Using Parks and Open Space While Maintaining Physical Distance

Safe use of parks and open spaces during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Bloomington Parks and Recreation believes that city parks, trails, courts, picnic shelters, and community gardens can continue to be used in a safe manner that allows people to enjoy the mental and physical health benefits these spaces provide. We request that our visitors follow local, state and national ordinances and guidelines regarding the use of all City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department parks, trails and facilities: 

1. Observe CDC’s minimum recommended physical distancing of 6 feet from other individuals at all times. If this is not possible, users should find an alternate location or depart that space.
2. Refrain from using parks or trails if you are exhibiting symptoms.
3. Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to and during use of parks or trails.
4. Prepare for limited access to public restrooms or water fountains. All Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department restroom facilities will remain closed until further notice. All drinking fountains will also remain turned off. Please plan ahead and prepare.
5. While on trails, warn other users of your presence and as you pass, and step aside to let others pass.
6. Follow CDC guidance on the recommended size of social gatherings including outdoor picnicking, pick-up sports and other group hangouts, and maintain proper physical distance at all times.

Parks and Recreation Program and Event Cancellations

updated Monday, April 6, 2020 at 2 p.m.

Please continue to check back for an updated list of event and program cancellations.

March Cancellations

• Leonard Springs Nature Day, all Leonard Springs Nature Days scheduled for March and April are CANCELLED
• Griffy Lake Nature Day, all Griffy Lake Nature Days scheduled for March and April are CANCELLED
• Twin Lakes Recreation Center group exercise classes, free senior programs, soccer programs, and adult volleyball league play are all suspended until further notice.

The Bloomington Community Farmers' Market is exploring ways to connect Farmers' Market vendors with customers in the community, as we work within the public safety parameters surrounding COVID-19. A new version of the April Market utilizes online orders to connect customers with Farmers' Market vendors. Find the online Market order form at bloomington.in.gov/onlinefarmersmarket.

Cascades Golf Course remains open, with precautions in place.Tee times must be reserved in advance; to reserve a tee time, call (812) 349-3764 or reserve a tee time online.

Parks and Recreation Adult Summer Softball Leagues, scheduled to begin league play Tuesday, April 21, will continue as scheduled

April Cancellations

• Bloomington Book Club, scheduled to begin Wednesday, April 1 at the Allison-Jukebox Community Center, is CANCELLED
• Bloomington Walking Club, scheduled to begin Thursday, April 2, is postponed to begin Thursday, May 7 at Olcott Park
• Bird Fest, scheduled for Saturday, April 4 at Switchyard Park - CANCELLED
• First Saturday / Lower Cascades Weed Wrangle, scheduled for Saturday, April 4 at Lower Cascades Park - CANCELLED
• Bloomington Community Farmers' Market opening day scheduled for Saturday, April 4 at Showers Common - DELAYED
• Griffy Lake Boathouse opening scheduled for Saturday, April 4 at Griffy Lake - POSTPONED until Friday, May 1
• Composting: Recycling and Reusing in Your Garden, scheduled for Thursday, April 9 at Hilltop Gardens at Indiana University - CANCELLED
• Nature Sounds: Spring Peepers with musical guest Viking Kittens, scheduled for Friday, April 10 at Sherwood Oaks Park, is a virtual program only. It will be shown via Facebook Live.
• Active Living Coalition Health Fair, scheduled for Saturday, April 11 at City Hall - CANCELLED
• Colors of the Wind Kite Fest, scheduled for Saturday, April 11 at Olcott Park - CANCELLED
• Earth Day 2020, scheduled for Saturday, April 18 at Switchyard Park - CANCELLED
• Earth Week Creek Cleanup, scheduled for Sunday, April 19 at Lower Cascades Park - CANCELLED
• Salamander Scramble, scheduled for Saturday, April 25 at Griffy Lake Nature Preserve - CANCELLED
• Total Yard Makeover: From Lawn to Micro-prairie, scheduled for Saturday, April 25 - CANCELLED
• Foraging for Food, scheduled for Sunday, April 26 at RCA Community Park - CANCELLED

May Cancellations

• Bloomington Street Fair, scheduled to take place Sunday, May 3 on Kirkwood Avenue, is CANCELLED. The event may be rescheduled to take place later this year.
• 50+ Expo, scheduled for Wednesday, May 13 at the Twin Lakes Recreation Center, is CANCELLED. The event will be rescheduled to take place later this year.

June Cancellations

• BugFest, scheduled to take place Saturday, June 20 at Hilltop Gardens at Indiana University, is CANCELLED.

Parks and Recreation Facility Closures

Endwright East Community Center in College Mall is CLOSED until further notice.
Twin Lakes Recreation Center is CLOSED through April 20.
Allison-Jukebox Community Center is CLOSED through April 20.
Banneker Community Center is CLOSED through April 20.
Rose Hill Cemetery office is CLOSED through April 20.
All city park PLAYGROUNDS are CLOSED until further notice. City parks and trails remain open for use; please use recommended social distancing guidelines.

Find more information about the Lower Cascades Park Road Conversion project, beginning Friday, March 13.

The Parks and Recreation Department provides essential services, facilities and programs necessary for the positive development and well-being of the community through the provision of parks, greenways, trails and recreational facilities while working in cooperation with other service providers in the community in order to maximize all available resources.

Bloomington Parks and Recreation is proud to be a CAPRA Accredited agency.