Splash Pad

Bicentennial Park Splash Pad

The new Bicentennial Park Splash Pad IS OPEN for the 2026 season! Bicentennial Park (formerly Southeast Area Park) is located at 2901 E. Ellsworth Road. 

The splash pad’s level surface and barrier-free features provide access for users of all abilities. It is 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. This is the city park system's first splash pad!  

The splash pad is part of the Bicentennial Park Improvements Project, which includes new playground equipment and a renovated restroom building.

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. Enjoy open play on the new accessible splash pad/playground and join Mayor Christopher Taylor, Olympian Kelly Salchow MacArthur and Paralympian Michele Konkoly for special remarks and the dedication of the city's first permanent signage commemorating Ann Arbor Olympians and Paralympians.

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 Washtenaw Dairy (for purchase)
• Ann Arbor Fire Truck on display

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. Show up 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

Organized group use  

Organized groups with more than eight (8) people interested in coming to the splash pad must contact  Parks & Recreation staff prior to planning a trip to the splash pad. splashpad@a2gov.org or 734-794-6238 

The picnic shelter adjacent to the splash pad is not available for rental and is open on a first-come, first-served basis.  

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. Contact splashpad@a2gov.org for more information. 
  • 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. 
• For more information please contact Ann Arbor Parks splash pad staff by email at splashpad@a2gov.org or by phone at 734-794-6238.

Thank you, 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
• Lockwood Senior Communities