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Graydon Park

800 Rose Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104

734.794.6230

Overview

Graydon Park is a 1.12-acre park made of a series of triangular parcels along E. Stadium Boulevard. View the Ann Arbor Parks and Nature Areas Map for location context. It was previously named Rose White Park until 2020, when it was renamed in honor of Graydon Krapohl, who had been a park neighbor and a city council member. The main parcel is located on Rose Avenue within the Lower Burns Park neighborhood and contains a playground, tire swing, swing set, picnic table and paved paths that receive winter snow clearing. It is accessible from E. Stadium Boulevard and State Street.

Another parcel located south of East Stadium Boulevard contains benches and landscaped areas. There are two parcels along East Stadium Boulevard that do not contain amenities. See satellite map for more information about what the parcels contain and their locations.

Park Notices

Unless otherwise posted per City Council resolution, when a park is closed, no person shall remain in or enter it other than to quietly sit or walk.

Refer to Chapter 39 of the City of Ann Arbor Code of Ordinances for park regulations and rules.

Park Hours

6 a.m. – Midnight

Amenities

Drinking Fountain

Playground

Paved Paths

Picnic Table

Bike Racks

Landfill Bins

Access and Parking

Because the park is comprised of many parcels, there are multiple areas for access and parking depending on your destination. There is street parking on Rose Avenue at the park's main area with the playground, tire swing, swing set, picnic table and paved paths.

This main parcel can also be accessed from E. Stadium Boulevard, State Street and from Rose Avenue inside of the Lower Burns Park neighborhood. There are two ADA accessible points along E. Stadium Boulevard. The access point from State Street will take you down a long paved path to the main park area with amenities. Across the street from this State Street entrance, you will find a stairway that leads up to E. Stadium Boulevard which passes over State Street.

When visiting the other park parcels, be sure to follow all posted parking signage regarding street parking as there are limited parking options. All parcels can be reached by foot on sidewalks or by bike via the bike lanes along E. Stadium Boulevard. There are bike racks in the main parcel.

Public Transportation

There is a bus stop on State Street which is near all park parcels and a stop on Packard Street that is a quarter-mile walk from the park. Visit TheRide for schedule and route details or check out the parks ride guide.

History

Ann Arbor's city parks sit on the ancestral and traditional homelands of several indigenous Native peoples. Read a land acknowledgement from the city and learn more about the early history of the land here.

The City of Ann Arbor purchased the land originally known as Rose White Park from the Michigan State Highway Commission for one dollar in 1966. The park's original name was derived from its location at the intersection of Rose Avenue and White Street.

The City sold a parcel at the southeast corner of Industrial Highway and East Stadium Boulevard to First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Detroit for $10,500 in 1981. These funds were used for park improvements and the city held a public meeting and questionnaire for public input. Much of the following improvements included tree plantings that were funded by the Elizabeth Dean Fund. In 1988 several neighborhood volunteers participated in the construction of a new play area. The current playground was installed in 2005.

Recent Developments

In September 2020, park neighbors presented to the Parks Advisory Commission to rename the park from Rose White Park to Graydon Park, to honor fellow neighbor, volunteer and former City Council member, Graydon Krapohl. The resolution was passed unanimously and the park was renamed to Graydon Park.

Graydon Krapohl was born in Ann Arbor and attended the University of Michigan and was regarded as someone who exemplified service. He served in the United States Marine Corps, in both active duty and reserve status, for 30 years and achieved the rank of Colonel. In his civilian career, Graydon worked in the Federal, nonprofit and private sectors where he provided expertise in information technology, strategic planning, organizational design and development, program management and leadership.

Graydon served as a member of the Ann Arbor City Council from 2014-2018 representing the 4th ward. He also served on the Parks Advisory Commission from January 2013 to November 2014. He served on the Human Rights Commission, Local Finance and Development (LDFA), Council Administration Committee, Public School Liaison and the SPARK Public Sector Committee.

Graydon actively volunteered with the City's Adopt-a-Park volunteer program. He partnered with staff to advocate for park improvements, planned and led annual workdays in the park with his fellow park neighbors and was dedicated to being an active member in his community. He passed on April, 15th 2020. View his obituary here.

Active Adopters

Lower Burns Park Neighborhood Association

Many members of the Lower Burns Park Neighborhood Association work with the City to beautify and maintain the park, advocate for improvements and coordinate volunteer activities. This group of neighbors and volunteers have formed a wonderful partnership with the City through the Adopt-a-Park volunteer program to ensure the park is safe and inviting for all. During their volunteer activities, neighbors remove litter, clean up garden areas, spread engineered woodchips on the playground areas and more.

If you would like to learn more about how the neighbors of Graydon Park partner with Adopt-a-Park or if you would like to get involved and be notified of upcoming volunteer events, contact [email protected] or call 734.794.6445.

Graydon Park AAP volunteers.jpg

Kem-Tec

In 2016, Kem-Tec, an engineering, surveying and environmental services business that is housed adjacent to one of the park parcels, proposed an improvement plan for the parcel south of East Stadium Boulevard. Kem-Tec partnered with the Adopt-a-Park program to create a design and donated funds to purchase benches and lamp posts and are actively maintaining this area. The parcel is now a resting spot and cut through from Henry Street to East Stadium Boulevard.

Graydon Park KemTec parcel.JPG

Volunteer in the parks

Looking to make an impact in a park or nature area? Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation provides volunteer opportunities for almost every interest, ability, and commitment level.

Learn more about volunteer opportunities

Park Finder

Discover parks and find amenities through the City of Ann Arbor Park Finder. This map allows you to search park names or search by amenity type or keyword.

View the Park Finder

A2Fix It - Service request tool

A2 Fix It is an online system you can use to report any maintenance issues or other problems during your park visit. When reporting an issue in a park please include detailed location information in the "details and description" section near the end of the request process. Pictures that provide location context are very helpful.

Submit a request