New Bicentennial Park Splash Pad opens 10:30 a.m. June 24; community celebration event is July 11
Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation is announcing the highly anticipated opening of the city’s first universal-access splash pad at Bicentennial Park (formerly Southeast Area Park), 2901 E. Ellsworth Road. Today, Wednesday, June 24, at 10:30 a.m., Mayor Christopher Taylor will press the start button, the water will flow, and the splash pad will be open, for the season, for fun. The community is invited to join in this momentous first day.
The splash pad’s level surface and barrier-free features will provide access for users of all abilities. It will be open to the public daily during regular park hours, 8 a.m.–dusk, providing a fun, free and inclusive place for families to cool off and enjoy.
The splash pad is part of the Bicentennial Park Improvements Project, which includes new playground equipment and a renovated restroom building.
Ann Arbor City Administrator Milton Dohoney Jr. explains the park’s revitalization as a collaborative community effort. "This beloved park is a place the entire city can come to and be proud of," he said. Sponsors include State of Michigan, University of Michigan, Rotary Club of Ann Arbor, United Association, Kohler Co., International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH), AFC Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Jaycees, Shoner Plumbing and Mechanical and Lockwood Senior Communities.
Bicentennial Park Splash Pad Celebration event — Saturday, July 11
On Friday, July 10, a dedication ceremony will take place 12:30–2 p.m. which will briefly close the splash pad. During the ceremony program, city leaders will share details about the project, which includes the universal-access splash pad, the playground and updates throughout Bicentennial Park, as well as recognition of the sponsors and partnerships that made the project possible.
On Saturday, July 11, the community is invited to the Bicentennial Park Splash Pad Celebration 11 a.m.–2 p.m. The day will begin with brief welcoming remarks from Mayor Christopher Taylor and from local Olympians and Paralympians, who will help recognize Ann Arbor’s local history of Olympic and Paralympic achievement which has been integrated within the Bicentennial Park project, including through interpretive signage installations.
The free, July 11 event will also feature:
- Olympian- and Paralympian-themed activities
- Family games and activities
- Water-themed activities
- Live DJ and music
- Food truck and Kona Ice (for purchase)
- Ann Arbor Fire Truck on display
- Open play at the new splash pad, at the playground and enjoyment of Bicentennial Park, itself
As the sun sets on the splash pad celebration, families are invited to stick around or come back to Bicentennial Park in the evening of July 11 for the A2ZERO Solar-powered Movie Night. Showtime is 9:15 p.m. and the featured film is FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992), Rated: G, hosted by Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations.
- Movie starts: 9:15 p.m. Arrive earlier to get settled in your spot.
- Location: South ball diamond, right outfield
- Bring: Your own blankets, lawn chairs, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages
- Provided: Free popcorn and ice cream
- Movie ends: 10:30 p.m.
- Questions? Contact sustainability@a2gov.org
"We want to thank everyone for their patience as we prepared to open this exciting new feature to our park system," said Parks and Recreation Manager Josh Landefeld. "We hope the community will get many hours of splash pad fun throughout the summer and also plan to join us for a grand celebration on July 11."
Learn more about Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation at www.a2gov.org/parks.
- Splash pad opening day — Wednesday, June 24, 10:30 a.m.: The splash pad opens for the first time and for the season
- Splash pad celebration event — Saturday, July 11, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.: It’s a community event to say thank you to sponsors, celebrate the city’s first splash pad, with special guests, music, games, food trucks and more
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Media Contact:
Josh Landefeld, Parks and Recreations Manager, jlandefeld@a2gov.org