This profile of Ann Arbor’s Bicentennial Park Playground is part of our Playground Profiles Series. Are you interested in sponsoring the series? Contact us for details.
Each week Ann Arbor with Kids is profiling a different playground in the Ann Arbor area including Ann Arbor, Saline, Ypsilanti, Dexter, etc. Today we are profiling Bicentennial Park part of the Ann Arbor system.
Ann Arbor’s Bicentennial Park
Bicentennial Park – Playground Features
Playground Profile Last Updated: May 20, 2026
Playground Best for: Kids Under 5, Kids 5-8, Kids 8-12
Structures: 2
Accessible Structure: No
Slides: 6, Straight Slide, Curved Slide, Racer Slide
Monkey Bars: Yes
Zip Line: No
Climbing Apparatus: No
Merry Go Round: No
Bouncers: No
See Saw: Yes
Sandbox: Yes
Natural Play: No
Swings: 4 traditional swings, 4 baby swings, 0 parent/baby swings, 0 adaptive swings, 1 tire swings
Ground Activities: No
Surface: Mixed
Shade: Partial Shade – The new splash pad has shade sales and there are large trees near the new playground. The older playground also has various mature trees nearby.
Seating: Yes, Benches at Old Playground. Nearby Picnic Tables under Pavilion at new Playground
Bicentennial Park – Park Details
Park Owner: Ann Arbor
Location: Bicentennial Park Ann Arbor
Parking: Parking Lot – Paved parking lot
Bathrooms: Yes, Seasonal
Walking Trails: Paved – Paved trail through the park connects to sidewalk on Ellsworth Rd
Water Play: Artificial Water Element – Splash Pad added in Summer 2026
Picnic Benches: Yes, At Playground, Nearby, Under Cover of Pavilion, Splinter Free (not made of wood)
Pavilion: Yes
Sports Fields: Basketball, Baseball/Softball, Open Fields
Bicentennial Park Description
Bicentennial Park was formerly known as Southeast Area Park. It was renamed in 2024 in honor of Ann Arbor’s Bicentennial and received a major rennovation of the larger playground and the addition of a splash pad. As of May 20, 2026, it appears construction is complete and the playground and splash pad will be opening soon. The construction fencing is still up so we couldn’t get too close,.
The new playground features a 4 person teeter totter, a play structure with shade sales, and a domed merry go round. The play structure includes a shorter double slide, a taller curved slide, and various climbing apparatus. We couldn’t get up close, but it appears that the new structure is on artificial grass. This will be a great addition to our mess-free playground list.
The swing section near this playground includes a saucer, 2 baby swings, and 2 traditional swings. Behind the play structure is a pavilion with picnic tables and a building with bathrooms.
The real standout of the new construction is a splash pad – the first one in Ann Arbor. If you need a break from the hot sun, there are two large shade sails on either side of the splash pad. From looking at the splash pad, we see ground fountains, a dumper, a circular sprayer and various spray hoops. There is also a table for water play. We can’t wait to see it in action!
Bicentennial Park is the first playground that I began taking my daughter to when she was a toddler focusing on the play area closer to Ellsworth Rd. This play area reamins unchanged 19 years later. It was a good starting structure for her (although Lillie Park is in the same area and has a smaller structure for little ones). However, Bicentennial Park holds an advantage since they have swings. This structure offers short side-by-side slides. My daughter loved playing with the spinners on the structure. With steps instead of a ladder and a stable bridge, it is easy for toddlers to reach the entire structure.
The old play structure is still on wooden mulch.
Ann Arbor’s First Splash Pad Almost Completed!
For years I’ve wondered why there is no splash pad in Ann Arbor. The good news is that’s about to change! Ann Arbor Parks is adding a universal splash pad to Bicentennial Park. The plans were announced in 2024, with construction starting in July 2025. As of May 20, 2026 the splash pad and playground […]
Bicentennial Park was largely created with recycled materials:
- Recycled plastics on both play structures and picnic benches
- Old Athletic Shoes form the surface of the basketball court
- Recycled Aluminum for the bleachers at the softball diamond
Beyond Bicentennial Park
Bicentennial Park is connected to Ellsworth Rd via sidewalks. Take a break from the playground and walk to the strip mall at Platt & Ellsworth for Biggby Coffee or La Pina Loca for fresh treats. Or take a Playground Tour and walk about 1/4 mile along a paved path to Ellsworth Park. Bicentennial Park is a good playground to stop at if you are headed to the Recycle Ann Arbor Drop Off Station or Swift Run Dog Park.
Ann Arbor Playground Profiles
Have you been to Ann Arbor’s Bicentennial Park? If so, what is your favorite part?
Find more Ann Arbor area playgrounds in our Playground Profile series. Then, plan your own playground tour.
