Three projects making progress
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, renovations to the Bloomington Ice Garden, and construction of a new community health and wellness center. There has been progress over the last month in each of the three projects. Here’s a brief overview.
Community engagement has begun on the Nine Mile Creek corridor project
Staff estimate about 200 people attended a Nine Mile Creek celebration event in early June. Many attendees enjoyed the Moir Park play structure and food from Sambusa Samosa food truck while sharing what they love about the Nine Mile Creek corridor area, including Moir and Central parks.
“Residents expressed appreciation for the opportunity to have conversations with staff and it was fun to make the personal connections with so many!” Assistant Director of Parks and Parks Projects Renae Clark said.
The next public engagement opportunities for the Nine Mile Creek corridor renewal project are expected later this summer. More details regarding the public engagement plan and design process are available online at bloomingtonforward.org.
Survey results will help shape the future community health and wellness center
The new community health and wellness center project team is analyzing data collected in the community survey administered from May 28 – June 30. The survey was promoted in the Briefing, on the cable TV show Bloomington Today, at City events throughout the month of June and on the City’s social media accounts. Survey results, in addition to stakeholder interviews and previous community center work, will help inform City staff and HGA Architects as to what kind of programs, services and amenities residents would like to see in the new center. In this feasibility study phase of this project, HGA Architects will draft a selection of right-sized facility amenities based on the feedback gathered. After those facility amenities are selected and it’s determined that it will fit on the Creekside site, there will be another round of community engagement where people will be able to begin to consider designs and share their opinions. The end goal is for the new center to open in 2027. Visit bloomingtonforward.org for the latest information.
Bloomington Ice Garden renovations have begun
The City is renovating Bloomington Ice Garden, 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. Dasherboards and new refrigeration equipment have been purchased to help modernize the rinks at BIG. The existing floors in all three rinks will be removed and reconstructed. Work is planned to begin in the fall of 2024 on a small building addition for the new refrigeration equipment and other work inside is planned to begin in January 2025. No interruptions to operations are expected until mid-March 2025 through fall 2025 when the facility is anticipated to close for construction. Learn more at bloomingtonforward.org.
