Park Planning
West Park Bandshell Project
Why is this project being done?
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.
Current Engagement Opportunities
Gallup Park Vehicle and Pedestrian Bridge now open
The new Gallup Park Bridge Ribbon Cutting Ceremony took place Thursday, Oct. 24 to celebrate the completion of construction. The bridge is now open to vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The project was made possible through funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage, with valuable input from local residents guiding the design process.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Design is complete for the new vehicle and pedestrian bridge and is based on input from the community. It will maintain a single vehicle lane and expand the sidewalks on either side. The new bridge will be built just west of the existing bridge and will be a two-span structure. During construction, the existing wooden bridge will remain in services, except for a few short, planned closures. Once the new bridge is constructed and operable, the existing wooden bridge will be demolished. The new bridge will also feature bank stabilization around each abutment in the form of stepped stones similar to the condition at the Argo Cascades. This project also includes improvements to the park road approaches, Border to Border Trail crossing, and park pathways.
This project was selected by a community vote to receive $2.3m in federal Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The City of Ann Arbor was awarded $24.2 million in funds under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Additional funding is provided by the City of Ann Arbor Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage and the parks fund balance. In 2020, a schematic design study explored options for the replacement bridge design and preliminary costs, as well as cohesive design solutions for the adjacent segments of park road and the Border-to-Border Trail.
Community feedback was used to inform project goals and design criteria in the design process. The community also provided input on design options, which was used to refine the final design. The schematic design study report is available below.
- Final report/plan (PDF)
- View public meeting (recording)
- Public meeting summary (PDF)
Demolition projects in the parks
Veterans Memorial Park Shelter and Farmers Market Office
Demolition of the Veterans Memorial Park shelter is underway beginning Wednesday, March 16. Additionally, the Ann Arbor Farmers Market office is slated to be torn down this spring. Abatement work will start on Monday, April 21. See below for additional information.
Ann Arbor Farmers Market Office Demolition
The market office building is closed to both staff and the public at this time. The farmers market will remain open during the tear down, with staff working out of a temporary trailer located in the market parking lot. The market will soon be experiencing disruptions to normal parking availability. The farmers market office building is scheduled to be demolished between mid-April (abatement begins) and the end of May (completion).
Abatement work will start on Monday, April 21. During the abatement phase at the market, the parking lot will remain open and accessible. Please note the following construction schedule:
* The southern portion of the parking lot will be closed Monday, April 28 and Tuesday, April 29.
* The parking lot will reopen Wednesday, April 30 and close again Monday, May 5.
Crews anticipate the demolition will take two weeks to complete. We kindly ask that all visitors stay outside of the marked demolition zones for your safety at both locations.
Importantly, demolition activities will not impact market operations:
* The Saturday farmers market and Sunday Artisan Market will continue as scheduled.
* The Wednesday farmers market, which resumes May 7, will also operate without interruption.
Thank you for your cooperation and continued support as we make way for the future of the farmers market.
If you’d like to receive additional notifications about this demolition project and other City Of Ann Arbor updates, please subscribe here.
Park Planner & Landscape Architect
Adam Fercho
Afercho@a2gov.org
734.794.6230 ext. 42549
For updates on the farmers market project
FAQs
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, 15 MB (PDF)
2023-27 PROS Plan approved plan, 40MB (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.
Border to Border Trail segment/nature playground open
Another exciting feature has been added as part of this project. A new nature playground, the “Great Oak Nature Playground," is also now open adjacent to the parking lot near Barton Dam. The trail project required the removal of a dying and potentially hazardous white oak tree. The dying tree is estimated to have been more than 150 years old and was felled in a way that allowed it to be reused on site as a new nature play structure.
- Online Dec. 2, 2020 public meeting summary (PDF)
- Online Dec. 2, 2020 public meeting YouTube recording
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Executive summary: Bandemer-Barton Trail and Underpass Study
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
