Gallup Park in Ann Arbor is one of the most popular recreation locations in the area. The park spans 69 acres around Geddes Pond. Located at 3000 Fuller Rd just off US 23 and Geddes Road Gallup Park is home to the Centennial Universal Access Playground. Gallup Park hosts many great features such as miles of scenic walkways with wooden bridges, two playgrounds, a canoe livery, locations perfect for fishing (don’t eat the fish), two picnic shelters, restrooms, picnic areas and grills, and over three miles of paved trails. Paved trails may be used for biking, walking or jogging. If you like kayaking, then check out the Kayaking the Huron River from Barton Dam to Gallop Park experience. Additionally, guests may bring their leashed dogs to join them for a day at this park.
Gallup Park Parking
Guests can take advantage of four parking areas within the park. The first lot is located off Geddes Road, near the Livery. The second lot is located along the main entrance to the park off Geddes Road. The other two parking lots are located along the south side of the park. To access the last two parking lots guests must cross over the single lane wooden bridge.
Gallup Park Livery
Gallup Park Livery is located right off of Geddes road on the north side of the park. They offer canoe, two-person kayak, one-person kayak, kid kayak, paddleboat, and rowboat rentals. The boat launch into Geddes Pond is located conveniently close to the livery. In addition to rentals, the liver offers concessions and merchandise.
Centennial Universal Access Playground
We spent most of our time at the newly constructed Rotary Centennial Universal Access Playground. The park was designed to be a Universal Access play area which offers inclusive play for children of all abilities. The park features wide sidewalks that access the playground, many different seating options, a unitary surface, and shaded areas. The fairy themed playground has three different play areas that represent Michigan’s woodland region, river region, and prairie region.
Woodland Region
The Woodland Region area of the playground is designed for children ages two to five. This section contains two main elements, the Mushroom House and the OmniSpin Spinner. The Mushroom House provides children with the opportunity to climb and pretend. While the OmniSpin Spinner allows children to explore movement together. My girls absolutely LOVED the spinner. Naturally, everyone took turns riding in and pushing it around and around. However, they had the most fun when an adult joined in and pushed it for them. Additionally, this area hosts a sand play area and seasonal water feature.
River Region
The River Region hosts the Sway Fun, the large play structure, Rickety Climber, Custom Hillside Lolli ladder, Lilly Pad Wobble Pod, Custom Canyon Climber and more. The Sway Fun is a great boat themed element that allows children using wheeled mobility devises access to the structure. Children (and adults) use their body weight to sway the boat back and forth.
Prairie Region
Finally, the Prairie Region is home to the Oodle Swing, We-Saw, Cozy Dome, and the main structure. The Oodle Swing allows children to transfer from a mobility device and it’s large size allows for multiple users (including adults). Next, older children will love the challenge of the main structure with a ton of interactive handles to turn and a bird’s nest that leads to a tall twirly slide.
We were at the Centennial Universal Access Playground for several hours, which subsequently led to the need for a restroom. The bathrooms near the playground are permanent port-a-potty style toilets with no sink. However, they do provide hand sanitizer. The bathroom was disguising. Particularly, the odor, which was overpowering and made us all nauseous. Also, there was feces on the toilet seat. Therefore, I do not suggest using the restrooms unless you are prepared to clean them and can stomach the strong odor.
Overall we had an amazing time at the Centennial Universal Access Playground. I love the attention to details and all the inclusive, universal elements of this playground. If you are in the area, surely check it out.
Check out some of the other places we have featured in Ann Arbor.
Read about our favorite parks and playgrounds in Metro Detroit.
Check out the Michigan Accessible Playground Directory as well as Boundless Playground™ locations.
Author: Amber Louchart
Amber is the proud mother to four beautiful children, Damian (27), Rosaleigh (14), Carlyn (11), and Naomi (8). Her family also includes four cats. She loves being a stay-at-home mom and feels blessed to be able to care for her children full-time and provide them with so many opportunities through Metro Detroit Mommy. In addition to Metro Detroit Mommy, Amber has a passion for hosting karaoke with Malibu Entertainment. She enjoys the metro Detroit nightlife especially, singing, dancing and meeting new people.
Amber is the proud mother to four beautiful children, Damian (27), Rosaleigh (14), Carlyn (11), and Naomi (8). Her family also includes four cats.
She loves being a stay-at-home mom and feels blessed to be able to care for her children full-time and provide them with so many opportunities through Metro Detroit Mommy. In addition to Metro Detroit Mommy, Amber has a passion for hosting karaoke with Malibu Entertainment. She enjoys the metro Detroit nightlife especially, singing, dancing and meeting new people.
