Ann Arbor is about to welcome a major new green space to its community: Broadway Park West, a seven-acre riverfront park located at 841 Broadway Street in Lower Town. The park, set to officially open during a three-day celebration from September 12–14, 2025, offers residents and visitors a chance to enjoy trails, gathering spaces, and a newly restored connection to the Huron River.
The land has a long and complex history. Once owned by the Michigan Consolidated Gas Company, it was used as a coal gasification site in the early 20th century. For decades, the space remained contaminated, inaccessible and fenced off. Through careful environmental cleanup, community input and nonprofit stewardship, the area is now a model of urban renewal.
Broadway Park West represents the inaugural project of the Lower Town Riverfront Conservancy, a nonprofit formed to preserve and enhance Ann Arbor’s riverfront. Their mission is to provide publicly accessible green space, trails and park amenities along the Huron River—beginning with this landmark site.
A weekend of celebration
The opening festivities will span the entire weekend, free of charge and open to the public. Hours are 11am-10pm daily, with each day featuring a different theme and set of activities.
Friday, September 12 – A Community Kickoff
The celebration begins with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11am on the new pedestrian and cycling bridge. This structure links the park directly to the Border-to-Border Trail, connecting downtown Ann Arbor to one of the region’s most significant recreational corridors.
From noon-5pm, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the park at their own pace, taking in trails, green spaces and riverfront access points. As evening sets in, food trucks and a bar service will open, creating a festive atmosphere. The day culminates in a high-energy Joe Hertler DJ Dance Party from 7-10pm—an upbeat way to christen Ann Arbor’s newest public space.
Saturday, September 13 – “Your Park. Your Day.”
Saturday is designed as a slower-paced, community-centered day. Dubbed “Your Park. Your Day.”, it emphasizes relaxation and discovery. Families, friends and individuals are encouraged to picnic on the Commons lawn, stroll the trails or simply enjoy time along the riverfront. Whether arriving by bike via the B2B Trail or walking from downtown, visitors can expect an inviting environment tailored to leisure.
Sunday, September 14 – Family Fun with Bubble Fest
The final day of the opening weekend is all about kids and families. A Bubble Fest will fill the park with whimsical fun, complemented by coffee for adults and ice cream for children. With playful surprises and plenty of open space, Sunday provides a fitting conclusion to the park’s debut celebrations.
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A vision for the future
Broadway Park West is not just a weekend event—it is a long-term investment in Ann Arbor’s quality of life. The Conservancy has planned the park’s development in multiple phases to maximize its impact.
- Phase I (completed 2024): Construction of 2,400 feet of trails, a footbridge over the Huron River, three river access points, and a gathering lawn known as The Commons.
- Phase II (2025): Work begins on The Pavilion, a riverside event facility able to host 1,000 outdoors or 300–500 indoors. This versatile venue will accommodate concerts, markets, weddings and community programs.
- Phase III (future): Further development is under consideration.
“There is a great deal of anticipation as to what park amenities will be included in Phase III,” said Marie Klopf, President of the Lower Town Riverfront Conservancy. “With parks of this scale, there are numerous factors that need to be considered to ensure an appropriate balance of function and aesthetics. At this stage, we want to pause and learn how our community wants to interact with the space before finalizing new projects. One thing is certain—we’re thrilled to join them on this journey!”
The project also demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability. The park is powered entirely by renewable energy sources, incorporates EV charging stations and features eco-conscious lighting and plantings designed to support natural habitats.
A public space for all
The transformation of Broadway Park West highlights the power of collaboration. Partnerships between the City of Ann Arbor, DTE Energy, the state of Michigan and the Lower Town Riverfront Conservancy all made the project possible. A recent $1 million Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) grant will help fund The Pavilion, ensuring that the park can serve as a hub for cultural and social events.
By reclaiming a once-polluted industrial site and turning it into an accessible, vibrant green space, Broadway Park West bridges Ann Arbor’s past and future. It connects neighborhoods, fosters recreation and brings new energy to the Lower Town riverfront.
The opening weekend offers a first glimpse of what the park will mean for the city: a place to connect, celebrate and enjoy the natural beauty of the Huron River. As the Conservancy continues its work, residents and visitors alike can look forward to a riverfront that is not only preserved but enlivened for generations to come.
Donna Marie Iadipaolo is a writer, journalist, and State of Michigan certified teacher, since 1990. She has written for national publications like The Village Voice, Ear Magazine of New Music, Insurance & Technology, and TheStreet.
She is now writing locally for many publications, including Current Magazine, Ann Arbor Family, and the Ann Arbor Independent. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she graduated with an honors bachelor’s degree and three teacher certificate majors: mathematics, social sciences, English. She also earned three graduate degrees in Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Education Specialist Degree.
