the school year,” Anderson says. “There’s a lot of focus on absenteeism and test scores, but they made it to the end of the school year. We should celebrate and let students know we’re proud of our kids.”

In addition to skating, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with a variety of youth-serving organizations. Community partners including Elevate Youth Corps, Community Leadership Revolution, Washtenaw My Brothers Keeper, and other organizations will host informational tables highlighting summer activities, programs, and resources available to local families.

“Once they check in, they can expect good music, good vibes, and information about things happening throughout the summer,” Anderson says. “It’s really about helping young people have a good time while learning about opportunities available to them.”

Anderson and other organizers expect a strong turnout. The rink’s capacity is limited to 300 participants, and registrations have continued to increase in the weeks leading up to the event. Although Ypsilanti does not have its own skating rink, Anderson says organizers selected the Belleville location to provide a unique experience while ensuring transportation assistance is available for those who need it.

“Our heart is for Ypsi, but all are welcome,” Anderson says. “It’s good for youth to see that this community loves them, that their teachers love them, that their parents love them, and that adults throughout the community care about them.”

Attendees are asked to RSVP here to receive free admission and skate rental.

“I always said that when I had the opportunity to do something like this, I wanted to do something special for our kids,” Anderson says. “We just want to kick off the summer and let young people know that this community is celebrating them.”