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 range of sites that would benefit from gifts. 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 (PDF). Submit your completed form to Parks and Recreation Customer Service at
[email protected]. Thank you for your interest in donating to the City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation System.
All gifts and donations received become property of the City of Ann Arbor.
Gift Guidelines
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 align with the mission, policies, and goals of the Parks and Recreation system. Gifts can not be limited by any special restrictions, impose budgetary obligations, or increase maintenance. Please note that not all parks have a need for a new amenity. Staff may suggest other locations or gift ideas. 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. Permanency is 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 plaque purchase is the responsibility of the donor. If the plaque needs to be replaced, the donor will be responsible for that.
Installation and Maintenance
The city will make all effort to install gifts in a timely manner. However, due to lead times for ordering materials, planting season limitations and staffing, the city cannot guarantee installing gifts by a required date.
If a donation is damaged (except for 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 period, the City will contact the donor using the provided contact information. The city will discuss an alternate location for reinstallation, at the city’s cost. After 10 years, the City may remove the donated item at its discretion. Reasons for removal may include change of park use, damage, or excessive wear.
We also have a
searchable map showing the location and general info of our memorials.
Beyond Benches and Trees
This list includes examples of gifts that Parks 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
