Bloomington, Indiana – The City of Bloomington has officially finalized plans for the 2025 Pedestrian Season on Kirkwood Avenue, with street closures set to begin on April 4 and continue through November 10, weather permitting. The seasonal initiative aims to create a more walkable and vibrant downtown atmosphere by transforming sections of Kirkwood Avenue into pedestrian-friendly spaces for outdoor dining, community gatherings, and local events.
Closure Details and Configuration
City officials have carefully planned the street closures to balance accessibility, business needs, and public safety. The finalized configuration includes:
• 100 Block: A partial closure of the western half to maintain access to the Buskirk-Chumley Theater lot and private parking.
• 200 Block: Remains open to allow access to alleyway parking.
• 300, 400, and 500 Blocks: Fully closed to vehicular traffic for the duration of the pedestrian season.
City engineers, along with parking and public works staff, conducted a thorough review before finalizing these closures. While a full closure of the 100 block was considered, it was ultimately determined that a half-block closure would be the most effective and equitable solution for maintaining accessibility while still promoting a pedestrian-friendly environment.
Accessibility and Parking Updates
To ensure that downtown remains accessible to all, the City has taken steps to improve parking options. Additional ADA parking spaces have been installed, replacing any removed from Kirkwood Avenue and increasing the overall number of accessible parking spots. Loading zones have also been adjusted to accommodate business deliveries and drop-off needs.
For visitors driving into downtown Bloomington, various parking options are available, including:
• Metered street parking, surface lots, and public parking garages.
• Free parking on Sundays and all official City holidays.
• Designated free two-hour parking on Rogers Street (5th-11th), Washington Street (2nd-3rd), and Lincoln Street (3rd-Smith).
• 24/7 free parking on Grant Street (2nd-Smith) and Madison Street (2nd-3rd).
• Indiana University (IU) free parking on weekday evenings, weekends, holidays, and during university breaks.
Business Participation and Outdoor Dining
The Pedestrian Season Program was designed to support economic activity and enhance the downtown experience by encouraging flexible outdoor use of public space. So far, nine businesses have applied to participate, each incorporating different ways to take advantage of the street closures:
• Full Street Conversion Participants: Nick’s English Hut, Lennie’s, Uptown Café, Farm Bloomington, and Village Deli.
• Parklet Participants: Orbit Room, BuffaLouie’s, Metal Works Brewing Company, and Crazy Horse.
Parklets, which convert street parking spaces into outdoor dining areas, have been a popular feature of past pedestrian seasons and will continue to offer expanded seating options for businesses this year. City staff are working closely with participating businesses to ensure compliance with safety and design standards.
Community Events and Seasonal Activations
Beyond outdoor dining, the City of Bloomington is collaborating with businesses and organizations to bring seasonal activations to Kirkwood Avenue. While specific details are still being finalized, potential pop-up markets and community events are being considered to encourage residents and visitors to make full use of the transformed pedestrian spaces. These initiatives align with the city’s ongoing efforts to create a dynamic and engaging downtown atmosphere.
Residents and business owners interested in learning more about the program or participating in upcoming activations can visit bloomington.in.gov/business/outdoor-dining for further details.
As Bloomington prepares for another year of the Kirkwood Avenue Pedestrian Season, city leaders remain committed to fostering a thriving downtown environment that benefits businesses, residents, and visitors alike. With an emphasis on accessibility, community engagement, and economic support, the 2025 season promises to build upon the success of previous years while introducing new opportunities for public enjoyment.
