Short-term closure:
The
South Barton Pedestrian Bridge, off Huron River Drive, will be closed today through Friday, Nov. 8 for deck board replacement and a structural inspection. You can still access Barton Nature Area by parking onsite and accessing the parking lot and pedestrian bridge by Barton Dam. Questions? Contact Hillary Hanzel
[email protected]
OPEN: Gallup Pedestrian and Vehicle Bridge Project
Hillary Hanzel
Landscape Architect/Park Planner
[email protected] | 734.794.6230 x42548
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.
The farmers market office is slated for demolition in January 2025. The building will be closed to both staff and the public beginning May 1. The farmers market will remain open during the tear down, with staff working out of a temporary trailer located in the market parking lot.
Park Planner & Landscape Architect
Adam Fercho
[email protected]
734.794.6230 ext. 42549
Project Engagement Opportunities - 2024
TBD
FAQs
Why is this project being done?
During routine inspections of the market, a gap was discovered between the market office and sidewalk. Staff engaged with a consultant to perform a forensic exploration to determine the cause of the gap. As a result, it was revealed the foundations of the building were compromised, making the building unsafe for long-term use. To provide safe conditions for both staff and the public, the building will need to be closed and demolished.
When is the farmers market office building being demolished?
The office building was closed to staff and the public beginning on May 1, 2024. Demolition of the office building is expected to begin in January 2025.
When was the farmers market office building originally built?
The office building was built in 1984, making it 40 years old. Because it is less than 50 years old, it is not considered a “historic” or “historically significant” building.
What is the relationship between the farmers market office building demolition and the 121 Catherine St. housing project?
The office building demolition and the construction of 121 Catherine St. are two separate projects operating independently of one another. Both projects are aware of each other and will coordinate when needed throughout the process. Please note that the 121 Catherine St. parking lot will be closed for the duration of that
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:
While the demolition of the office building is unplanned, the community has been presented with a unique opportunity to re-envision the future of the farmers market. Following the demolition of the market office building, we will be embarking on a study of the market, looking holistically at the farmers market site, allowing us to plan and
make decisions that will support the future of Ann Arbor’s Farmers Market. Our study will involve extensive community engagement, taking into account the needs and wants of the community, market vendors and stakeholders. This process is anticipated to start later this year.
History
For historical information on the construction and opening of the market office in 1984, click here.
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.
West Park Bandshell Project
Current Engagement Opportunities
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.
September update
Join Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation for a pop-up meeting Wednesday, Sept. 25, 3-6 p.m. at the West Park Bandshell (215 Chapin St.). Park planning staff will be on-site to share the latest updates and discuss the findings from the structural analysis. Learn more about the project's background and what lies ahead for the bandshell's future. Visit the project
webpage for additional details.
New (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. Future meetings will be scheduled for early next year in 2024. Thank you to everyone for your participation in this first round of engagement!.
Barton-Bandemer Pedestrian Tunnel/B2B Trail
Hillary Hanzel
Landscape Architect/Park Planner
[email protected] | 734.794.6230 x42548
New Border to Border Trail segment and nature playground now open
The new segment of the Border to Border Trail (B2B) through Barton Nature Area is now complete and open to the public. The new 0.6-mile stretch provides a paved, accessible trail, and two new accessible parking spaces are now available as part of the project. The canoe livery area was also reconstructed, with an improved drop off. This drop-off area is not open for public parking, only for drop-off purposes. In addition, restoration included native seed mixes, and native trees and shrubs will be planted along the new trail segment this fall when the weather is more conducive to their survival. This new trail segment will connect with the planned pedestrian tunnel between Barton Nature Area and Bandemer Park, to be built in 2025.
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.
About:
A pedestrian tunnel underpass beneath the MDOT railroad by Bandemer Park is being designed. The City of Ann Arbor, the Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission, and the Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative are partnering to design this tunnel. This tunnel underpass would connect the Border to Border Trail from Bandemer Park to Barton Nature Area and Huron River Drive. The Border to Border Trail would also be extended through Barton Nature Area with a new paved pathway connection. Design engineering is underway for the project.
The project will be constructed in two phases, with the Border to Border Trail expansion first, and the tunnel underpass second. A copy of the feasibility study is available below as well as a public meeting held on December 2020.
South Maple Park Game Courts
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 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 [email protected].
Provide input on new pavilion at Leslie Park
The Community Action Network (CAN) has donated a pavilion for use at Leslie Park. Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation staff studied three options for placement and asked for your feedback. Based on feedback, and further analysis, the pavilion will be placed just south of the basketball court. Rainwater from the pavilion will be collected to be used for the Food Forest at Leslie Park. We are currently in the process of putting together a bid package, and anticipate construction happening this fall. If you have any questions, please contact Adam Fercho, Park Planner & Landscape Architect at [email protected]. The image below is the selected option.
Allmendinger Park Playground Expansion
Hillary Hanzel
Landscape Architect/Park Planner
[email protected] | 734.794.6230 x42548
Improvements to the Allmendinger Park playground are complete. The playground design was based on feedback from community engagement that incorporated natural play features such as a boulder mountain and log/branch climber, as well as stump steppers and log balance beams. Many of the logs and branches were built from an oak tree in the park that had to be removed prior to construction. Additional play features include a new play structure, sand play area, log tunnel climber, and timber dome. New walkways provide accessible routes to the playground as well as new picnic tables and benches.
A copy of the presentation from the March 7, 2023 public meeting is below, as well as a the recording of the meeting.
Dr. Harold J. Lockett Park Playground Improvements
Thank you to those who provided feedback and participated in our community engagement efforts regarding the playground improvements at Dr. Harold J. Lockett Park. We heard that there was both a desire to include natural play elements, as well as changing out some of the equipment for older children. Based on your feedback, we modified the plans to try and accommodate the desired uses. Construction is anticipated to begin in the winter of 2023.
For questions or comments about the project, please contact Adam Fercho at [email protected], or by calling 734.794.6230 x42549.
Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation ADA Transition Plan
Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation is currently in the process of creating an (Americans with Disabilities Act) ADA Transition Plan to help guide staff in making Ann Arbor parks accessible for all. This study has involved assessing all park facilities, parks, and nature areas to get an understanding of where barriers existing in the park system, so that we can better address them. In addition, all of our programs, services and activities (PSA's) are being studied to see how we can make improvements to ensure inclusion for all. Throughout this process staff has been able to participate in accessibility training so that we can better serve the community.
We greatly appreciate all of the feedback we have received, helping us craft a transition plan that will better serve our community. There have been multiple public meetings, a survey and a pin-map to help us better identify needs when it comes to accessibility in the parks.
For more information on the Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation ADA Transition Plan, please visit our accessibility website:
Updates on the ADA Transition Plan will be posted here, in our weekly e-newsletter and on social media. If there are any questions about the ADA Transition Plan, please contact Adam Fercho, Park Planner at [email protected].
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.
