Park Planning
Projects in the parks
West Park Bandshell
In the Spring of 2021, cracks were observed on the exterior of the bandshell foundation. Ann Parks & Recreation staff hired a consultant – Hubbell, Roth and Clark Inc. (HRC) – to perform a structural analysis on the structure. The structural report identified significant structural failures in the foundation. It was determined that the bandshell needed to be closed and fenced off from the community for safety reasons. Preliminary estimates put repair of the structure at over $2 million. Park planners and staff have spent a year behind the scenes working to develop a plan for the future of the bandshell. Due to the nature of the bandshell and the resources required for repair, it is important to get community involvement and feedback as we move forward. For that reason a consultant – SmithGroup – has been hired to assist in developing a comprehensive community engagement strategy. Throughout this fall and winter the community will have many opportunities to weigh-in and provide feedback on the West Park Bandshell project.
March 2025
Watch the presentation to the Parks Advisory Committee (PAC): City staff presented to the Parks Advisory Committee (PAC) on Tuesday, March 18 about the status of the West Park Bandshell project. A recommendation to demolish the bandshell structure was introduced by staff. PAC will be reviewing the recommendation to demolish the bandshell and will revisit the topic at their Tuesday, May 20 meeting. Staff also recommended that a project be initiated to re-envision West Park as a whole and develop a new comprehensive plan for the park.
Watch the presentation and following discussion here.
Download the West Park Bandshell presentation here.
The West Park Bandshell summary memo can be downloaded here.
June 2024
A presentation was given to the Parks Advisory Commission, May 21, 2024. See it here or read the latest updates (PDF).Watch the informational video: A public meeting was hosted Monday, Sept. 11 to share with the community the scope of the project and provide details on how you can become involved in the process going forward. Watch it here.
Watch the presentation to the Parks Advisory Committee (PAC): City staff presented to the Parks Advisory Committee (PAC) on Tuesday, Nov. 21 as a quick summary on the first round of the West Park Bandshell engagement. Watch the presentation here. The consultant and city staff are currently fully analyzing the first round of engagement.
Additional information
Structural Report
Sept. 11, Virtual Informational Meeting
Demolition projects in the parks
Veterans Memorial Park Shelter and Farmers Market Office
Demolition of the Veterans Memorial Park shelter is complete and restoration of the grass is underway. Thank you for your patience. Additionally, the Ann Arbor Farmers Market office was torn down and the area is being paved.
Park Planner & Landscape Architect
Adam Fercho
Afercho@a2gov.org
734.794.6230 ext. 42549
For updates on the farmers market project
Why is this project being done?
When is the farmers market office building being demolished?
When was the farmers market office building originally built?
What is the relationship between the farmers market office building demolition and the 121 Catherine St. housing project?
Weren’t the restrooms in the farmers market office building just renovated?
The restrooms in the office building received minor ADA upgrades in 2021 to make them more accessible. At the time the restrooms were updated, it was unknown that the building’s foundation was compromised.
Next Steps:
History
Ann Arbor PROS Plan 2023-2027
The 2023-2027 Parks and Recreation Open Space (PROS) Plan was adopted by City Council on Jan. 9, 2023. To view and read the plan:
2023-27 PROS Plan approved plan, 5 MB (PDF)
The PROS Plan is the City's vision for parks and recreation in Ann Arbor. The Plan:
- provides an list of existing parks and facilities
- describes the relationship between
- the park and recreation system
- surrounding municipalities
- recreation providers
- identifies park and recreation needs
- proposes major capital improvements for existing and new parks
- fosters assessment of major issues and problems
- sets priorities for the next five years
- sets goals and objectives that reach further into the future
The plan provides background information while charting system needs that may qualify for state and federal grant funding. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) requires that those applying for recreation grants have a current plan on file. It is also required by MDNR to update that plan every five years.
Current Engagement Opportunities
Why is this project being done?
There is a need to relocate the existing tennis and pickleball courts at South Maple Park. Feedback is being sought on the new location within the park. Additional aspects of the project include improving accessibility and expansion of the existing parking lot.
Timeline
Spring 2022: Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation staff investigated the cracking on the existing tennis and pickleball courts at South Maple Park. It was determined that resurfacing was not possible, and that full reconstruction was required.
Summer 2022: Project teams begins to develop plans to rebuild the courts at their current location, address accessibility and improve the parking lot.
Winter 2022: It was determined that due to new EGLE regulations, the courts were required to be relocated. The existing courts sat atop a water reservoir, which is no longer permitted.
Spring/Summer 2023: Project team identifies two potential locations for new tennis/pickleball courts at South Maple.
Fall 2023: Community engagement begins, asking for feedback on the location and quantity of game courts at the park.
Summer/Fall 2024: Anticipated construction of new courts at South Maple Park.
Ways to participate
South Maple Park Page
Learn more about South Maple Park including details about its amenities, access, parking and special features on its webpage.
Buhr Park Ice Arena improvement project
An info session was held Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2023 on the Buhr Park Ice Arena Improvement Project. The scope of the work includes mechanical system upgrades and accessibility upgrades. If you did not have a chance to attend the session you can view the presentation here. Planned improvements include replacing the outdated chiller unit and making accessibility upgrades. Parks has applied for a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant to help fund the project. If you have any questions, please contact Adam Fercho, Park Planner & Landscape Architect at afercho@a2gov.org.
734.794.6230
