November 6, 2024 – Ann Arbor voters have elected to continue vital funding for the city park system for the next 20 years. The 2025–2044 Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage renewal proposal on the Nov. 5 General Election ballot passed with approximately 72% of the (unofficial) vote.
“We are delighted and thank Ann Arbor voters for valuing the city park system,” said Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Manager Josh Landefeld. “With the continued funding, we are invigorated by this opportunity to maintain, repair and evolve our parks, facilities and programming. This support will ensure all can continue to enjoy these spaces and places and reap their benefits to well-being — in every way and for decades to come.”
Landefeld explained the renewed millage will now enable funds to be leveraged for a more holistic, strategic and long-term approach to planning and will help staff in addressing unanticipated improvement and repair needs in the parks with efficiency.
- Between 60% and 80% of the annual millage funds support city park maintenance activities. Park maintenance activities include natural area preservation, general and seasonal maintenance of parks, courts, playgrounds, equipment, amenities, forestry and horticulture, volunteer outreach and recreation facilities.
- Between 20% and 40% of the annual millage funds are designated for city park capital (larger-scale) improvements in the following areas: community-wide parks; park shelters and structures; historic preservation; neighborhood parks and urban plazas; pathways, trails, boardwalks, Border-to-Border Trail, recreation facilities; recreational dams; and major park equipment.
Learn more about the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage, watch video vignettes about park updates and amenities, learn about projects and activities that have been funded through the current and past millages and much more at www.a2gov.org/parksmillage.
