Celebration Marks Official Opening of B-Line Trail

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2009

For more information, please contact:
Julie Ramey, Community Relations Manager, Parks and Recreation, City of Bloomington, 349-3719, rameyj@bloomington.in.gov
Danny Lopez, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349-CITY, lopezd@bloomington.in.gov






Bloomington, IN - With construction completed on its downtown portion and new funding grants allowing the City of Bloomington to move forward with its final two phases, the B-Line Trail will officially open to the public at an opening celebration on Fri., June 26, at 4:30 p.m. at the Farmers' Market Plaza next to City Hall, 401 N. Morton St.

Mayor Mark Kruzan has repeatedly referred to the B-Line as the most significant economic development project on the City's agenda, and the celebration will bring together Federal and State representatives, local business leaders and City officials who have brought the nonvehicular, multi-use Trail to life.

"I have continually said that big projects require big dreams, and the B-Line Trail is a tangible monument to the commitment of this community, of the work of Baron Hill in Congress and our friends at the State, and of the countless hours and tireless work of our City staff," said Kruzan. "As the next phases of the Trail are completed and as our downtown continues to flourish, we should not forget the big dreams and the hard work that made all of this possible. I encourage the public to come out and join us for this exciting celebration, to enjoy our community and experience our downtown!"

Displays by local Bloomington artists will follow the speaking portion of the program, and visitors will have the opportunity to walk the length of the .61-mile completed portion of the Trail. Musical performances will be taking place at Farmers' Market, WonderLab and REALTOR Plazas well into the evening. Additionally, a special reception will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at REALTOR Plaza, behind the Bloomington/Monroe County Convention Center. All events are free and open to the public.

In conjunction with the B-Line Opening Event, the Wandering Turtle Gallery will be hosting "Rock the Shops" from 5-10 p.m., with live music and readings by local performers. This BEAD-sponsored event is aimed at showcasing those downtown merchants who will benefit most from the development of the B-Line Trail.

For more information on the B-Line Trail Opening Event or future phases of the Trail, please contact Mick Renneisen, Parks and Recreation Department Director, at 349-3711.

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