Bloomington, Indiana – The City has taken another step toward expanding digital access by adding free public Wi-Fi to two more outdoor community spaces, giving residents more places to connect online without cost.
As part of the latest expansion, free Wi-Fi is now available at Seminary Park, located at 100 W. 2nd St., and at Hopewell Commons, Bloomington’s newest park at 630 S. Morton St. Both locations offer internet service with speeds of up to 100 megabits per second, although actual performance may vary depending on where users are located within the park.
City officials said the expansion is part of a broader effort to reduce barriers to internet access and ensure that residents can stay connected whether they are working, learning, or simply spending time outdoors. Reliable internet access has become increasingly important for everyday tasks, from applying for jobs to completing school assignments or accessing city services.
The new Wi-Fi locations support the City’s Digital Opportunity Strategic Plan, which focuses on making sure all residents have access to reliable internet, appropriate devices, and the digital tools needed to fully participate in civic and economic life. By placing Wi-Fi in public parks and shared spaces, the City aims to reach residents who may not have consistent access at home.
These two additions are the first new public Wi-Fi sites added since 2023. They join a growing network of free access points spread across parks, cultural spaces, and community hubs throughout the city. Officials say the pause between expansions allowed time to evaluate usage, improve infrastructure, and plan for future growth.
In addition to Seminary Park and Hopewell Commons, residents can already access free public Wi-Fi at several other locations. These include Peoples Park at 501 E. Kirkwood Ave., the John Waldron Arts Center at 122 S. Walnut St., Hill & Buskirk Park at 331 S. Washington St., Rev. Ernest D. Butler Park at 812 W. 9th St., Crestmont Park at 1100 N. Illinois St., and Bryan Park Pool at 1020 S. Woodlawn Ave.
City leaders say placing Wi-Fi in parks serves multiple purposes. It allows people to work or study outdoors, supports community events, and helps ensure that public spaces remain welcoming and useful to a wide range of residents. It can also benefit visitors who may need temporary internet access while spending time in the city.
Officials noted that the City will continue to look for opportunities to expand the network in the future as funding and infrastructure allow. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the service and provide feedback to help guide future improvements.
With the addition of these new locations, the City continues to build a more connected community, ensuring that access to the internet is not limited by location or income.
