B-Line Trail Named a National Recreation Trail by the National Park Service

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2012

For more information contact:
Mick Renneisen, Director, City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, (812) 349-3700 or [mailto:renneism@bloomington.in.gov]
Rory Robinson, Outdoor Recreation Planner, Rivers Trails and Conservation Assistance, National Park Service, (330) 657-2951 or [mailto:rory_robinson@nps.gov]

B-Line Trail Named a National Recreation Trail by the National Park Service

Bloomington, IN - Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Director of the National Park Service Jonathan B. Jarvis announced last week the designation of Bloomington's B-Line Trail as a National Recreation Trail. The B-Line Trail shared this distinction with 53 other trails in 23 states.

According to a statement from the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Recreation Trail designation recognizes existing trails and trail systems that link communities to recreational opportunities on public lands and in local parks. The B-Line Trail will receive a certificate of designation and a set of trail markers in recognition of its newest honor.

"I've long thought the B-Line would be an investment that would help further put Bloomington on the map, and now that's literally the case," said Mayor Mark Kruzan. "Everyone involved in making the trail a reality and every trail user should know they are part of an important bigger picture."

"The B-Line Trail has linked our community in every way we imagined," said Mick Renneisen, Director of the City's Parks and Recreation Department, which oversaw the construction of the trail and is responsible for its ongoing maintenance. "The B-Line has become a major artery to and from the downtown area and the Farmers' Market, and more people than ever are using the trail for exercise, recreation and transportation. It's been an economic driver as well, and we have the City's leadership, as well as the people of Bloomington, to thank for their ongoing commitment to supporting and using public trails."

The B-Line Trail is a linear trail that extends through the heart of Downtown Bloomington and stretches 3.1 miles from Adams Street south to Country Club Drive. The trail has received a great deal of attention in recent weeks during the Switchyard Park Property master planning process. The southern part of the B-Line Trail travels through the former switchyard property and was a major consideration in the area's design ideas.

For more information about the B-Line Trail, or to send a comment or ask a question about the Switchyard Park Property master planning process, visit the Parks and Recreation Department website at Bloomington.in.gov/parks or the Switchyard Park Property master plan Web site at [www.switchyardpark.org].

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