Stay Cool Bloomington

This comprehensive program aims to promote community resilience to heat and ensure the well-being of our residents during hot weather.

Stay Cool Bloomington Days at City Pools

Bryan Park Pool, 1020 S. Woodlawn Ave. and Mills Pool, 1100 W. 14th St., are proud to partner with the City's Economic & Sustainable Development Department to provide free admission on "Stay Cool Days."

On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays when the projected AccuWeather Real Feel forecast is 90° or higher at 2 p.m. in Bloomington, IN, admission to the pools is free.

Both pools are open from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, from May 24-Aug. 3. For updated information about whether a particular day is a "Stay Cool Day," or for weather-related closings, call the Splash & Skate Hotline at 812-349-3741.

Pool Fee Waiver Program

To ensure youth in the community have access to the city's outdoor pools, pool fee waivers are available for youth under the age of 17 years who live within Bloomington city limits. Up to two designated adult supervisors at least 18 years old may enter the pool for free with qualifying youth.

Applicants for pool admission fee waivers must provide proof of residency within city limits, as well as proof that they meet the requirements for free and reduced school meals (or equivalent income eligibility guidelines). Fee waiver applications are available online and from the Parks and Recreation main office. 

The Aquatics Facility/Program Manager maintains current lists of pool fee waiver recipients at each pool and records fee waiver recipient visits. 

Air Conditioner Distribution Program

Low income residents who live within the city limits and have a medical condition that increases their risk of a heat related illness can apply to receive one free window air conditioner and have it installed free of charge. The purpose of the AC Distribution Program is to prevent vulnerable populations from heat-related illnesses. Extreme heat kills more people in the United States than all other weather related events such as floods, tornados, and hurricanes. Extreme heat can be dangerous for anyone, but it can be especially dangerous for low-income residents with chronic medical conditions. High daytime and nighttime temperatures can cause stress on the human body which exacerbates health conditions such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and renal disease. In addition, some medications (such as some antidepressants, diuretics, and beta-blockers) and chemotherapy treatments taken for a chronic illnesses may increase an individual’s sensitivity to heat by interfering with the body’s ability to regulate temperature, fluids, or electrolytes. No medical information or prescription from a doctor is required to participate in this program. 

The AC window unit is intended to cool one room in the resident's home in order to provide a place to retreat from extreme heat. 

Grant applications are currently being accepted through the City's grant portal, Civiform: https://civiform.bloomington.in.gov/programs. 

ESD will review the application and if all of the requirements are met, ESD will then notify the company that ESD has hired to complete the installations that an application is approved. The company will then schedule the install with the grant applicant. AC window units will be provided to those with approved applications on a first come, first serve basis while funding is available.