Learn more at the grand opening, this Sunday, June 19.
For years, maybe even decades, HRWC has been working to improve the water quality from Allen’s Creek, draining much of the West side of Ann Arbor, AND to reduce the volume of water reaching the creek. We are limited in our options due to the almost complete build-out of the land. Some of the best opportunities lie on or under public land–parks, schools, government buildings, etc.
An example of a stormwater improvement project on a city park is wrapping up and holding a grand opening. This Sunday, June 19th, the City of Ann Arbor invites you to the opening of West Park from noon to 4 p.m. Activities will include a ribbon cutting ceremony, guided tours, sculpture unveiling, a visit by the Ann Arbor Police Department, Ann Arbor Civic Band performance, tree plantings, musical entertainment, raffle drawing and more.
The focus of the project is stormwater management and improving water quality. The site now features a series of wetlands and bioswales as well as the installation of underground structures to capture and filter stormwater from Allen Creek. Walks and talks highlighting the new stormwater features in the park are scheduled for 12:20, 1:40 and 2:20 p.m. on Sunday.
New park amenities include a boardwalk over a wetland water feature, improved access from Huron Street, a new basketball court relocated out of the floodway, parking lot renovations, reconstruction of the open play field, a plaza and low retaining walls to provide seating in front of the band shell, and new pathways through the park. Two sculptures, designed by local artist Traven Pelletier, in cooperation with the Ann Arbor Public Art Commission, sit on the ends of the retaining wall, adding a whimsical flair to the seating area.
This event is free and open to the public. West Park is located close to downtown Ann Arbor between Miller and Huron Streets and Chapin and Seventh Streets.
The project was funded through the Michigan State Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage, in cooperation with the Office of the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner.