Construction Underway on Ann Arbor’s First Universal Splash Pad and More in Bicentennial Park

Fun, first-of-its-kind and much-needed changes are now in the works for Bicentennial Park on Ann Arbor’s southeast side. Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation is letting community members know construction activity is starting this week on an overall project which will include the first universal-access splash pad in the city. 

Other improvements like a new playground structure and updated, solar-powered restrooms are also planned for Bicentennial Park as well as repaved park roads, parking lot and pathways. Construction is anticipated to last through December 2025. Learn more about plans on the project site.

The city wants park visitors to be aware that with progress comes short-term access restrictions. For safety purposes during construction, the interior playground, restroom and pavilion will be closed. The ball fields, basketball court and playground along Ellsworth Road, however, will remain open throughout construction. All park visitors are urged to follow posted signs and warnings to stay out of the construction zones.

“These great improvements — and the addition of the universal-access splash pad, which we’re all especially excited about — wouldn’t be possible without our generous sponsors, many of which joined on during the city’s bicentennial celebration last year,” said the project manager, Ann Arbor Park Planner and Landscape Architect Adam Fercho. The City of Ann Arbor thanks sponsors: State of Michigan; University of Michigan; Rotary Club of Ann Arbor; AFC Ann Arbor; International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH); United Association; Kohler Co.; Shoner Plumbing and Mechanical; and Lockwood Senior Communities.

There are still opportunities for community members to also get involved in the revitalization of this beloved city park, Fercho explains, as fundraising continues for completion of the project. “Making a donation to Bicentennial Park is a great, lasting and visible way to enrich the lives of so many families in Ann Arbor and beyond. Every day, you can find parkgoers here playing, exercising or just enjoying nature,” he said.

There are two ways to support the park:

• General monetary donation: Visit the online donation site or use your phone to scan the QR code on the project website
• Plaque donation: Leave a legacy of your own or in a loved ones’ honor by donating a bench or picnic table plaque at the park. Benches and picnic table plaques can be donated for $5,000 each. If interested in a plaque donation, please fill out the Bicentennial Park Plaque Donation Form and return via mail or email. 

Questions may be directed to Adam Fercho, park planner and landscape architect, at afercho@a2gov.org.

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Media Contact:

Adam Fercho, Park Planner and Landscape Architect, afercho@a2gov.org