Ann Arbor City opens solar-powered, universally accessible splash pad at Bicentennial Park

An Agency official for Ann Arbor City announced the opening of a new universally accessible splash pad at Bicentennial Park, calling it "an incredibly exciting day in the city of Ann Arbor." The official said the facility is powered by solar energy generated at the park and that "the water here is reused."

City staff highlighted accessibility features meant to serve people with a range of needs. A Staff member said the splash pad includes nonverbal communication boards for people who are nonverbal, sensory accommodations for people who are neurodivergent and design elements that allow access for people who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices. "So it's really important to build this in a way so that people of all abilities can enjoy it," the staff member said.

Officials also emphasized water-conservation benefits. According to the Agency official, "most splash pads of this kind would run through 15,000,000 gallons of water a year." The transcript later contains a truncated repetition of that figure; the article attributes the water-use claim to the official and does not independently verify the number.

City staff invited residents to two public events associated with the opening: a dedication on July 10 and a community celebration on July 11, and asked for the public's support during the splash pad's first season. Funding sources, ongoing operating responsibility and maintenance arrangements for the splash pad were not specified in the remarks.

The announcement focused on the installation's accessibility and sustainability features; officials did not present ordinances, motions or formal votes during the remarks.