City of Ann Arbor voters approved a six-year park millage in November 2006 that funds current, ongoing improvements to Ann Arbor’s park system, which consists of 157 parks spanning 2,087.22 acres. Park development, maintenance and improvement projects funded through your support of this millage are listed on the status tables, linked below. Also indicated on these tables are park improvements made possible through other funding sources, as specified.
Please also see more detail below regarding recent activities in our parks system.
Park Planning Capital Project Update
Park Planning Capital Project Update
June, 2012
Beckley Park - Improvements included replacing the playground structure, adding more picnic tables and trees, replacing the pathway through the park and alongside Fairview Cemetery, and adding a bocce ball court. Construction is complete.
Bluffs Park - The entry to Bluffs Park on Sunset is going to be renovated, including removal of the asphalt lot, landscaping and grading, and a path to the natural area entrance. Work is tentatively scheduled for fall, 2012.
Buhr Park - The entry road, pedestrian paths, and parking lots are being rebuilt including stormwater improvements, and new pedestrian path connections are being constructed. The project is under construction and is scheduled for completion in July, weather permitting. The Concept Plan is attached.
Gallup Park - The design for renovation of the approach to the livery, an expanded patio, and barrier free docks is complete. A grant was received from the MDNR to fund the project. A grant from the MDNR was awarded to do preliminary engineering to renovate the boat launch.
Hunt Park - Access steps have been constructed along Daniel Street next to the retaining wall. Project is complete.
Island Park - Restoration of the Greek Revival Shelter is nearly complete and will be open by the end of June for use. The concrete bridge is also being restored and is nearly complete.
Leslie Science and Nature Center - A pedestrian circulation master plan has been developed to improve the pathway system, comply with the ADA, and decrease impervious surfaces. This project will include construction of a new path to the raptor enclosures, and is scheduled to start in Fall, 2012.
Placid Way Park - Renovations to the park will include playground replacement, park furniture and landscaping. Construction is underway.
Riverside Park - The entry pathway, park road from Wall Street and parking lot will be improved to create better separation between pedestrians and vehicles and to replace the deteriorated asphalt.The parking lot will be relocated out of the floodway. The project is on hold until 2012 pending work by DTE in the project area. A Concept Plan is attached.
Senior Center at Burns Park - The restrooms have been renovated, and a third restroom constructed. The project is complete.
Skate Park - A grant was received for design and construction of a Skate Park in Veterans Memorial Park. A design consultant has been chosen, and construction should begin in spring, 2013.
South University Park - A major donation was made to improve the park. Work will include renovated landscape, a new walk through the park, benches, a picnic table, and a new 1/2 basketball court. Work is scheduled to take place June/July 2012.
Veterans Memorial Park - Construction of a solar shade structure on the pool deck was funded by a grant from the Energy Office. The concrete plaza adjacent to the ice arena (north of the existing entry plaza) was converted to a rain garden to accept water from the arena roof. The project is being handled by Systems Planning and the County Water Resources Commission and being funded through the State Revolving Loan Fund.The Baseball fields are being renovated in starting in August, 2012, and will include reconstruction of the Dexter Road parking lot.
West Park - Major renovation of the park is complete, including stormwater improvements, pathway construction, seat walls at the bandshell, basketball court replacement, parking lot renovations and landscaping. The remainder of the planting has been installed, but not yet accepted. There have been several issues with the underground storm system that was constructed as part of the renovation project. These are being addressed and will be resolved in June/July 2012. The tennis courts are being rebuilt and the project will be complete by July. The historic pergola as well as the planting and sitting area on Miller Ave has been renovated.
Winewood Thaler Park - Renovations are complete and include a new play area, reconstructed half basketball court, benches, landscaping, walks, and sand play area.
Windemere Park - Tennis courts at Windemere Park will be reconstructed in 2013.