What Are Your Favorite 'Green Spaces & Happy Places'

July 26, 2024 - ​Ann Arbor residents are being presented with a fun and visual way to declare and share which, among the more than 160 City of Ann Arbor parks and natural areas, are their favorites. Residents can pick up a free "Green Spaces, Happy Places" yard sign - featuring an area to write in the one or two city parks and/or natural areas that bring them the most joy. While supplies last, the cheerful yard signs are available to pick up at the following locations:

• Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave.

• Buhr Park Pool, 2751 Packard Road

• Fuller Park Pool, 1519 Fuller Road

• Huron Hills Golf Course, 3465 E. Huron River Drive

• Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St.

• Veterans Memorial Park Pool, 2150 Jackson Ave.
  

Once the yard sign is filled out and in place, residents are invited to post a picture on the city Facebook, X and Instagram pages, using #GreenSpacesHappyPlaces #AnnArborParks. Community members without outdoor space could also choose to display their sign, if allowed, in a window of their home. The city urges residents to not place yard signs in city rights-of-way, which would violate ordinance and pose a hazard.

"Parks and green spaces are important conduits to creating a sense of community," explains Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Manager Josh Landefeld, "in addition to providing recreation, fun, fresh air and natural beauty." Landefeld shared the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) report noting access to indoor and/or outdoor recreation facilities - such as game courts and playgrounds, outdoor programs and activities like yoga, swimming, boating and golf - and frequency of park visitation are wholistically beneficial. Parks usage correlates with greater physical activity and triggers the release of the "feel-good" hormones, endorphins, leading to improved mood and a sense of well-being. NRPA also finds parks serve as community hubs that enable positive social connections among neighbors. A recent publication by Mayo Clinic further explains the research on mental health benefits of nature and physical activity for managing stress, coping with chronic mental health conditions, improving sleep quality and creativity and even for managing negative emotions.

Landefeld looks forward to finding out which parks and natural areas residents enjoy the most, admitting it's a difficult task to choose just one or two. When pressed, Landefeld narrowed down his favorites. "I grew up in Ann Arbor," he said, "and so I have great memories of playing pickup games of soccer, meeting new friends and spending time at Fuller Park and Island Park. And today, among the favorites for my family are Olson Park and Placid Way Park."

"Living in Ann Arbor," Landefeld notes, "we are all fortunate to have so many parks, natural areas and recreation facilities to choose from, and each with unique and diverse offerings. There's really a park for every interest here."

Learn more about Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation at www.a2gov.org/parks.

Ann Arbor voters will find the 2025-2044 Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage renewal proposal on the Nov. 5 General Election ballot. 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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