Project Overview
The original Hansen Nature Area deed contained an unconstitutional racially restrictive covenant inconsistent with Parks and Recreation Services' goal of providing exceptional experiences for all and ensuring that everyone should feel safe, welcome, and respected in the City Parks. Therefore, the restrictions were officially removed from the deed in 2025, and a new name is now being chosen. We are asking community members to submit name suggestions, which will be reviewed and considered by the Park Advisory Commission (PAC).
Why is this project being done?
As part of a development agreement for Midtown Condominiums, the developer donated a piece of property to be added to Hansen Nature Area. In the course of acquiring this property, the City became aware that the original Hansen Nature Area deed contained an unconstitutional racially restrictive covenant. The Michigan Discharge of Prohibited Restrictive Covenants Act allows property owners to affirmatively remove discriminatory restrictions such as these from deeds and other recorded documents.
As these deed restrictions are inconsistent with Parks and Recreation Services' goal of providing exceptional experiences for all and ensuring that everyone should feel safe, welcome, and respected in the City Parks, staff recommend recording a discharge with the Washtenaw County Register of Deeds to officially remove these restrictions in the public records from the deeds associated with Hansen Nature Area.
The Park Advisory Commission unanimously supported this discharge at its June 17, 2025 meeting.
A new park name, suggested by the neighborhood, would help better reflect the park’s common identity, represent community values, and demonstrate community ownership. You can help by submitting a new name through the survey on this page! See below for park name guidelines. The Park Advisory Commission (PAC) will review name suggestions and take them under consideration.
According to the naming policy for City of Ann Arbor parks, parks may be named after:
- Geographical, historical or ecological features in or around the park
- Individuals in good standing who have been deceased for at least five (5) years and have made a significant contribution to the City of Ann Arbor parks and recreation
- Historical events or places
