Learn about and share input on the future of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation

The City of Ann Arbor, in partnership with Agency Landscape + Planning, is reimagining the Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Open Space (PROS) Plan to help guide the future of the city’s parks, natural areas, trails, recreation facilities and programs. The plan will help the city identify community needs while also preserving the places and experiences that make the Ann Arbor park system special. The city will use this plan to prioritize improvements, pursue grant funding and help ensure the evolving needs of residents and visitors are met, while preserving what makes parks essential community infrastructure.

Community input is central to this process. Through surveys, workshops and engagement events, the community will shape a shared vision and priorities for the future of Ann Arbor parks, recreation programs and open spaces.

Last summer, the project team connected with residents at community events and parks across the city. Now, community members are invited to participate at an upcoming community workshop to learn about the full park system and share their experiences and ideas. 

Community workshops

Both workshops are drop-in events, so community members can stop by anytime during the session and stay as long as they like. The workshops will feature hands-on activities and conversations with the project team. Attendees can share ideas, hear what others are saying and help the city set priorities. There will be activities for all ages, free food, and the whole family is welcome!

• Thursday, Nov. 12,  4–7 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch, 343 S. Fifth Ave.
• Saturday, Nov. 14,  11 a.m.–1 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park Arena, 2150 Jackson Ave.

"Ann Arbor residents care deeply about their parks, and we want to hear what matters most to them," said Landscape Architect Capital Project Manager Hillary Hanzel. "Whether it's a favorite neighborhood playground, a trail you use every day or a recreation program you'd love to see offered, we want to know what's working well and where we can do better. These workshops are an opportunity to share ideas and help shape how we invest in our park system for years to come."

Can’t attend a workshop? Share your thoughts online through Dec. 15, 2026

Help shape the future of Ann Arbor parks by completing the online community survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JFBXDSF. The survey is open to all and takes just a few minutes. Share how you use the parks, what matters most to you and what you’d like to see in the future. The survey closes Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2026.

More opportunities to get involved will follow in spring 2027. Learn more about the planning process and upcoming events on the project webpage, at https://engage.a2gov.org/parkplan. 

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Media Contact: 

Hillary Hanzel, Landscape Architect Capital Project Manager, 734.794.6239 | hhanzel@a2gov.org