Bloomington, Indiana – Bloomington’s newest park, Hopewell Commons, is set to officially open on April 23 with an exciting grand opening celebration that promises to be a day full of activities and community engagement. The event, taking place at 332 W. University St., will feature a variety of entertainment, including live music, food trucks, games, and much more. Located just west of the B-Line Trail and Seminary Square Kroger, this one-acre park is a significant part of the ongoing Hopewell neighborhood development project, which aims to transform the former IU Health hospital site into a vibrant, mixed-use community space.
The grand opening festivities will kick off at 3:30 p.m. with a lively performance by the Sam Finley Four, who will be playing on the Hopewell Commons stage. As part of the celebration, Bloomington Parks and Recreation will offer pickleball paddles and balls for use on the new, temporary pickleball courts, as well as ping pong paddles for the park’s concrete ping pong tables, allowing visitors to try out these recreational activities throughout the day.
At 4:15 p.m., the formal portion of the ceremony will begin. Chamber of Commerce President Eric Spoonmore and Parks and Recreation Administrator Tim Street will introduce the event, followed by remarks from several key figures involved in the project, including Mayor Kerry Thomson, Milestone Assistant General Superintendent Thomas Gott, and representatives from the Bloomington Redevelopment Commission and the Economic and Sustainable Development Department. These speeches will highlight the collaborative effort behind the development of the park and its importance to the community.
The celebration will continue until 6 p.m., with live music by Matixando and plenty of opportunities for attendees to enjoy the park’s many features. A selection of food trucks will be on hand, along with a beer garden, making the event a perfect opportunity to relax, socialize, and enjoy the new public space. Whether you’re a fan of pickleball, ping pong, or simply spending time outdoors, Hopewell Commons offers a diverse array of amenities designed to engage and connect Bloomington residents.
Milestone Contractors, the local company responsible for the development of Hopewell Commons, has expressed pride in being part of such an important community project. “Milestone is local to Bloomington, and we are proud to introduce Hopewell Commons, a true testament to our community’s collaboration,” said Milestone Assistant General Superintendent Thomas Gott. “Our partnership with the City of Bloomington and the dedication of many community members has been key to bringing this project to life. We’re excited to welcome Bloomington residents to enjoy this space for years to come.”
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Parks and Recreation Administrator Tim Street also shared his enthusiasm for the park’s role in the community, emphasizing that it’s more than just a new green space. “Hopewell Commons is more than just a new park—it’s a vital part of the neighborhood’s growth and identity,” he said. “As part of the larger Hopewell development, this space creates a welcoming ‘third place’ where people can gather, connect, and build a sense of community beyond home and work. We’re proud to provide a place that supports health, belonging, and shared experiences for everyone.”
Hopewell Commons is designed to be a community hub, with a variety of features that cater to all ages and interests. The park includes swing-style seating, picnic tables, a log scramble play structure, artificial turf for open play, and a performance stage. Temporary pickleball courts and built-in ping pong tables also offer opportunities for fun and active recreation. In keeping with sustainable design practices, the park integrates environmentally-friendly elements such as a wetland garden and permeable pavers, which help manage stormwater and enhance the park’s ecological value.
In addition to its recreational and environmental features, Hopewell Commons will soon be home to a public art piece that will further enrich the space. Local artist Jon Racek is scheduled to install his artwork, “Undulate,” in the summer of 2025. This installation will add another layer of creativity to the park, providing both aesthetic value and a connection to Bloomington’s vibrant arts community.
As the grand opening day approaches, organizers are making sure that attendees can easily access the park. For those with a disabled parking permit, parking will be available on West University Street just east of Rogers Street. However, residents are encouraged to walk or bike to the event, with the B-Line Trail providing a direct route to Hopewell Commons. For those who need to drive, overflow parking will be available at the Monroe Convention Center, located at 302 S. College Ave. Parks and Recreation will also operate a wheelchair-accessible electric shuttle along the trail between the convention center and Hopewell Commons throughout the event, ensuring accessibility for all attendees.
The grand opening of Hopewell Commons is not only an opportunity to celebrate a new park but also a chance for the Bloomington community to come together and enjoy the fruits of a collaborative, long-term development effort. As part of the Hopewell neighborhood development project, the park represents a key step in creating a mixed-use, sustainable community that will serve the needs of residents for years to come. Whether you’re coming for the music, the food, or the chance to try pickleball and ping pong, the grand opening event promises to be a memorable occasion for all who attend.
For more information about the grand opening and the Hopewell neighborhood development project, residents can visit the City of Bloomington’s official website or reach out to the Parks and Recreation Department for additional details.
