Park Improvement Projects

Background

In 2021 the City adopted a new Park System Master Plan (Plan) which reflects approximately two years of community input to establish priorities for Bloomington Parks and help guide decisions on future park projects. Guiding priorities from the Plan are: natural resources, trails and mobility, new park amenities, and equity.

In summer 2022, staff consulted residents on potential amenities and design ideas for Bryant Park and later asked for input on two park concept plans. Based on input received, a draft design was developed and accepted by the City Council in June 2023.

The project plan was completed in summer 2024 and construction is anticipated to begin in fall 2024. The design incorporates clean water and natural resources improvements, sustainability, new sidewalk and trails, new park amenities including the City's first fully inclusive playground, skate park, new park shelter building, two new tennis courts, and basketball courts.

New Layout: In July 2023 staff asked residents for input on the fully inclusive playground design and again reviewed the site layout. Since that time the design team considered the proximity of pickleball to existing homes and based on best practices and experience at other pickleball facilities determined that because of the noise created by pickleball and the proximity of the courts to homes, it would be eliminated from the design. 

The park layout that resulted from the process of resident feedback is below. Features include:

• Accessible playground closer to parking for improved access while being farther removed from water.
• Park shelter building centrally located with four-sided access and better connectivity to surrounding activities.
• Skate spot moved to former playground location.
• Retained two tennis courts.
• Parking lot shifted south with improved circulation.

Park Shelter Building: August 2023, Wendel Architects was selected to complete a park shelter building design. The Park Building Concept Plan developed as part of the planning process with the community will be the basis of design. The intent of the building design is to set a standard for all park shelter buildings that can be replicated in the other parks identified in the PSMP. The general scope of park buildings includes approximately 2,000 SF of indoor space two gender-neutral restrooms accessible from the inside and two from the outside, keyless entry system, internet access, year-round programing, support for private rentals, warming house for winter skating, meetings and camps with a sustainable design.

Bryant Park Pond Maintenance (2024): The ponds in Bryant Park serve an important function, collecting dirt and sediment that is washed off the streets, parking lots, driveways, etc. from 372 acres in Bloomington. The Water Resources Department monitors the water and ponds to understand how well they clean water before it continues through storm sewers and ultimately into Nine Mile Creek. 

In coordination with the Park Renovation Project, the ponds will be dredged, removing accumulated sediment. This work is most efficiently done during the winter. The islands will remain and restoration of the banks will occur and be included in the overall park project. The most current pond maintenance construction updates can be found on the Engineering Division project page.

Bryant Park Skate Spot is designed with novice skaters in mind, offering a safe and welcoming environment for those who are new to the activity. A beginner skate park aims to provide a positive and inclusive experience for new skaters, helping them develop their skills and confidence. Users will enjoy multiple types of ramps, rails and curbing for their skating pleasure.

Community Engagement

Background: The Parks Master Plan, approved August 2020, identified the need for an inclusive playground in Bloomington. Bryant Park was identified as the location for this new playground. Engagement on Bryant Park began in 2022. Engagement specifically on the inclusive playground elements began in 2023. Initial engagement sought to understand how community utilized the park and what general elements were of interest. In the fall of 2023, the team shared with community two potential inclusive playground designs. The community was asked to review both designs and provide input to allow the design team to come up with one final design. 

April 2024: A single, final design was presented to the City Council following a third opportunity for the community to ask clarifying questions. This design is reflective of significant community input. Limited modifications can be made at this stage of design.

View Designs: Playground site overview | View 1 | View 2 | View 3 | View 4 | Site Plan (Red highlight indicates fenced area around playground with two entrances) | Bryant Park Plan

Key Considerations from What we Heard

• From the Community
  • Ensure playground elements meet the needs of people with various types of disabilities and needs including: 
    • People with cognitive and physical disabilities
    • Upper and lower body strength activities
    • Verbal and non-verbal interaction activities
    • Places for louder plan and quieter play
  • Ensure elements for all ages
    • Toddlers
    • Older children
  • Consider the site line aesthetic from neighboring homes
    • Height of elements
    • Calming color scheme
  • Safety and Access
    • Fenced in playground area to protect children from the nearby pond
    • Located further from the pond for additional safety
    • Better access to the playground from the parking lot
• Professional considerations
  • Incorporation of existing landscape and hill and provision of and incorporated accessible path
  • Philosophy of inclusive play (see Flagships brochures in the Important Links folder)
  • Review from professional in the field with disabilities
  • Budget

Ongoing conversations with members of the public help the city ensure resident concerns and dreams for the playground are directly reflected in the alternatives developed. The final design reflects the following modifications suggested by the public:

• Oddle Swing removed in favor of adding more traditional belt swings, tot swing seat and a Friendship Swing.
• Added benches scattered throughout playground site.
• OmniSpin Spinner replaced a Curva Spinner to ensure a more accessible opportunity larger number of children.
• Fence added around the playground for safety. Plan evolved from no fence, to partially fenced with a vegetative barrier, to fully fenced in the final design. 
  • Community members had mixed reactions about the 2 openings in the fence. Some members of the community, especially those with mobility limitations and parents with strollers, preferred 2 openings, siting ease of access to get to other areas of the park and feeling too closed in with just one opening. Other community members worry about safety and keeping children in sight with two openings and prefer one opening. The design team is working on a one opening plan for the fencing.

Partnerships are Key

Tod Pod is a Bloomington based not-for profit focused on peer support for families of young children. They offer playgroup activities for families with children from birth though five years of age in Bloomington and Richfield. Tod Pod has 503 unique families, 75% who live in Bloomington/Richfield.

Tod Pod founder, Tara Owens, worked closely with city staff to ensure updates were available to members of the organization. The input of Tod Pod families directly influenced the types and numbers of equipment available at the park. This group also advocated for the addition of a fence to provide separation and safety between the playground and the pond.

Physical therapists from the school districts early childhood family education were also engaged during this process and felt their input for inclusive design was heard.

Here's what residents are saying...

• "Appreciate all the public feedback being considered in design. Would like to see seating options in the fenced area for child breaks, caregivers, mobility needs and those with babies." 
• "Needs 1-2 more tot swings! YAY FOR INCLUSIVITY" 
• "Heck yes!! Looks amazing! Lots of variety, options for whole body play, love the ground/floor stuff, yay!!
• Yes, my child will be able to play freely at this playground"
• Yes!! This park will engage my children for hours!"

The City Council reviewed and approved the 90% design plans and cost estimate for Bryant Park and the inclusive playground at its April 15 City Council meeting. Agenda item begins at 48:20 minutes into the meeting.

Groundbreaking

Residents, elected officials, and staff met at Bryant Park on Wednesday, August 21 to break ground on the improvements.  

Construction on the reimagined Bryant Park began Thursday, September 12 with site removals and demolition. The scope of this work also includes moving and transplanting nearly two dozen trees.

October 1, 2024 Update

Construction is well underway for the reimagined Bryant Park. 

• The majority of earthwork has started, with construction fencing and materials lining much of the park space as work continues. 
• The former shelter building/warming house has been removed, clearing the way for sanitary and water line work to begin this week. 
• The week of October 7, excavation and work on footings and foundation walls for the new shelter building will begin.

November 12, 2024 Update

Work occurring at Bryant Park the dates of November 12 – 22.

• Weir Wall Construction
• Running electrical conduit for temporary power 
• Seeding at Weir walls 
• Temporary site seeding

December 2, 2024 Update

• Piers and footings are being installed for the shelter building.
• Stone Stepper work begins week of 12/2.   

December 10, 2024 Update

• The stone steppers within the weir wall are complete. 
• Pond water draw down has begun and will continue until drained.
• Park shelter building work continues with roof deck and exterior framing.

Construction Progress: October 1, 2024

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Construction Progress: October 10, 2024

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Construction Progress: November 13, 2024

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Construction Progress: December 2, 2024

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Construction Progress: December 10, 2024

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Background

In 2021 the City adopted a new Park System Master Plan (Plan) which reflects approximately two years of community input to establish priorities for Bloomington parks and help guide decisions on future park projects. Guiding priorities from the Plan are: natural resources, trails and mobility, new park amenities, and equity.

In summer 2022, staff consulted residents on potential amenities and design ideas for Tretbaugh Park and later asked for further input on concept plans for the park. Based on input received, the renovation design for Tretbaugh Park is moving ahead as we prepare for construction to begin in fall 2024. The reimagined park will feature a paved all-wheel track and a gravel course for mountain bike skills development.

Design approval: Final designs for the bike skills path at Tretbaugh Park were presented to and approved by the Bloomington City Council at its April 15, 2024 meeting (agenda item starts at 48:20). 

Preliminary Site Work: In April 2024, Park Maintenance staff removed the park building and 27 trees, including mostly boxelder but also non-native and invasive understory species like buckthorn. This work was done to prepare the site for the new bike skills features. As part of this project, approximately 56 new trees and 2.5 acres of native landscape will be added to the park. In late summer 2024, the skating rink, which had been used as a seasonal off-leash recreation area for dogs, was also removed. Park Maintenance staff are exploring the possibility of configuring the rink at Brookside Park as a replacement seasonal off-leash area for dogs.

Design

View renderings of the new Tretbaugh Bike Skills Park below. Click images for a larger view. 

Groundbreaking

Residents, elected officials, stakeholders and staff met at Tretbaugh Park on Wednesday, July 24 for a formal groundbreaking ceremony on the reimagined park. Construction began with site work in October 2024. The park should be substantially completed in 2025. 

October 31, 2024 Update

Work has begun on the reconstruction project which will create the City of Bloomington’s first dedicated bike skills course. 

• Tree protection and site demolition is underway
• Utilities and earthwork begins in November 2024 and is expected to be complete in spring 2025.

For your safety and the safety of work crews, please refrain from entering the park site while under construction. 

December 2, 2024 Update

The ground has been seeded and is on winter pause until the Spring when work will resume.

Construction Progress: October 31, 2024

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Construction Progress: December 2, 2024

Valley View Playfield is getting a new amenity. 

The former horseshoe pits on the south side of the park are being converted to a fun and entertaining cornhole board court with additional green space! 

Project Milestones Achieved

• Horseshoe Pit Removal: Old horseshoe pits are being removed to make room for the new installation. 
• Ground Preparation: Ground has been leveled and will be made suitable for the installation of cornhole boards and surrounding green space.
• Cornhole Board Selection: High-quality concrete cornhole boards were selected to ensure they meet game standards.

Pending Work

• Cornhole Board Installation: Final setup of new cornhole boards to ensure they are firmly anchored and ready for play! 
• Landscaping and Beautification: Final touches will include planting flowers and greenery around the cornhole board area, creating a welcoming and relaxing space.

 Completed improvements:

• Replace the playground equipment
• Install picnic tables and park benches
• Construct portable toilet enclosure
• General landscaping and restoration

Playground Design Option 1

Playground Design Option 2

 Completed improvements:

• Install playground equipment on the beach, between the beach house and water’s edge

Bloomington Parks & Recreation is seeking community feedback until June 20 for the playground equipment designs. If you would like to provide feedback, please contact Scott Breuer, Assistant Manager of Parks and Recreation at 952-563-8899 or SBreuer@BloomingtonMN.gov.

Playground Design Option 1

Playground Design Option 2

Completed improvements:

• Replace the playground equipment
• Replace wood playground border with concrete border
• Install bike rack, picnic table and park benches
• Install new bituminous trail
• Install new basketball backboard and rim
• Construct portable toilet enclosure

Playground Design Option 1

Playground Design Option 2

 Completed improvements:

• Replace the playground equipment
• Install bike rack and park benches
• Replace fencing around playground container
• General landscaping and restoration

Playground Design Option 1

Playground Design Option 2

The new wheelhouse was completed in August 2020. 

Dred Scott Playfield gets a fresh look

Proposed improvements:

• Replace wheelhouse operations building enhancing restrooms and concessions
• Pavement replacement within wheel ballfield area
• Replace bleachers for the wheel ballfields
• Add four shade structures for spectators at wheel ballfields
• Improve landscape and grounds drainage

Construction bids have been awarded and project work commencement is mid-October.  Project completion is anticipated by May 2020.  For questions regarding the project, contact Mike Ramirez, Recreation Supervisor at 952-563-8880 or mramirez@BloomingtonMN.gov.

Hrbek Field Renovations

Completed and re-opened for play July 2024.

All four youth baseball fields are being renovated to improve safety and playability.

Hrbek Fields Progress Flight 12 6 23

Project Milestones Achieved

• Removal of Excess Material: All fields have had subgrade material removed and warning tracks expanded.
• Reinstall Aglime: After the subgrade was removed, aglime was reinstalled and graded to correct elevations.
• Infield Turfgrass: Sod was installed on the infields of all four fields as well as in the areas outside of the field of play.

Pending Work

• Outfield Turfgrass: Sod is to be installed along the infield/outfield arc and other perimeter areas in spring 2024.
• Aglime Amendment: The aglime on all infields will be amended with a product called DuraEdge. This product should improve drainage and the quality of the fields.
• Pitching Mounds: Pitching mounds will be installed once field work is completed in spring 2024.

Grand Opening

• Full reopening is dependent upon weather. Warmer temperatures are needed to purchase and install sod. Once the sod is installed, it requires time to heal in before it is ready for use. This final, important step in the process cannot be rushed, as it is critical to both the health of the turfgrass and the safety of users. 

 The City implemented upgrades to the Moir Park disc golf course in summer 2022. These improvements included: 

• New concrete tee markers
• New Discatcher baskets
• Retaining same course layout
• Work was completed in June

For more information or questions, contact Dave Hanson, Assistant Maintenance Superintendent at 952-563-4770 or dhanson@bloomingtonmn.gov. 

About Moir Disc Golf Course

• Opened in 1979
• Holes: 9
• Total course length: 1613 feet
• Par: 27
• Tees: Asphalt
• Baskets: Cone-shaped Saucer Golf baskets, designed in 1970s
  • One of two courses remaining in Minnesota that is utilizing these baskets

FAQ

What are the features and benefits of the new baskets?

The new Discatcher baskets feature:

• Powder coated steel basket tops for visibility and protection from elements.
• Galvanized steel.
• 28 chains for superior catching.
• Large sweet spot for catching long and short shots.
• The City of Bloomington received a donation to cover the cost of the new baskets. 

Why do we need new baskets?

New baskets are necessary because the existing baskets can no longer be procured and the condition of some of them makes repair/refurbishment difficult if not impossible. 

What will happen to the old baskets?

Existing baskets that are salvageable will be donated to the City of New Brighton to help revitalize its Hanson Park disc golf course. Hanson Park is the only other course in Minnesota to still use these same vintage baskets. 

 Why do we need new tee markers?

The current tee markers are asphalt and in poor condition. They are not visible and pose a safety concern with the level of activity (kids, bikes, walkers, dogs, rentals, concert series, parking lot and road) in the park. Current tee locations have no markers or signage and there is currently no course map. 

In partnership with Bloomington Public Schools, the City of Bloomington, through its Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments, installs and maintains playground structures used by the community at school sites throughout the City.

In summer 2021, the play structure at Normandale Hills Elementary is being replaced. Demolition work took place the week of July 26 and the new structure is expected to be substantially complete by the first day of the 2021-2022 school year. The new play structure will include a variety of new and inclusive features to serve a wide spectrum of users. 

For more details on this project, which was originally scheduled for 2020 but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, contact Michael Oxborough, Safety and Risk Manager, Bloomington Public Schools at moxborough@isd271.org or 952-806-8764.

Improved path lighting installation was completed in mid-May of 2020.   

Proposed improvements:

• Install path lighting on recreational trails around Normandale Lake

For questions regarding the project, contact Dave Hanson, Assistant Maintenance Superintendent, Public Works at 952-563-8765 or dhanson@BloomingtonMN.gov

UPDATE 5/5/2020: 
Installation of ten (10) new poles with energy-efficient LED lights begins May 6 and is expected to be complete by May 15.  Path will not be closed, but work locations will be coned off to alert park users to the activity.  Blue icons in image below are new pole installation locations.

UPDATE 02/25/2020:
Installation of new LED lights on existing poles completed February 28, 2020. 

Originally scheduled for fall 2022, the new restroom and park maintenance garage facility at Normandale Lake Park is scheduled to begin construction the week of May 8, 2023. It will be located at the south end of the Chalet Road parking lot on the west side of Normandale Lake Park, located within the Hyland-Bush-Anderson Regional Park Reserve.

The City has partnered with Romtec, Inc. for this development, which will include demolition, sidewalk and driveway access, and soil correction. Romtec will construct a 1,532 square foot building that combines new restrooms and a park maintenance garage to replace the existing separate restroom and maintenance garage buildings.

Key features of the new facility include:

• Two gender neutral, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant restrooms and a utility room.
• Approximately 1,200 square feet of maintenance space, replacing the approximately 400 square foot existing garage.
• Office space, an eye wash station, additional storage and parking.

Romtec was selected to provide this service based on other successful projects locally including the new restroom building and park shelter at the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge Trailhead.

Project funding comes from Metropolitan Council grants with funds appropriated by the Legislature from the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund to support regional parks. The project is estimated to take three months:

• Demolition begins: May 8, 2023
• Substantial building completion: August 30, 2023

Questions?  Contact Dave Hanson, Deputy Director, Parks and Natural Resources, at dhanson@bloomingtonmn.gov. 

EXISTING STRUCTURES

 NEW STRUCTURE

Scope and timing of improvements:

• Completed summer 2022.

• The City received a State of Minnesota Legacy grant in the amount of $134,000 to conduct a restoration of 20 acres in the Minnesota River Valley Below Parkers Picnic Grounds.

• Project took 2-3 years and involved returning area back to its native landscape and allowing native plants and trees to grow

• Much of the work was accomplished with reducing the tree canopy, removal of invasive plant species such as buckthorn, and preparing the area for seeding and planting of native grasses and flowers.

• This was a continuation of similar projects already completed in the river valley. 

For questions regarding the project, contact Mark Morrison, Recreation Supervisor at 952-563-8693 or mmorrison@BloomingtonMN.gov

In summer and fall 2023, the City and its partner builders and designers have been hard at work creating and installing a one-of-a-kind challenge course at Smith Park. This new play structure provides kids and adults with endless fun and adventure. 

Project Milestones Achieved

• Foundation and Support Structures: The solid foundations and support structures are in place, ensuring the utmost safety and stability for our course. Artificial turf paves the way for play.
• Obstacle Elements: We've installed a wide range of unique and engaging obstacle elements, including rope swings, beams, and climbing walls. These elements will test your balance, agility, and coordination.
• Playground: Site amenities like a playground, benches and bike racks are in place to enhance and support the natural space.
• Finish Line and Viewing Area: The course now features a prominent finish line where participants can celebrate their accomplishment. A dedicated viewing area for family and friends has been established for those who prefer to cheer from the sidelines.
• Final Safety Checks: Safety experts will thoroughly inspect the structure to ensure every element of the challenge course is secure and ready for action.
• Signage and Directional Markers: Clear signage and directional markers will be installed to guide participants through properly and easily navigating the course.
• Timing Clock and Landscaping: A scoreboard to display the elapsed time to complete the course will be installed. Additional shade and site amenities will be installed for all to enjoy.

Pending Work

• Picnic table installation.

Grand Opening

A grand opening event for the community was held in April 2024 with games, music, a food truck and more, to celebrate this fantastic new addition to our park system.