Case Date:

5/23/2020

I have been informed of plans to remove a planting of native trees designed to be critical riparian buffer in Schmalz Farm Park. This is an ecologically unsound decision, and is extremely wasteful as many of these trees may not survive being transplanted twice in such a short amount of time. It's been made clear to me that this decision was made at the behest of a single constituent who called in a personal favor to the deputy mayor. I believe this is undemocratic and nepotistic, and prioritizes the aesthetic goals of a single individual ocert the public benefit of this planting, which will help protect Jackson Creek from runoff and floods which threaten fish and amphibians downstream. I would urge the city to listen to the voices of all constituents, not just those with personal connections to politicians, and to act in the best interest of not just your constituents but also the environment, and allow the planting to remain. There is no shortage of fields for re-creating at this park and at many parks nearby, but few areas for the city to invest in urban greenspace with benefits for humans and nonhumans alike.

Case Date:

5/28/2021

Resident reports trash buildup and human waste as well as unleashed dogs preventing use of B-Line Trail at intersection of Grimes & Morton.

Case Date:

6/19/2019

Hello -- where the parking lot and sidewalk end and the Rail Trail begins (at the trailhead on Country Club Drive), there is a growing issue. The height difference between the trail and the sidewalk is becoming a real trip hazard for pedestrians, an accessibility issue for others, and a flat tire waiting to happen for cyclists. Is there a way to get this fixed up a bit? But please, please, do NOT use giant gravel. The parts of the Rail Trail that were patched with giant gravel are a disaster. Leave the bump instead of using big gravel if that is the only set of options.

Case Date:

6/19/2019

This is why we can't have nice things . . . Why is this big gravel on the Rail Trail? The nice, even, soft surface of the trail has something like 3 or 4 sections where this big gravel was tossed on the trail and now it is a real issue. The big gravel is unstable for runners and walkers. The big gravel hurts the pads of dogs. And, the big gravel is a disaster to ride a bicycle across on a commute into downtown. This needs to be repaired with the big gravel gone and smaller gravel to match the existing trail surface used. You wouldn't patch a section of the B-Line with wood planks, so why mess up the rail trail like this?

Case Date:

6/19/2019

This photo was taken to exaggerate the issue just a bit by the perspective, but this is an issue. The parking lot on Country Club at the B-Line Trail is getting gnarly with bushes. Is it possible to trip this back?

Case Date:

3/18/2019

I've recently noticed the Rail Trail between Country Club Drive and Gordon Pike has sections of large gravel (see attached photo). I appreciate that maintenance is being done, assuming the City is responsible for this work. But, I am concerned because this large gravel is inconsistent with the existing surface for the trail. As a bike commuter and runner on this section of the trail, I was disappointed to see large gravel appear on the surface. The Rail Trail is a great surface to run and walk on and commute on. These patches of large gravel pieces diminish it's utility and enjoyment. Are there plans to use large gravel more often on the trail? I request that the smaller, packed surface be maintained. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing from you about the maintenance of the trail. Have a great day.

Case Date:

2/13/2021

I'm giving the City a $50 citation. It's been more than 24 hours since the snow stopped and the B-Line Trail along the 2nd Street Kroger is snow covered. Unacceptable. This is not the only part of the trail like this. Great work. With more snow and continued cold weather, the problem won't just go away. Grab a shovel, let's go.

Case Date:

1/8/2021

First off, the B-line is trashed. The woods on the edge of the trail are absolutely covered in trash. There were fires lit, and the creek to carrying the trash down to our more major waterways. Now, the residents of this camp are driving cars to their encampments along the b-line, blocking the trails, and making enormous ruts in the trail and grass along the side of the trail. Furthermore, I am a large white, male. I was concerned for my safety (ON THE B-LINE) as three (obvious methamphetamine enthusiasts) came out of the woods while I was passing by. Their behavior was not normal, and being three of them would scare most people from using this important public space - including myself.

Case Date:

6/3/2024

A few weeks ago, I noticed that there were some limestone slabs put on the rail trail entrance near Gordon Pike to keep away the cars that I had seen driving back there. Then I went on a run with my dad back there and we noticed that all of the tents seemed to be gone. I was excited that it seemed like that area was being cleaned up, however people are back to living on the newer trail that runs parallel to the rail trail. There have been only two incidents where I have tried to run on the rail trail and turned around both times because I felt unsafe. Both times, I heard someone yelling sounding agitated from the encampment on the trail. I would love to run on the Rail Trail because it is a beautiful trail and perfectly shaded for hot summer runs, but I just don't feel safe. I realize that this is a bigger issue to solve, but it is just frustrating to me that I cannot utilize that trail, even if I am with someone else, because I just don't feel safe. It is disappointing that Bloomington has beautiful parks and trails that people don't want to use because they feel unsafe.

Case Date:

8/21/2016

The playground area at Schmalz Farm Park may need some attention. It has begun to be overgrown with weeds and crab grass in the playground area. Thanks in advance for your help!