City to Celebrate Grand Opening of Hopewell Commons, Bloomington’s Newest Park, on April 23

Bloomington, Ind.—Hopewell Commons, the city’s newest park, will officially open at 332 W. University St. on April 23 with a grand opening celebration featuring guest speakers, live music, food trucks, games, and more. Located just west of the B-Line Trail and Seminary Square Kroger, the one-acre park is a key component of the planned Hopewell neighborhood development project, which is transforming the former IU Health hospital site into a vibrant, mixed-use community. 

Festivities begin at 3:30 p.m. with live music by the Sam Finley Four on the Hopewell Commons stage. Parks and Recreation will have pickleball paddles and balls available for use on the new, temporary pickleball courts, as well as ping pong paddles for the park’s concrete ping pong tables. 

The formal ceremony starts at 4:15 p.m. with introductions by Chamber of Commerce President Eric Spoonmore and Parks and Recreation Administrator Tim Street. Remarks will be delivered by Mayor Kerry Thomson, Milestone Assistant General Superintendent Thomas Gott, and representatives from the Bloomington Redevelopment Commission and the Economic and Sustainable Development Department. 

The celebration continues until 6 p.m. with live music by Matixando, food trucks, a beer garden, and opportunities for the community to enjoy pickleball, ping pong, and the many features of the new park. 

“Milestone is local to Bloomington, and we are proud to introduce Hopewell Commons, a true testament to our community's collaboration,” said Milestone Contractors Assistant General Superintendent Thomas Gott. The City of Bloomington contracted Milestone for the Hopewell Commons project. “Our partnership with the City of Bloomington and the dedication of many community members has been key to bringing this project to life. We’re excited to welcome Bloomington residents to enjoy this space for years to come.”

Parks and Recreation Administrator Tim Street added, “Hopewell Commons is more than just a new park—it’s a vital part of the neighborhood’s growth and identity. As part of the larger Hopewell development, this space creates a welcoming ‘third place’ where people can gather, connect, and build a sense of community beyond home and work. We’re proud to provide a place that supports health, belonging, and shared experiences for everyone.” 

The park features swing-style seating, picnic tables, a log scramble play structure, artificial turf, a performance stage, temporary pickleball courts, and built-in ping pong tables. Environmentally-friendly design elements including a wetland garden and permeable pavers are integrated throughout the park. 

The installation of a public art piece, Undulate, by local artist Jon Racek, is scheduled for summer 2025, and will add another creative element to the community space. 

Parking during the grand opening for vehicles displaying a disabled parking permit will be available on West University Street just east of Rogers Street. Attendees are encouraged to walk or bike to the event via the B-Line Trail. Overflow parking will be available at the Monroe Convention Center, 302 S. College Ave. and Parks and Recreation will operate a wheelchair-accessible electric shuttle along the trail between the convention center and Hopewell Commons throughout the event. 

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About Hopewell 

Hopewell Commons is a part of a comprehensive, planned Hopewell neighborhood development project on the 24-acre site of the former IU Health hospital at Second and Rogers Streets. When complete, Hopewell will bring an estimated 750 housing units to Bloomington's downtown core. Hopewell will feature a mix of single-family, townhomes, mixed-use apartments as owner-occupied and rental, and at a mix of both affordable, workforce, and market rate. Hopewell Commons was developed from the Bloomington Hospital Redevelopment Master Plan presented in January 2021 and is meant to be the anchor for the new vibrant, community-oriented neighborhood with green spaces, public amenities, and art installations that reflect Bloomington's culture and history. Bloomington Redevelopment Commission is paying for the Hopewell redevelopment project from TIF (tax increment finance) funds. 

About Milestone Contractors 

Milestone Contractors is a privately held, family-owned business headquartered in Indianapolis. Milestone Contractors is a fully integrated heavy construction company specializing in highway, bridge, asphalt and concrete paving and site development. Over its 30-year history, Milestone has built a reputation for prioritizing safety, quality, people and innovation. Milestone Contractors is part of the Heritage Construction + Materials family of companies. Learn more at https://www.milestonelp.com/.