Protect Our Green Space
Demand a Better Plan for Our School
Our neighborhood is under threat from a deeply flawed redesign of our local elementary school by Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS). The current plan paves over nearly all of the 7.7-acre school property—replacing vital green space with parking lots, paved transition areas, and stormwater retention ponds. This leaves no room for the playgrounds, open fields, or natural areas where our children learn, play, and grow.
To make up for their poor design, AAPS is asking the City to hand over Lawton Park - 5.3 acres of cherished public parkland behind Lawton Elementary stretching from Mershon Drive to the current school boundary. This park is used year-round by kids, families, and neighbors—and it could soon be lost along with all of the green space at Lawton!
We believe our community deserves better. Green spaces and parks are not optional—they are essential to the health, development, and well-being of our children and our neighborhood. We call on AAPS and City leaders to return to the drawing board and create a thoughtful, sustainable plan that provides a modern learning environment without sacrificing the green space that makes this community livable.
We’ve modeled the proposed site plan and calculated a number of other alarming changes:
The playground area itself, even if City Council allows this plan, will be decreasing by 54%.
The overall amount of outdoor area available to Lawton students is decreasing by 69%.
The amount of paved areas is increasing by 160%.
The amount of area that can be dark at night for wildlife and people is decreasing by 46%.
Speak Up
Help ensure your voice is part of the conversation — email City Council and the Parks Advisory Commission today.
Get Involved
Whether you’d like to contribute your skills, time, or ideas, we’d love to have you as part of the effort!