Archived News Release: August 25, 2017 - City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Services, together with the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor, are inviting the community to the grand opening of the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor Centennial Playground on Sunday, Sept. 17, 3–6 p.m. at Gallup Park, 3000 Fuller Road. (Invitation pictured right - PDF.)
The Rotary Club of Ann Arbor celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2016 and chose to commemorate the milestone with a Centennial Playground Project at Gallup Park.
The Universal Access Playground (UAP) offers children with disabilities opportunities to gain self-confidence and greater independence. Children of all ages and abilities will be able to develop and play together. Additionally, caregivers with disabilities have the chance for their children to play, where they, too, can engage, supervise and interact together with them, as never before. The Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living (CIL) helped provide input for the design of the playground so that it is a safe and inclusive place.
"The city is incredibly fortunate to have the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor as partners, and we are excited to have a world-class playground at Gallup Park," said Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Manager Colin Smith.
The Rotary Club of Ann Arbor has donated $550,000 for the project. Additionally, a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant of $300,000 was awarded to the City of Ann Arbor. The city's Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage is funding $150,000 for the project.
Grand opening festivities begin at 3 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the playground site and guest speakers. Other activities will include live music, animals from Leslie Science & Nature Center, Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum educational activities, a fishing area for kids and more! Attendees are welcome to take the AAATA #22 bus to Pierpont Commons. From there, a free, accessible shuttle will take guests to Gallup Park for the UAP grand opening. Complimentary shuttle service will be picking up and dropping off guests from 2–7 p.m. There are several locations an accessible shuttle will be available (see map on http://www.a2gov.org/UAP.) Guests can bring a picnic dinner and a blanket/chairs, or purchase refreshments from one of several food truck vendors.
The event will include city officials, the Rotary committee and members of the community. For further information about the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor, visit www.rotaryclubofannarbor.org/. For a map and detailed information about the grand opening schedule of events visit www.a2gov.org/UAP.
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