Bloomington, Indiana – The City of Bloomington’s Parks and Recreation Department is laying the groundwork for the future of its park system by launching the first step in developing a new five-year master plan—and they want the public’s voice to guide the way.
As part of this early phase, Bloomington Parks and Recreation has released a brief, three-question online survey, now available at ExplorePlayConnect.com. The questionnaire is open to all Bloomington residents and aims to gather input on emerging needs, priorities, and ideas from the community. The department hopes this initial feedback will shape how the full planning process unfolds throughout 2025.
“This is an early and important opportunity for the community to help set the direction of parks and recreation in Bloomington,” said Tim Street, Parks and Recreation Administrator. “We want to hear from as many residents as possible so we can make the best decisions on how to serve our community in a financially sustainable way.”
The upcoming master plan will serve as a strategic blueprint for Bloomington’s parks system from 2026 through 2030. It will influence decisions on a wide range of topics, including staffing, programming, park improvements, financial strategies, and environmental stewardship. City officials believe public input is critical to ensure the department aligns with the real needs of the people who use and value its facilities.
The new plan follows a model that emphasizes sustainability, data-driven decision-making, and long-term community benefit. According to the city, the Parks and Recreation Department is not only looking at how to improve its services but also how to maintain them efficiently over time, even as Bloomington continues to grow and change.
The department has contracted with 110%, Inc., a consulting firm based in Salida, Colorado, to lead the planning process. The contract, approved by the Board of Park Commissioners in January 2025, covers a wide range of activities. These include comprehensive community engagement, detailed analysis of current park and facility conditions, a review of the financial health of Parks and Recreation operations, and ultimately the creation of a full master plan to guide the next five years.
Two of Bloomington’s popular public pools—Bryan Park Pool and Mills Pool—will receive special attention as part of the plan, with a thorough facilities condition assessment scheduled. This review will help determine what investments may be needed to keep them safe, functional, and enjoyable for years to come.
The current questionnaire is just the beginning. A full community needs survey will follow later in 2025 and will be distributed to a statistically representative group of Bloomington households. Additional public meetings, feedback sessions, and online engagement opportunities are also expected as the planning process moves forward.
In the meantime, city leaders are urging everyone—from longtime park-goers to casual trail users—to take a few minutes to fill out the initial questionnaire. Responses will help set priorities and ensure that Bloomington’s parks continue to reflect the values and needs of its residents.
For more information about the planning process or to fill out the community questionnaire, visit ExplorePlayConnect.com or contact Bloomington Parks and Recreation at 812-349-3700.
