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

Ann Arbor marked the official opening of a new splash pad at Bicentennial Park on July 11, 2026, a host said during FYI's coverage of the event. The feature was presented as both universally accessible and sustainable, with organizers pointing to flat, level surfaces and a communication board designed to welcome visitors with mobility or communication needs.

At the opening, a presenter described the splash pad as "solar-powered" and contrasted its water use with a broad benchmark: "Normally, splash pads of this kind would use 15,000,000 gallons a year. We use 15,000 gallons a year," the presenter said. The program did not identify the speaker by name; the claim was presented at the event. A pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor who appeared in the segment praised the accessibility design, saying, "To have a place like this where it's flat, it's level, I can easily roll my chair around." The host gave the official opening date as 07/11/2026.

City materials and event speakers framed the splash pad as part of Ann Arbor's broader parks system; the host noted the city manages more than 160 parks. The FYI coverage emphasized community turnout and inclusion but did not provide municipal budget or procurement details. The opening segment directed viewers to the city's parkfinder page for more information.