Bloomington, Indiana – Bloomington’s parks system is preparing for a conversation that is less about adding something new and more about deciding how to care for what the city already has. Aging pools, playgrounds, trails and other facilities will be at the center of a special Park Board meeting Monday evening.
The Board of Park Commissioners will meet at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Switchyard Park Pavilion, 1601 S. Rogers St., to review the Parks and Recreation Department’s proposed 2026 Investment Priorities Plan. The plan is the only item on the agenda, and residents are invited to attend and comment.
The proposal builds on the recently adopted 2026–2030 Parks and Recreation Master Plan and is intended to turn that broader strategy into a list of practical investments. It draws from facility condition reviews, usage data, cost recovery information, public engagement and other material collected during the master planning process.
A major focus is the Master Plan goal of “Invest in What We Have.” The department is trying to balance maintenance of older facilities with responsibility for parks and infrastructure added in recent years.
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Projects identified for discussion include improvements at Bryan Park Pool, turf infields and LED lighting at Winslow Sports Park, a replacement playground at Olcott Park, trail repairs and a new elevator at the Banneker Community Center. The plan also calls for pickleball courts at RCA Community Park, irrigation replacement at Cascades Golf Course and consideration of long-term options for the Frank Southern Ice Arena.
The financial recommendations would also mark a shift in how much of the department’s General Fund budget goes toward capital needs. From 2016 through 2025, about 2.2% of General Fund expenditures were used for capital expenses. The proposed target would rise to at least 4% in 2028, 5% in 2029 and 6% in 2030.
Another piece under consideration is a possible $7.3 million general obligation bond in 2027, with payments beginning in 2028, to fund some of the highest-priority work. The department is also examining whether the Indiana Community Parks Initiative, backed by Lilly Endowment funding, could provide another source of investment.
Other recommendations include evaluating a possible sale of Parks-owned property at 349 S. Walnut St., pursuing sponsorships and partnerships, and using other available revenues to support existing assets.
No final vote on the Investment Priorities Plan is scheduled Monday. After hearing public feedback, Parks and Recreation is expected to refine the proposal before bringing it back to the Park Board for possible adoption. Residents who cannot attend will be able to review the information and submit feedback online.
