Molin Nature Area

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Overview

Molin Nature Area is a 7-acre nature area located just south of central Ann Arbor, between Packard Road and East Stadium Boulevard. View the Ann Arbor Parks & Nature Areas Map for location context. Molin Nature Area is long and narrow with backyards flanking both sides. Houses are visible throughout the hike through the park, but having this nature corridor in the neighborhood is a well-loved feature. One of the greatest rewards of a hike through Molin is reaching the furthest point of the trail and admiring the magnificent Bur oak residing there. It truly is an impressive display and well worth a trip to explore the nature area.

Park Notices

Unless otherwise posted per City Council resolution, when a park is closed, no person shall remain in or enter it other than to quietly sit or walk.​

Refer to Chapter 39 of the City of Ann Arbor Code of Ordinances for park regulations and rules.

Park Hours

6 a.m. – Midnight

Amenities

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Unpaved Trails


 
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Access and Parking

There is limited parking available at the intersection of Powell Avenue and Colombia Avenue, near the trailhead entrance at the north end of the nature area. Additional street parking can be found in the surrounding neighborhood. Refer to posted signage regarding parking rules and restrictions.​​

The park is accessible on foot and by bike using the surrounding neighborhood streets. There are no bike racks at the park. Packard Road to the south has dedicated bike lanes and sidewalks. ​​

Nearby city parks include Buhr Park to the east, The Ponds Park​ to the northwest​.

Public Transportation

The closest bus stop at ​Packard Rd. and Stone School Road is about a 10-15 minute walk from Molin Nature Area. Visit TheRide​ for closest stops and route details or check out the parks ride guide​​. ​​


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History​​​

Ann Arbor's city parks sit on the ancestral and traditional homelands​ of several indigenous Native peoples. Read a land acknowledgement​​ from the city and learn more a​bout the early history of the land here.​​

Molin Nature Area was at one point being looked at by developers interested in building single-family homes, but in 1978 the neighborhood recognized that it was the last remaining bit of nature in their neighborhood; a push to help the City purchase the land to secure it as public land began. It took many years, but the Kimberly Colony Neighborhood Association (KCNA) was successful. In 1989, the 7.2 acre stretch of nature was originally dedicated as the Kimberly Colony Nature Park. It was the first park land acquired through a park acquisition millage which was active from 1988 – 1992, with the neighborhood raising the matching funds required. The park was the​n rededicated as Molin Nature Area in 1996 in memory of Peg Molin who was a member of, and later chaired, the Ann Arbor Park Advisory Commission from 1981 – 1990.

In 1996, friends and family of Peg Molin proposed renaming the Kimberly-Colony Nature Area in honor of Peg Molin. In accordance with the park naming policy a petition was circulated throughout the neighborhood surrounding Kimberly-Colony Nature Area with the result that the majority of the neighborhood supported the renaming. The Mayor and City Council approved the renaming on August 5, 1996.  Peg Molin was chair of the Park Advisory Commission in 1988 when the Kimberly-Colony Nature Area was purchased with funds contributed by the neighborhood; the purchase was one of the first expenditures from the Park Acquisition Millage. The boulder and bronze plaque in memoriam of Peg Molin was installed in early 1997. 

The Molin/ Morris Award was created in 1996 and inspired by Leslie Morris and Peg Molin. This award is annually presented by the Park Advisory Commission and the Ann Arbor Department of Parks and Recreation. The award recognizes an individual for outstanding volunteer contributions to the City of Ann Arbor Parks and recreation system and the community which have resulted in an enhanced quality of life and improved environment for all. ​​

Park Focus: Molin Nature Area by Sara E. Jackson, 2012



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A2 Fix It

A2Fix It - Service request tool

A2 Fix It is an online system you can use to report any maintenance issues or other problems during your park visit. When reporting an issue in a park please include detailed location information in the "details and description" section near the end of the request process. Pictures that provide location context are very helpful.

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