New Border to Border Trail Segment & Nature Playground Now Open

August 16, 2024 - ​City of Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation is announcing the new segment of the Border to Border Trail (B2B) through Barton Nature Area is now complete and open to the public. The new 0.6-mile stretch provides a paved, accessible trail, and two new accessible parking spaces are now available as part of the project. The canoe livery area was also reconstructed, with an improved drop off. This drop-off area is not open for public parking, only for drop-off purposes. In addition, restoration included native seed mixes, and native trees and shrubs will be planted along the new trail segment this fall when the weather is more conducive to their survival. This new trail segment will connect with the planned pedestrian tunnel between Barton Nature Area and Bandemer Park, to be built in 2025.

Another exciting feature has been added as part of this project. A new nature playground, the "Great Oak Nature Playground," is also now open adjacent to the parking lot near Barton Dam. The trail project required the removal of a dying and potentially hazardous white oak tree. The dying tree is estimated to have been more than 150 years old and was felled in a way that allowed it to be reused on site as a new nature play structure.

"Great Oak Nature Playground was created to give the majestic tree a second life by providing children with a unique way to play and explore nature," Hanzel said. All wood used in the playground is from the felled white oak tree and all boulders are from the park. The natural play area was designed to mimic playing in a forest by encouraging climbing and exploratory play on a real tree, Hanzel explained. "Just as children would explore a fallen tree in a forest," she noted, "the play area is made from a real tree that may be slippery or scratchy. Please be aware that it will change over time and bark may slide off as children climb. More experienced visitors are encouraged to challenge their skills, and all - with proper supervision - are invited to use this new feature as a creative and physical opportunity to solve problems and build confidence using their imaginations."

This trail project was jointly funded with City of Ann Arbor Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage funds, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission and the Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative. "The city park millage and support from these organizations were vital to bringing this project to fruition," said Hanzel, "and we look forward to continuing our partnership on the pedestrian tunnel next year to complete this critical gap in the Border to Border Trail."

Visit the city website for more information on the Barton B2B project. The Ann Arbor corridor interactive B2B map is available online as well, on the B2B website.

Park millage renewal on Nov. 5 General Election ballot

The 2025-2044 Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage renewal proposal is set to appear on the Nov. 5 General Election ballot, asking Ann Arbor voters to decide whether to continue supporting the Ann Arbor park system. If passed, the renewed millage would continue funding park system enhancements, repairs and restoration for the next 20 years. The millage renewal proposal remains for 1.10 mills and does not pose an increase; the rate would remain the same as the millage that is expiring this year. Visit parks online for answers to frequently asked questions, to learn about projects and activities funded through the current and past millages and much more. Additional questions - or interest in scheduling a parks and recreation informational presentation for your neighborhood or community organization this summer or fall - can be directed to [email protected].​

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