Peoples Park

History

The Park was deeded December 17, 1976, the result of a donation from Katherine Thomas Canada who specifically expressed that the site be used for the public interest.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, various landscaping improvements and site amenities were installed at the Park. In 1994, as a result of meetings with business owners, citizens and park users concerned about park safety and cleanliness, park site amenities were replaced. The locations of benches and tables were changed, additional lighting installed, exposed aggregate sidewalks were repaired, and additional trash receptacles and ash urns were placed. In keeping with the tradition of the park as a gathering place for socialization, no other significant improvements of physical changes have occurred in the park's 20-year history.

In 1995, a partnership with Rhino's All-Ages Club resulted in the construction of a mural wall, allowing club members the opportunity to display artwork in the park. In addition, seasonal outdoor concerts were held in the park. Both programmatic initiatives have been successful and well received by the public and park users.

Indiana University had recently completed significant landscaping, lighting, sidewalk and parking improvements in the area surrounding Peoples Park. These improvements, and the very intensive use of the park, highlighted what has been judged to be a "run down" or unkept appearance in the park. With endorsement and unanimous support by the Board of Park Commissioners, and with discussion and ultimate approval by the City of Bloomington Common Council, the Parks and Recreation Department 1998 Budget included an appropriation of $123,000 in capital improvement funds for Peoples' Park.

The Parks Department and the Park Board were strongly committed to an open and public process in the development of a conceptual plan for Peoples Park. There were no preconceived plans, design concepts or mandates for the project. A summary of on-site interview responses and press clippings about the history and use of the park are included in the information packet located in the Peoples Park binder in the Operations Division Director's office.

Public Art

Bench in the Shape of Opposing Wings
Artist: William Galloway
Medium: Indiana Limestone
Year: 1989
Location: Peoples Park
This piece is made from Indiana Limestone by artist William Galloway in 1989. This sculpture is located in Peoples Park near the Dunn and Kirkwood intersection. William Galloway has been working as a sculptor for 25 years. He started at Bybee Stone Company before founding the Angelo Stone Company in Nashville, Indiana. He collaborated with three other sculptors on new limestone "Griffins" for the New York Times' former headquarters in New York to replace deteriorating century-old original sculptures lining a square entrance way of the old building.