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2901 E. Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Bicentennial Park is a 26.5-acre park located at the corner of Ellsworth Road and Platt Road in southeast Ann Arbor.
View the Ann Arbor Parks and Nature Areas map for location context. This recreation area contains two playground areas, lighted softball and baseball fields, athletic fields, a full basketball court, a picnic shelter (first-come, first-served), a drinking fountain, restrooms, picnic tables and grills. There is a paved multi use pathway loop around the perimeter of the park popular for walking. This outer loop is just over a 1/2 mile.
Winter at Bicentennial Park
The Bicentennial Park pathways are scheduled for clearing when it snows. For more information on which parks are on the path clearing routes, visit Parks in the Wintertime. This park has also served as a Christmas tree disposal site seasonally.
Bicentennial Park's 200th Anniversary Legacy Projects
This park was formerly known as Southeast Area Park. City Council voted unanimously to rename the park in observation of the city's bicentennial anniversary on May 15th, 2023. To celebrate the milestone, Southeast Area Park was renamed Bicentennial Park with a plan to improve the park.
The primary enhancement will be Ann Arbor's first universal-access splash pad, updated playground, pavilion and restrooms, all of which will be solar-powered. Additional items being considered are a new building and shelter to support park operations and programming, trail improvements and more. By supporting these enhancements, the park will see an increase in accessibility that will offer a vibrant, innovative and inclusive environment where neighbors, friends and families can connect.
Splash Pad Information Update
The splash pad should be open by the end of June 2026. The splash pad will be free and open for the public during operating hours. Due to the expected high volume of users, we are not issuing rental permits, taking reservations, or allowing organized group events (such as parties or gatherings) at this location. The existing picnic shelter is available first-come, first-serve, for casual, short term use. Staff are working towards adding an additional picnic shelter as a separate project in the near future.
The weekend of Friday July 10 - Sunday July 12, 2026 there will be an opening dedication event. More details to come. Questions? Contact Scott Spooner, Parks & Recreation Services Deputy Manager.
For more information about Bicentennial Park’s 200th Anniversary Legacy projects and timeline of construction, please visit the A2 Engagement Hub.
Donate to Bicentennial Park
Help enrich the lives of many families in Ann Arbor and beyond! The much-needed and well-deserved enhancements to transform Bicentennial Park will not happen without private donations. There are two primary ways to donate:
· Consider making a monetary donation
· Donate a bench or picnic table for $5,000/each by filling out the Bicentennial Donation Form and return via mail or email. Thank you for believing in this vision and for helping to make it a reality!
| Amenity | #Available | #Total |
| Bench | 14 | 16 |
| Picnic Table | 4 | 4 |
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
Playgrounds
Restrooms
Basketball Court
Grills
Picnic Tables
Softball Fields
Open Field
Parking
Landfill & Recycling Bins
Bicentennial park is located on the north side of Ellsworth Road, just west of Platt Road. There is a large parking lot located at the entrance. There is also a connected dirt lot for additional parking to the east of the ball fields.
There are several bus stops within a 5 minute walk to the park. There is a bus stop on Ellsworth right in front of the park. Check out TheRide Guide for more details.
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 about the early history of the land.
This land was acquired by the City in the early 1990s. In the mid 90s it went through two phases of development to create the park it is today. The photo below was taken in October of 1991.
A local Mitsubishi office has been committed to volunteering at Southeast Area Park since 2018. This group maintains the park by picking up litter, weeding, maintaining the garden at the park sign and more! Email adopt-a-park@a2gov.org if you would like to join any volunteer workdays at Southeast Area Park.
Volunteer in the parks
Looking to make an impact in a park or nature area? Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation provides volunteer opportunities for almost every interest, ability, and commitment level.
Park Finder
Discover parks and find amenities through the City of Ann Arbor Park Finder. This map allows you to search park names or search by amenity type or keyword.
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.
