Save Lawton Park

Dear Lawton Neighborhood Community,

We are at immediate risk of losing 5.3 acres of open green space behind Lawton Elementary School—stretching from Mershon Dr. up to the current school property line. This cherished area, used by children, families, and neighbors year-round, could soon be lost.

Please email City Council members Jen Eyer and Dharma Akmon, and key park district leaders to urge them to vote NO on the AAPS request to take over Lawton Park. The vote may happen as soon as Monday, April 14.

What’s Happening

AAPS originally proposed rebuilding Lawton on the existing site. Now, they plan to build a new school on the open green field behind the current building, replacing it with asphalt, parking, and storm ponds — and no playground.

To fix this mistake, AAPS wants to take over 5.3 more acres of public parkland, which would erase all the green space behind Lawton.

Why This Matters

This is not what the community voted for in the 2019 bond.
The plan shows poor planning that doesn’t prioritize student or community outdoor space.
Green space is critical as Ann Arbor grows and densifies.
AAPS already received $1 billion — they must work within their land!

What You Can Do

Please email the people below by Sunday:

CityCouncil@a2gov.org
JEyer@a2gov.org
DAkmon@a2gov.org
jlandefeld@a2gov.org
ddelacourt@a2gov.org

Also, sign up HERE to stay involved and advocate for our community!

Let’s protect Lawton Park for future generations.
After six years and $1B in funding, AAPS must be held accountable.

Copy and Paste This Email

Subject: Protect Lawton Park! Dear City Council Members and Park District Leadership, I am writing to urge you to vote NO on the proposal to allow Ann Arbor Public Schools to use or takeover city parkland as part of their shortsighted plan for the new Lawton Elementary School. AAPS has their own property! Lawton has 7.7 acres with ample open green and playground space, however AAPS has managed to create a terrible plan for the new school that replaces greenspace with parking lots and asphalt and leaves no room for playgrounds or open play space. Now they are requesting to take an additional 5.3 acres of public parkland to make up for this poor planning! Our neighborhood values our green space and parks, and believe they are a critical part of the future of our community! Please protect our Lawton City Park and vote no. Sincerely, Your name Address or ward # resident

Sincerely,
The Save Lawton Park Committee