Placid Way Park

A Tucked-Away Neighborhood Gem

Placid Way Park sits quietly on the northeast side of Ann Arbor, Michigan - a small but pleasant neighborhood retreat. If you're exploring this area, you'll discover this park has a personality all its own, with distinctive steep slopes and an interesting topography that sets it apart from your typical flat green space.

Kid-Friendly Play Area

The playground here may not be massive, but it packs in plenty of fun with newer equipment that's clearly well cared for. Little ones seem particularly drawn to the 3-D climbing stair - it's a bit of a centerpiece that invites imaginative play and helps burn off some energy.

You'll also find swings and various other play structures, all maintained in great condition. Despite the park's modest footprint, there's enough variety here to keep the younger crowd entertained during a neighborhood outing.

Natural Surroundings

What makes this park special is its setting on an interesting earthworks formation with dramatically steep sides that slope down to a small creek below. The creek itself is pretty hard to reach because of the terrain and vegetation, but it adds a lovely natural element to the space.

If you're lucky, you might spot some local wildlife during your visit. Foxes have been known to make appearances here - a delightful surprise that reminds you you're experiencing a little pocket of nature within the city.

Getting Around

The park features a barrier-free asphalt path that winds through the grounds, making it accessible to everyone. A nice touch is that this path gets maintained even during Michigan's snowy winters, so you can enjoy the park year-round.

Coming by car? There are about three parking spots on the south side, but most people who visit live nearby and simply walk over - it's very much a community space in that sense.

Part of Something Bigger

Placid Way Park is one piece of Ann Arbor's impressive network of 162 park properties. While it doesn't have the extensive facilities or programming of the city's larger parks, it's a convenient, accessible outdoor space for neighbors to gather, play, and enjoy a bit of nature close to home.