Parks and Recreation Continues Facility Repairs, Trail Construction

Bloomington, Ind.-Parks and Recreation is providing an update on several park facilities and infrastructure projects that have temporarily affected access to some of the community's most-used parks and amenities. 

We know many residents are frustrated by recent closures and disruptions. Whether it's a favorite swimming pool, a picnic shelter reserved for a family gathering, or a familiar route into a park, these facilities are important parts of daily life in Bloomington. 

While the timing of several unrelated incidents has created an unusual number of service interruptions, we remain committed to maintaining safe, reliable parks and recreation facilities for the community. In some cases, that means repairing aging infrastructure. In others, it means responding to unexpected events such as storm damage or equipment failure. In all cases, our focus is on restoring access while making thoughtful investments that help these facilities serve the community for years to come. 

The following is an update on current projects and closures. 

Mills Pool 

• During pre-season preparations, staff discovered a significant leak at Mills Pool. Because much of the pool's aged plumbing and circulation system is located beneath the concrete deck, Parks and Recreation engaged a specialized leak detection company to identify the source of the problem. While the issues have not been fully solved, staff have replaced valves and fittings to reduce the rate of water loss and are working to complete the cleaning, chemical balancing, and tests needed to open the pool in the coming weeks. Parks and Recreation will announce the opening date for Mills Pool as soon as it is known. Further evaluation on the pool’s plumbing and circulation system will be required at the end of the season. 

Rogers Street Closure

• Rogers Street closed just north of the entrance to Switchyard Park on May 27 for the construction of a pedestrian crossing for the new Powerline Trail. The concrete for the new crossing has been poured, and the road is set to reopen by June 10. During the closure, the Rogers Street entrance to Switchyard Park is accessible only from the south. The Switchyard Park parking lots at Grimes Street and South Walnut Street remain open and unaffected. The road will reopen in time for the Strawberry Shortcake Festival, which takes place at Switchyard Park on June 11. 

Sycamore Shelter at Lower Cascades Park

• On May 20, a large bur oak tree fell on the Sycamore Shelter at Lower Cascades Park, causing extensive damage. The southern portion of the historic limestone structure was almost totally destroyed. The collapsed roof and walls have been removed, and a tarp temporarily added to cover a hole in the remaining section of roof. The north half of the Sycamore Shelter, including the restroom facility, is open for use. Urban forestry crews have removed the tree and are planning to mill the trunk into usable lumber. We understand this shelter is one of the city park system's most popular gathering places, and will share a repair timeline as soon as one is available. 
• Because of the ongoing closure to Clubhouse Drive, vehicle access to the Sycamore Shelter is only available from the west via Kinser Pike to Clubhouse Drive. Vehicle and pedestrian access to Lower Cascades Park and playground, and the Cascades Park and Waterfall Trails, remains available from Old State Road 37 North. 

Parks and Recreation maintains more than 2,300 acres of park land, dozens of facilities, miles of trails, pools, playgrounds, shelters, athletic facilities, and natural areas throughout Bloomington. While unexpected repairs and closures are never welcome, they are a reality of maintaining a large and heavily used park system. 

Parks and Recreation remains committed to keeping the community informed, addressing problems transparently, and restoring access as quickly as possible. We appreciate the community's passion for its parks because it reflects how important these places are to Bloomington's quality of life. 

Updates on these projects and facilities will continue to be shared through the Parks and Recreation website and social media channels as additional information becomes available. 

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