Buhr Park

Recreational Amenities

Found in southeastern Ann Arbor, Michigan, Buhr Park spreads across 39 acres of rolling hills and green spaces - great for throwing down a blanket and relaxing. It's the kind of place where you can breathe a little deeper and stretch your legs a bit farther.

The park is a popular spot where locals come to play, relax, and connect with nature. Recent additions of gazebos and new picnic tables have given the park a little refresh, making hangouts even more comfortable.

Aquatic Facilities

When summer heat hits, the park's six-lane, 25-yard outdoor pool offers a welcome place to cool off. There's a deep end for confident swimmers, while little ones can splash around in the separate zero-depth entry wading pool with bubblers, spray features, and water toys.

If you're looking to improve your stroke or get moving in the water, swim lessons and water exercise programs run throughout summer. The water's clean, the lifeguards are attentive, and there are plenty of lounge chairs plus shady spots to retreat from the midday sun.

Come winter, the Buhr Outdoor Ice Arena transforms the park into a cold-weather playground. The covered (but open-air) rink features a cooled subfloor that keeps the ice skateable even during those unusually warm Michigan winter days.

Sports and Recreation

Sports lovers will feel right at home with multiple softball diamonds, soccer fields, and outdoor tennis courts that stay in great shape year-round. For those who prefer a gentler pace, walking trails wind through wooded areas, offering a quiet escape for a morning jog or afternoon birdwatching session.

The playground near the tennis courts is a hit with the younger crowd. It's got all the classics - swings and climbing structures - with large trees providing welcome patches of shade. During summer especially, you can find local families making the most of this well-maintained play space.

With its open layout, the park provides space to practice biking skills, try out skateboard moves, or simply run in the expansive fields.

Historic and Cultural Features

History buffs shouldn't miss the Cobblestone Farm and Museum on the premises. This historic site hosts tours and community events that connect you to Ann Arbor's past in a tangible way.

The stone farmhouse stands as a charming reminder of the area's heritage, adding character and depth to your park experience.

Environmental Education

For a touch of environmental learning, check out the Buhr Park Children's Wet Meadow. This thoughtfully designed ecosystem represents a living classroom where school kids (and curious adults) can discover wetland habitats and the plants and animals that call them home.

There's also the Project Grow Garden and Food Forest where community members tend to perennial plants in their designated plots. It's sustainability in action, and if you time your visit right, you might even sample fresh fruit from the peach trees and other fruit trees scattered throughout.

Facilities and Services

Planning a gathering? The park's picnic shelters can be reserved for private events, making it great for family reunions or birthday celebrations. Around the park, you'll discover tables for impromptu lunches or afternoon reading sessions - some might be showing their age, but they serve their purpose just fine.

During skating season, the ice arena offers welcome comforts: a heated lobby, clean restrooms, and skate rentals if you didn't bring your own. Around the park, restroom facilities (including portable options in some areas) and vending machines near the pool area handle the basics.

With plenty of parking available, Buhr Park offers a versatile outdoor space where you can enjoy nature, recreation, or community activities throughout all four Michigan seasons.