Page last updated on August 9, 2024 at 1:14 pm
Bryan Park was purchased in January 1951 for $1. The name "Bryan" refers to William Lowe Bryan, President of Indiana University from 1902-1937. Bryan Park Pool, built in 1959, is open seasonally, Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Parking: One parking lot at Henderson Street and Dixie Street. Second parking lot off Henderson at East Allen Street. Additional parking lots at Bryan Park Pool, and across Woodlawn Avenue from Bryan Park Pool.
Restrooms: Centrally located near ball diamonds. Restrooms are accessible, and are open seasonally (April through October).
New Playground in Bryan Park Open June 28, 2024
The Board of Park Commissioners at their Dec. 12, 2023 meeting, approved a contract with Snider Recreation, Inc. of North Royalton, Ohio for the purchase and installation of new playground equipment and poured-in-place rubber safety surfacing at the Bryan Park 5- to 12-year-old playground.
![Bryan Park Playground ribbon cutting with Mayor Thomson, Deputy Mayor Knapp, and Bloomington-area children cut a green ribbon with giant scissors](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Bryan%20Playground%20ribbon%20cutting%20Mayor%20Thomson%20June%2028%202024.jpg)
This project replaced the existing 24-year-old playground located just off Henderson Street at the south end of Bryan Park. Parks and Recreation conducted an online public playground survey in February 2023 to learn from community members the types of play equipment desired in the new playground. A total of 402 surveys were received. An in-person and virtual public meeting was held March 2 to receive additional community input and feedback for this project, and share the results of the community survey.
The results of the survey provided staff with a means to prioritize specific playground features to be included in the design. A Request for Proposals was issued and seven companies responded with playground designs. Staff representatives evaluated the submissions and selected the playground from Snider Recreation.
The total amount for this contract is $179,256, which is for the installation of equipment and the materials/installation for the rubberized surfacing. The Department will purchase the play equipment from Snider Recreation separately through a cooperative purchase agreement for a total of $180,514. The entire project will total $359,770.
Mayor Kerry Thomson, Deputy Mayor Gretchen Knapp, and Parks & Recreation staff gathered with Kid City Summer Camp and dozens of playground enthusiasts on June 28, 2024 to cut a ribbon and officially open the new playground.
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Bryan Park Pool
Bryan Park Pool is open Labor Day weekend, Aug. 31-Sept. 2
Bryan Park Trails
Paved, accessible trails around Bryan Park
Amenities and Accessibility in Bryan Park
Information about reservable shelters and the park's accessibility
Sports and Athletic Activities at Bryan Park
Ballfields, tennis and basketball courts, fitness stations and more
Event, Filming, and Class Permit Applications
Apply to hold an event or class in a city park
Removal or Suspension from Bloomington Parks and Recreation Properties
Actions that could result in removal or suspension from city parks, and the appeal process.
Chemical Applications in City Parks
Record of chemical applications in city parks and trails.
Report a Problem in Bryan Park
Use the uReport online system to report a problem or make a comment.
Bryan Park Ambassador
Meet Stephen Bailey, Bryan Park Ambassador