West Park Visioning

Project Overview

UPCOMING EVENT!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23

Party in the Parks: West Park

We heard you, Ann Arbor — you want more fun in the park, and we’re bringing it! Join us for a community party on Saturday, Aug. 23, 4–7 p.m. to kick off new park programming. Music, activities, food and good vibes await — plus, help shape what’s next by taking our survey (scroll down to end of page!).

Live music from the bands Indie Rock Royalty and Dog Latin
Food trucks
Inflatables
Face painter and balloon artist
And more!

In 2021, structural failures were discovered in the foundation of the West Park bandshell, leading to its closure for public safety. Since then, Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation has worked closely with the community to explore the future of the bandshell and West Park. While a formal decision on the bandshell's future will be made by City Council at a future meeting, staff are moving forward with demolition engineering and are launching a broader visioning project to guide the long-term future of the entire park.

During the visioning process, Parks & Recreation staff will also be working to activate the park with a series of community-oriented programs, events, and activities.

Bandshell Demolition

In spring 2021, visible cracks were observed in the foundation of the West Park bandshell. Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation staff engaged Hubbell, Roth and Clark Inc. (HRC) to conduct a full structural analysis. The resulting report identified significant structural failures in the foundation, leading to the closure and fencing off of the bandshell to ensure public safety. Early estimates placed the cost of necessary repairs at over $2 million.

Over the next two years, Parks staff conducted an extensive community engagement process to better understand the community’s values and hopes for the bandshell and West Park as a whole. Following this engagement effort, Parks staff presented a recommendation for demolition of the bandshell to the Park Advisory Commission (PAC) on March 18, 2025. Staff are now moving forward with demolition engineering. A final decision regarding the bandshell will be made by City Council at a future meeting.

Park Activation

Throughout the community engagement process, one message came through clearly: regardless of the future of the bandshell, the community wants to see a more vibrant, activated West Park. Residents expressed a strong desire for more events, programs, and ways to connect. In response, Parks & Recreation will begin actively programming West Park, starting with a community event on August 23, 2025.

Additionally, we’ve launched a community survey to gather ideas and feedback on future park activations and events. Scroll to the end of this page to take the survey! The survey will be open until September 7, 2025.

Comprehensive Vision

In parallel with demolition engineering and activation planning, Parks staff are also initiating a long-term, comprehensive visioning project for the entire West Park site. While previous engagement focused specifically on the bandshell, this next phase will take a holistic look at the park’s future—its character, usage, amenities, and long-term stewardship. Staff are currently developing the framework for this effort with design consultants. More information will be shared as the planning process takes shape. This visioning effort will take time and care, reflecting the park’s rich history and its ongoing importance to the Ann Arbor community.

Parks staff is currently gathering input for Activating West Park through a variety of events and programs. We invite you to share your ideas and preferences by completing this brief survey by September 7, 2025.

Public engagement will play a central role in the upcoming West Park Visioning Plan, a comprehensive planning process for the park's long-term future. Once the project framework is finalized, we’ll share opportunities for community involvement.

We anticipate engagement for the visioning plan will begin in spring/summer 2026. Project updates will be available on here on the A2Engage Page, through Park Social Media Channels, the Parks GovDelivery Newsletter, and other city communication platforms.

Presentations to Parks Advisory Commission (PAC):