ANN ARBOR – Tree Town leaders have worked to secure $1 million in funding for the development of a splash pad at Southeast Area Park on Ellsworth Road.
The area is being developed as part of the city’s efforts to celebrate its 200th birthday. It was chosen by the Ann Arbor City Council in May to become the city’s Bicentennial Park and is slated to receive upgrades including a universal-access splash pad, a new shelter, sensory trails and a sculpture garden.
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Efforts to secure the funding were led by Ann Arbor City Councilmember Ayesha Ghazi Edwin, Senator Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) and State Representative Felicia Braebec.
“My roots are here with my immigrant parents and now with my own children,” said Ghazi Edwin.
“I see multi-generational families experience Ann Arbor Parks in the same way as public spaces that increase the health and well-being of our community. The Southeast side of town is one of the most racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse parts of the city. We have eight of the city’s 12 Title I schools here. This park is also surrounded by three housing voucher communities and will provide new opportunities for youth programming. I am grateful to Senator Jeff Irwin for his equity-driven advocacy and for partnering with me to secure funding for this essential amenity to our city and region.
Officials said Southeast Area Park was chosen due to its location near low-and-moderate-income neighborhoods. It also borders Pittsfield and Ypsilanti townships and is made up of 26.5 acres.
“This project adds to our region’s amazing network of parks and recreation opportunities. I’m proud that we could earn state support for this project that we know people from Ann Arbor and surrounding communities will enjoy,” said Sen. Irwin.
Funding for the splash pad is part of a larger $7.3 million boost of state funding for city projects including the Wheeler Center Solar Park, Ann Arbor’s unarmed crisis response program and the Ann Arbor Housing Commission.
Southeast Area Park is at 2901 E. Ellsworth Rd.