Bloomington, Indiana – Bloomington Parks and Recreation is making significant strides in improving accessibility across its facilities and programs, thanks to nearly $1 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. These enhancements aim to create a more inclusive environment for all community members, ensuring that parks, transportation, and recreational spaces are accessible to individuals of all abilities.
Accessibility Upgrades at Building Trades Park
One of the key projects under this initiative is the accessibility upgrade at Building Trades Park, located at 619 W. Howe St. Construction is set to begin in April as part of the park’s Master Plan improvements. The upgrades will primarily focus on the north and west sides of the park and include several key enhancements:
• Curb cuts in the parking area to improve access for individuals using wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
• A new 10-foot-wide concrete path, replacing the existing wooden ramp, will be installed from Howe Street to Second Street. This pathway will connect to a planned future bus stop and a mid-block pedestrian crossing, providing better access to the Hopewell neighborhood.
• A new picnic shelter will be constructed just south of the parking area along the accessible path, replacing the existing shelter on the east side of the park.
These changes will create a more user-friendly environment, making the park more accessible for visitors of all abilities.
Addition of a Wheelchair-Accessible Mini Bus
Another notable improvement is the addition of a new wheelchair-accessible mini bus to the Parks and Recreation Department’s fleet. This bus will primarily serve children participating in the Kid City Summer Camp and Kid City Break Days, allowing campers who use wheelchairs and those without mobility impairments to travel together on field trips. Beyond the camp programs, the mini bus will also be available for other Parks and Recreation initiatives that require accessible transportation, ensuring that no one is excluded from recreational opportunities due to mobility challenges.
Push-Button Accessible Doors Installed
To make entering city facilities easier for all visitors, push-button activated doors have been installed at several community centers, including:
• Allison-Jukebox Community Center (351 S. Washington St.)
• Banneker Community Center (930 W. 7th St.)
• Frank Southern Ice Arena (2100 S. Henderson St.)
These automatic doors are particularly beneficial for individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids, as well as those who may have difficulty using traditional door handles. Plans are also in place to install push-button entry doors at the Twin Lakes Recreation Center in 2025.
Bryan Park’s New Inclusive Playground
Bryan Park, located at 1001 S. Henderson St., recently completed the construction of a new inclusive playground designed for children ages 5-12. This playground, which was completed in June 2024, features innovative and accessible play structures, including:
• A warped wall, the first of its kind in a Bloomington city playground.
• Ground-level sensory elements that provide an interactive experience for children with sensory sensitivities.
• A rubberized surface to ensure wheelchair accessibility.
• Pass-through platforms, allowing wheelchair users to navigate the play structure more easily.
• An accessible carousel spinner and buddy swings, promoting inclusive play among children of all abilities.
These additions ensure that every child, regardless of physical ability, has the opportunity to play, explore, and socialize in a safe and engaging environment.
Switchyard Park’s First Tactile Map for the Visually Impaired
As part of the city’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity, Switchyard Park will soon feature Bloomington’s first-ever tactile map. Designed to assist individuals with visual impairments, this map will combine raised lines, textures, and Braille to provide detailed information about the park’s layout. Key features such as the playground and the Community Foundation Switchyard Plaza Spray Pad will be clearly marked, allowing visually impaired visitors to navigate the park with greater ease.
Improved Accessibility at RCA Community Park
Upgrades have also been completed at RCA Community Park (1400 W. RCA Park Dr.), where a newly installed picnic shelter now features a concrete ramp connecting the parking lot and restroom. This enhancement improves mobility and ensures that all visitors, including those with disabilities, can comfortably enjoy the park’s amenities.
All-Terrain Wheelchair for Outdoor Education Programs
In an effort to provide more inclusive outdoor education opportunities, Bloomington Parks and Recreation is introducing a new all-terrain wheelchair for use at Leonard Springs Nature Days and Griffy Lake Nature Days. These programs, which serve Monroe County Community School Corporation students, offer hands-on experiences in nature, including hikes on natural surface trails. The introduction of the all-terrain wheelchair ensures that students who use mobility aids can fully participate in educational activities, exploring local ecosystems and wildlife alongside their peers.
A Commitment to an Inclusive Future
The accessibility improvements being made across Bloomington’s parks and recreation facilities demonstrate the city’s commitment to creating inclusive public spaces. By investing in accessible infrastructure, transportation, and recreational programs, the Parks and Recreation Department is ensuring that individuals of all abilities have equal opportunities to engage in outdoor activities and community events.
For more information on these projects and updates, visit bloomington.in.gov.
