Cranbrook Park

A Green Getaway

Tucked away in the southwest corner of Ann Arbor, Cranbrook Park spreads its 17 acres of greenery among residential neighborhoods near Main Street and Ann Arbor-Saline Road. This community space offers a balance between natural areas and recreational facilities - a good spot for a break from everyday routines.

The park unfolds with sprawling open fields and transitions into a natural wetland area with unpaved trails that wind through wooded sections. Fair warning: these wetland paths aren't regularly maintained and can get pretty muddy after rain, but that's part of their charm if you're looking for a more rustic experience or a quiet moment away from the buzz of the city.

Play and Recreation Spots

If you're bringing kids along, you'll find a thoughtfully designed playground area with separate structures catering to different age groups. Little ones and bigger kids each have their own space to explore, complete with two sets of swings and a sandbox offering some nice climbing challenges. Sports enthusiasts haven't been forgotten either - there's a half basketball court (nothing fancy, but it does the job) and a tennis court for when you're feeling competitive.

For those looking to eat outdoors, picnic tables are scattered within the park, most positioned in shaded areas to provide relief from the summer sun. Several benches also dot the landscape, providing perfect perches for people-watching or simply taking a moment to breathe.

Finding Your Way In

The park welcomes visitors through three different entrances accessible from Oakbrook Drive (both west and south sides) and Main Street.

Getting here is pretty straightforward - the park connects well to surrounding neighborhoods via sidewalks, and nearby bus stops make it accessible even without a car. A wide paved path cuts through the green space, making navigation easy and connecting to the Mews and other residential areas. There's also a charming pedestrian bridge linking different sections of the park.

Good to Know

Dog lovers, you're in luck - your four-legged friends are welcome here, but they need to stay leashed, and you'll need to clean up after them. One thing to note: there aren't any restrooms on-site, so plan your visit accordingly.

An interesting bonus is the park's location near the Cranbrook Village Shopping Center, making it easy to combine your nature time with some shopping or grabbing a bite afterward. Just be aware that there's no dedicated parking at the park itself.

During summer when the vegetation is lush, Cranbrook Park becomes a peaceful neighborhood space. It's frequently visited by local families, with children enjoying the playground throughout the warmer months.