The City of Ann Arbor gratefully accepts gifts and donations from individuals, businesses, and community organizations for its park system. The Ann Arbor park system has a wide variety of play areas, resting spots, active recreational opportunities, and camps that would benefit from the provision of additional amenities. The City will entertain suggestions and welcome creative ideas for donations.
If you are interested in donating a gift, please fill out the
Guide to Giving form and submit to Parks and Recreation Customer Service at
[email protected]. Thank you for considering donating to the City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation System.
All gifts and donations received become property of the City of Ann Arbor.
As of Sept. 1, 2013 all proposed gifts located in parks are subject to these guidelines:
Approval of Gifts and Donations
After receipt of the donation application form, parks and recreation staff will contact the potential donor. Gifts must be consistent with the mission, policies, and goals of the Parks and Recreation system, and not be limited by any special restrictions, impose budgetary obligations, or increased maintenance responsibilities. Please note that not all parks have a need for a particular amenity and staff may suggest alternative locations or gift ideas with the donor. The city retains the right to decline gifts deemed unsuitable.
Recognition of Gifts
Plaques or signs at the gift site are recognized for a gift of $5,000 or greater with a permanency limited to 10 years from the date of installation. The donor is responsible for the purchase and fabrication of the plaque. Language must be approved by parks and recreation staff prior to fabrication. The initial purchase, as well as the replacement of a plaque if it is stolen or damaged, is the responsibility of the donor.
Installation and Maintenance
The city will make every effort to install gifts in a timely manner. However, due to lead times for ordering materials, staff availability, and planting season limitations, the city cannot guarantee installing gifts by a required date.
If a donation is damaged (with the exception of plaques) within the 10 year period, the city will repair or replace the item. If the donation needs to be removed for any reason within this 10 year period, the City will attempt to contact the donor using the information provided on the attached application form to discuss an alternate location for reinstallation at the city’s cost. After a period of 10 years, the City may remove the donated item at its discretion because of change of park use, damage, or excessive wear.
We also have a searchable mapping application showing the location and general info of our memorials.
Parks Memorial Finder.
Beyond Benches and Trees
The following list includes examples of some gifts that Parks staff would welcome:
Asphalt Pathways – $40 per linear foot
Summer Camp Scholarships – $210 per child
Native Wildflower & Grasses Planting – $500-$1,500
Historical/Interpretive/Wayfinding Signs – $3,000-$6,000 each
Drinking Fountains (for people and dogs) – $4,000
Basketball/Tennis Court Refurbishment – $50,000 per court
Boardwalks – $50,000-$100,000
Picnic Shelter (Particular Needs at: Furstenberg and Buhr Parks) – $65,000-$100,000
Skatepark Donations through the
Ann Arbor Community Foundation
Playground Equipment for Neighborhood Parks – $5,000-$50,000
Picnic Tables – $3,000-$6,000
Flower Planting (Includes Maintenance by Donor) – $50-$150
