Bloomington: Parks and Recreation Continues Facility Repairs, Trail Construction

Bloomington, Ind. ~ Bloomington, Ind.- The Parks and Recreation department has recently provided an update on various park facilities and infrastructure projects that have caused temporary closures and disruptions to some of the community's most popular parks and amenities.

According to the department, they are aware of the frustration felt by residents due to these closures and disruptions. Whether it's a beloved swimming pool, a reserved picnic shelter for a family gathering, or a familiar route into a park, these facilities hold significant importance in the daily lives of Bloomington residents.

The department explained that while there have been an unusual number of service interruptions due to unrelated incidents, they remain committed to maintaining safe and reliable parks and recreation facilities for the community. This includes repairing aging infrastructure as well as responding to unexpected events such as storm damage or equipment failure. Their focus is on restoring access while also making thoughtful investments that will benefit these facilities for years to come.

In regards to current projects and closures, the department provided updates on three specific areas: Mills Pool, Rogers Street Closure, and Sycamore Shelter at Lower Cascades Park.

Mills Pool has been closed during pre-season preparations due to a significant leak discovered by staff. The pool's aged plumbing and circulation system is located beneath the concrete deck, making it difficult to identify the source of the problem. To address this issue, Parks and Recreation enlisted the help of a specialized leak detection company. While the problem has not been fully resolved yet, staff have replaced valves and fittings to reduce water loss. They are currently working on cleaning, balancing chemicals, and conducting tests in order to open the pool in the coming weeks. The exact opening date will be announced once it is known but further evaluation on the pool's plumbing and circulation system will be required at the end of the season.

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Another closure affecting residents is Rogers Street just north of Switchyard Park entrance. This closure was necessary for construction of a pedestrian crossing for the new Powerline Trail. The concrete for the crossing has been poured and the road is set to reopen by June 10. During this closure, the entrance to Switchyard Park from Rogers Street is only accessible from the south. However, the parking lots at Grimes Street and South Walnut Street remain open and unaffected. The road will be reopened just in time for the upcoming Strawberry Shortcake Festival on June 11.

The Sycamore Shelter at Lower Cascades Park has also been affected by an unexpected incident. On May 20, a large bur oak tree fell on the shelter causing extensive damage to its southern portion. The roof and walls of this historic limestone structure have been removed and a tarp has been temporarily added to cover a hole in the remaining section of the roof. The north half of the shelter, including the restroom facility, is still open for use. Urban forestry crews have removed the fallen tree and are planning to use its trunk for lumber. The department understands that this shelter is a popular gathering place for residents and will provide a repair timeline as soon as it becomes available.

Due to an ongoing closure on Clubhouse Drive, vehicle access to Sycamore Shelter is only available from Kinser Pike to Clubhouse Drive from the west. However, vehicle and pedestrian access to Lower Cascades Park, playgrounds, and trails remains available from Old State Road 37 North.

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Parks and Recreation maintains over 2,300 acres of park land along with dozens of facilities, miles of trails, pools, playgrounds, shelters, athletic facilities, and natural areas throughout Bloomington. While unexpected closures are never welcomed, they are a reality when it comes to maintaining such a large and heavily used park system.

The department reassured residents that they remain committed to keeping them informed about any updates or changes through their website and social media channels. They also encouraged residents to sign up for email notifications regarding Parks and Recreation news.

In conclusion, the department expressed their appreciation for the community's passion for its parks and how it reflects the importance of these places in Bloomington's quality of life. They will continue to work towards restoring access and addressing any problems transparently and as quickly as possible.

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