Page last updated on March 28, 2025 at 11:24 am
This seasonal program closes the blocks of Kirkwood Avenue from Indiana Avenue to Walnut Street for expanded outdoor dining and a pedestrian thoroughfare, and allows for parklets that expand outdoor dining in parking spaces outside the participating businesses in the downtown area.
Ordinance 2025-02 was passed by City Council on January 22, 2025. This establishes an indefinite seasonal outdoor dining streatery program that by default closes the 100-500 blocks of Kirkwood Avenue unless determined otherwise by City staff.
Apply for the program via the Civic Access Portal.
The 2025 season timeline is as follows:
- Deadline for submitting applications: Mar. 3, 2025
- Implementation of program (weather permitting): Mar. 31–Apr. 3, 2025
- Season officially begins: Apr. 4, 2025
- End of seasonal outdoor dining program: Nov. 10, 2025
Parklet Program
Eligibility is limited to food service establishments adjacent to metered parking in downtown Bloomington.
- City staff will review the proposed parklets' street locations to ensure they are suitable for the program.
- All participating businesses must agree to cease alcohol sales in parklets by midnight.
- Eligible businesses must complete the application and payment process as outlined in the guidelines.
Kirkwood Conversion
Eligibility is limited to establishments on Kirkwood Avenue from Indiana Avenue (500 block) to Walnut Street (100 block).
- Each block from Indiana Avenue to Walnut Street will be fully closed during the program season except for the eastern half of the block from Washington Street to Walnut Street (100 block) will be open to traffic during the first part of the season for additional study.
- City staff will review the proposed spaces’ street locations to ensure they are suitable for the program.
- Eligible businesses must complete the application and payment process as outlined in the guidelines.
- Eligibility is limited to any business or organization located in the participating blocks of Kirkwood Ave. This program is focused on, but not limited to, food service establishments.
- All participating businesses must agree to cease alcohol sales on Kirkwood by midnight.