Splash Pad | City of Ann Arbor

The Bicentennial Park Splash Pad is the first universal-access splash pad in the city. Bicentennial Park (formerly Southeast Area Park) is located at 2901 E. Ellsworth Road.

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. to dusk, providing a fun 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.

Save the date

The Bicentennial Park Splash Pad Grand Opening Celebration is planned for July 10–12. The event will feature food trucks, games, family activities and more. Watch for details as the event nears.

Rules

General use

The splash pad does not have a lifeguard and is not staffed. Please use at your own risk.
Visitors may enjoy the splash pad for free during open hours (8AM until 9PM).
Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Visitors should call 911 for emergencies.
No food, beverages, gum or glassware.
Do not drink the water. The water is not potable.
No running, rough play, pushing or shoving.
No toys (water guns, balloons, etc.)
No sports equipment (skates, skateboards, bicycles, etc.)
No sound amplification equipment (speakers, radios, etc.)
No animals. Service animals are permitted.
Facility is closed during severe weather, lightning, or thunder.
Visitors must not enter the interactive fountain if they have an infectious or communicable disease, open/bandaged sores, blisters, ear/nasal discharge, or diarrhea (currently or within the last two weeks)
Capacity of the splash pad is 100 people.

Attire

Visitors who enjoy the splash pad must wear appropriate swimwear. Children who are not potty-trained must wear a swim diaper and plastic/vinyl cover under their swimwear.

Organized Group Use

Organized groups with more than eight (8) people interested in coming to the splash pad must contact the Parks & Recreation Department prior to planning a trip to the splash pad.

Group guidelines

Weekdays prior to the end of the AAPS school year and after the start of AAPS school year (Dates to be determined by school calendars):
- Larger groups may be approved
- Requests must be made at least two (2) weeks in advance of desired date 
- Requests must be made by emailing splashpad@a2gov.org
Every day during AAPS summer break:
- Due to high usage of the Splash Pad at Bicentennial Park during this time, larger organized group requests are unlikely to be approved.
- Requests may be considered but must be made at least two (2) weeks in advance of desired date.
Weekends
- No large, organized groups will be approved
No buses will be permitted within Bicentennial Park unless approval has been granted by the City of Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Department a minimum of two (2) weeks in advance. When considering a request, the Department will take into consideration the primary intended use by the organized group, the other known uses at the time requested, and how approval may impact the capacity of the park or its facilities.
- What is the definition of a bus?
  The definition of a bus is any vehicle that can accommodate eight (8) or more passengers. Multiple vehicles belonging to the same organization may be considered a bus, if the combined capacity of the vehicles is over eight (8) passengers.
- Can I drop the passengers and chaperones off at the Bicentennial Park entrance and return later to pick them up?
  No. This policy was adopted to ensure the safety and tranquility of the park users. The overloading of the facilities in the park and in particular the Splash Pad by an influx of buses and their inherent passengers may have a direct bearing on the safety and tranquility of the park users.

Fun for Everyone

Discover a variety of interactive water features at the new Bicentennial splash pad designed to keep everyone active and engaged. From misting arches and unexpected to spinning spray elements, cascading water curtains and playful ground sprays, each feature offers a unique way to have fun and stay cool. Hands-on activities encourage children to experiment with water flow, while open spaces invite imaginative play and friendly games. Thoughtfully designed with accessibility in mind, these features offer opportunities for people of all abilities to play together and explore at their own pace in an inclusive environment where everyone can experience the fun of summer.

Thank you to our sponsors

"A collaborative community effort has helped revitalize this beloved city park," explained Ann Arbor City Administrator Milton Dohoney Jr. "It’s truly a place the entire city can come to and be proud of." 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.