Ann Arbor’s Bicentennial Park Initiative receives additional funding from the University of Michigan

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor officials invite community members to a special dedication ceremony to officially rename Southeast Area Park Bicentennial Park.

To celebrate its 200th anniversary, the city is planning major improvements to the park, including a much-anticipated wading pool and an accessible playground co-funded by the University of Michigan.

The park board’s ceremony to celebrate the renaming and upcoming investments will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 11, at the park on Ellsworth Road.

The renaming and reinvestment in the park is a significant and lasting reminder of the city’s 200th anniversary, City Administrator Milton Dohoney said in a statement.

The city’s goal is to “develop the park into a premier recreational destination.”

At Thursday’s event, the city plans to recognize generous gifts from the university, including a $300,000 donation to fund the accessible playground at Bicentennial Park and $125,000 for new playground equipment at Fuller Park, another city park near the Michigan Medicine hospital complex.

“We are thrilled to support these initiatives as part of Ann Arbor’s bicentennial celebration,” said Chris Kolb, UM’s vice president for government relations, in a statement. He added that UM aims to create a sense of community, promote healthy lifestyles and celebrate Ann Arbor’s rich history and promising future.

“Investing in the future of the community and ensuring children and families have access to recreational spaces is important to the university,” added Geoff Chatas, UM’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, in a statement.

“This partnership underscores our commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents and visitors and making Ann Arbor a more vibrant and welcoming place for all,” he said.

Additional improvements to the park are made possible through financial support from the state, the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor, the International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation, the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters and others.

A sign in the park encourages community members to visit a2gov.org/a200 to learn more and donate.

“The major improvement will be Ann Arbor’s first publicly accessible splash pad, an upgraded playground, pavilion and restrooms, all powered by solar energy,” the signs say. “Additionally, a new building and shelter to support park operations and programming, trail improvements and more are being considered.”

Another sign near the park’s basketball court indicates that special 200th anniversary murals will be painted on the court there and on courts in Leslie Park. The sign notes that residents had until June 28 to vote for their favorite design from three options.

The park currently has playgrounds, lighted softball and baseball fields, athletic fields, a full basketball court, picnic area, drinking fountain, restrooms, picnic tables and grills. A paved half-mile trail runs around the perimeter of the park.

Want more news from Ann Arbor? Bookmark local Ann Arbor news site or sign up for the free “3@3 Ann Arbor“ daily newsletter.