There are presently about 17 active neighborhood associations in the city of Ypsilanti. (If you don’t know which one you live in, you can find a map here.) Some, I’m sure, are more historic in nature, but, as I understand it, most were formed over the past few decades primarily in response to concerns about crime and public safety. As a result, all of these neighborhood associations are loosely organized beneath the banner of an entity known as the Community Policing Action Council (COPAC). This group, in addition to coordinating the activities of the various neighborhood associations, and arranging for members of the police force to attend neighborhood association meetings to discuss new and ongoing concerns, hosts an annual picnic. And, I’ve been asked to remind folks that, this year, it will be taking place Saturday, August 8, between 1:00 and 4:00, in Riverside Park.
I’m told that, thanks to several volunteers and the good folks at places like the Sidetrack, the Wolverine, Beezy’s, and Terry Bakery, there will be free food, as well as activities for kids. (The bookmobile will be there, as well as an antique fire truck or two.) So, if you’ve never been active in your neighborhood association, and you’re curious as to what’s going on, or if you’d just like to meet some of your neighbors while grabbing some free food, stop by and say hello… Oh, and I should also mention that you don’t have to be a homeowner to participate… I don’t think I ever realized that back in the day, when I was renting an apartment here.
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On the subject of COPAC, didn’t I hear not too long ago that some folks were thinking of starting something like the current neighborhood association system, but making the police involvement less central?
“something like the current neighborhood association system, but making the police involvement less central”
That sounds interesting. I’d like to hear more about that.
And your missing a closing tag, mark.
Thanks Mark for the picnic plug! Also, the other group that is being referred to is the YpsiCAN group. Connecting Area Neighborhoods (I believe). They’re next meeting is Thursday August 6th at the Tower Inn on Cross at 6p. They are similar to CoPAC in that it’s made up of representatives from the neighborhood associations but unlike CoPAC their single focus is the community in general. Not just community policing issues.
Having sat in quite a few neighborhood association meetings, I can say that I like the police presence. I like that people in the neighborhood have a mechanism by which to address issues that are important to them. With that said, I think it might send the wrong message that their role is so central. It sends the message, I think, that we’re only coming together because we’re afraid of crime, when in fact neighborhood associations come together more around other things like community gardens, the arts, supporting local merchants, sustainability, etc.
And….Amy at Community Records will also be at the picnic to lead some interactive stories and songs with kids.
At one of our picnic planning meetings we jokingly called it the police picnic. I think we were laughing because it was right about the time Ann Arbor was having their Townie Party, a much lighter sounding event than, The Police Picnic. As a result we tried to open it up, calling it a community picnic or all neighborhood picnic so all residents (renters, homeowners, business owners) would feel welcome. The police connection is nice. It’s nice to know we can work with our police officers. That they’ll listen to our concerns, but, you’re right Karen, the emphasis on the connection might just support the false idea that Ypsi is where all the criminals hideout and its residents are hiding indoors going out only for neighborhood meetings to talk to the police.
And thanks, Mark, for posting this.
Kim has hit the nail right on the head.
seeing the list of local business donors makes me remember and want to spread the word that the wolverine grill is now smoke free! super great! there’s a little table outside where people can smoke who need to… i’m so excited and hope lots of people who appreciate that thank them. i heart the wolverine and their staff, but feeling smokey after a 7 am breakfast meeting was never great.
Yes, please come!
Blankets and chairs welcome. (Leashed good dogs too.)
There’ll be an egg tossing contest and other games, plenty of nice and interesting people, delicious food, merriment. (The more the merrier.)
The picnic has been canceled due to lots of rain, with thunderstorms expected at picnic time. We hope to reschedule. Thanks everybody who helped.
Oh, I’m glad you’re rescheduling. I’d like to attend!
All Ypsi Residents are invited to the COMMUNITY PICNIC!
FREE FOOD! GAMES! PRIZES! KIDS’ ACTIVITIES and more!
Sunday, September 27th, 1-4pm (the original scheduled day was rained out!)
Riverside Park
Free lunch- provided by local restaurants and neighborhood associations
Special appearances by Towmater and Doc Hudson!
Interactive Songs and Stories with Community Records
Hula Hoop and Disc Golf Contests!
Egg toss and Pinata!
Bookmobile, Fire Trucks, Police Cars
50/50 raffle to win gift certificates and prizes from our local Ypsi businesses!
All Ypsi Residents come and enjoy the afternoon with your neighbors in the park!
Spread the word, bring your neighbors!