Connecting with community on three projects
In November 2023, Bloomington voters approved a new half-percent sales tax to provide $155 million for the enhancement and protection of the Nine Mile Creek corridor and Moir and Central parks, construction of a new community health and wellness center and renovations to the Bloomington Ice Garden. Project teams have been connecting with community members to inform each of the three projects over the summer. Learn more at bloomingtonforward.org.
Nine Mile Creek corridor and Moir/Central park renewal
This summer, hundreds of people attended two community events—one to celebrate Nine Mile Creek and the other to help plan Moir Park. Event attendees shared what they love about the Nine Mile Creek corridor area, including Moir and Central parks.
One person said: “It feels like we’re in the middle of the north woods. I call it the boundary waters of Bloomington.” Check out the video at blm.mn/loveninemile.
City staff also hosted a nature and ecology creek walk, and ADA accessibility and bike focus groups. This month, the project team will be developing concepts. Another community event is coming up in October to share high-level concepts and collect feedback. Visit bloomingtonforward.org for details.
Community health and wellness center
Celebrate the possibilities of the new community health and wellness center on Saturday, September 28, 4-7 p.m., in the park next to Creekside Community Center, 9801 Penn Ave. S. You’ll learn more about the new center’s possible programs, services and amenities. Attendees will also enjoy live music, food trucks and activities.
Survey results collected in June, stakeholder interviews, previous community center work and focus group feedback informed City staff and HGA Architects as to what kind of programs, services and amenities residents would like to see in the new center.
The new community health and wellness center will support a wide range of recreational and fitness activities and programs. The new center will replace the existing Public Health and Creekside Community Center buildings and be located on the current Creekside site. The end goal is for the new center to open in 2027.
Bloomington Ice Garden
The City is renovating Bloomington Ice Garden, 3600 W. 98th St., which will allow Bloomington athletes and families to enjoy ice time closer to home, and help the facility host more events that draw visitors from across the region.
JGL Architects and City staff hosted an open house event in July to share more information about the renovation and modernization project with stakeholders. Attendees learned about major components of the project—arena flooring, dasher boards and the new ice system—and viewed concept design plans.
No interruptions to BIG operations are expected as a result of the renovation until mid-March 2025 through fall 2025 when the facility is anticipated to close for construction.
