Banneker Community Center

The Banneker Community Center is rich in history and has been part of the Bloomington community for more than a century. Banneker is a three-floor facility that offers a variety of activities and services to the community. All ages are welcome. Children under age 10 yrs. must be accompanied when in the facility by a responsible caregiver age 18 yrs. and up.

For more information call 812-349-3735 or send an email to the Banneker Community Center

Hours
Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Staff
Program/Facility Coordinator: Kevin Terrell, Send an email to Kevin Terrell or call 812-349-3735

Program Specialist: Erin Freese-Posthuma, Send an email to Erin Freese-Posthuma or call 812-349-3783

Bus Line
Bloomington Transit #3 drops at Fifth and Elm Streets. Banneker is located at the corner of Seventh and Elm. Find Bloomington Transit maps and bus schedules.

Accessibility
One designated accessible parking space on Elm Street on west side of building. Approximately 90’ on concrete sidewalk and ramp to gym entrance off Elm Street on west side of building. Elevator access to all three floors. Push button entry doors.

Evans-Porter Memorial Library
The Banneker Community Center is proud to host the Evans-Porter Memorial Library. The library offers fiction and nonfiction books for adults, teens, and children. 

Benjamin Banneker Urban Farm
The Banneker Community Center served as an Indiana Summer Food Service Program site beginning in 2006, when Banneker joined the Monroe County Community School Corporation and Community Kitchen in providing sites where children out of school for the summer could go to get a free, nutritious meal. The Summer Food Service Program at Banneker evolved into a low-cost summer day camp that offers nature and education programming, structured games, and activity clubs in addition to healthy meals. 

In 2020, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), in cooperation with the Walmart Foundation, awarded the Banneker Community Center an $80,000 “Parks as Community Nutrition Hubs: Expanding Access to Healthy Food” grant. The nutrition hub project was delayed by COVID-19, and the grant funds were used to develop a community garden in the Banneker backyard as a learning site and source of healthy food for children who attended Banneker Camp. Funds from the grant allowed for staffing, supplies, materials, and labor to develop a raised bed garden program. The backyard garden met the qualification to be called an urban farm and the Board of Park Commissioners at their Jan. 24, 2023 meeting approved the request to name the garden area the Benjamin Banneker Urban Farm. 

Banneker Community Center's Mission

The Banneker Community Center is a Bloomington Parks and Recreation facility that is dedicated to inspiring youth to maximize their potential through safe and effective programming, and to provide programs and activities that connect the Bloomington community.

Rental Space at the Banneker Community Center

The variety of spaces in the Banneker Community Center fit the needs of youth, families, and adults! Drop in during our open hours and check out the new twist on our historic building. We are available for public events and private rentals. Send an email to Kevin Terrell or call 812-349-3735 for more information or to make a reservation.

Reserve and rent space at the Banneker Community Center

• Gymnasium - 74' x 59' (10,729 sq. ft.). Rental of the gymnasium can include tables, chairs, and sports equipment.
• Kitchen -  22' x 31' (682 sq. ft.) Includes a full commercial kitchen with large island, television, blackboard, tables, and chairs.
• Family Resource Center - 54' x 36.5' (4,366 sq. ft.) Entire third floor with toys and play equipment for preschool-age children