Bloomington, Indiana – A new chapter in accessibility is unfolding at Bloomington’s Switchyard Park. On June 13, city leaders and community members will gather to unveil the park system’s first-ever tactile map—an innovation that brings the city one step closer to ensuring every resident, regardless of ability, can navigate and enjoy local green spaces.
The map, which is permanently installed near the Pavilion and the B-Line Trail, is designed specifically to support individuals who are blind or have low vision. With raised textures, color contrasts, and braille labels, the map allows users to feel their way across the layout of the 65-acre park. It’s durable, weather-resistant, and thoughtfully placed in a high-traffic area so it’s easy to find and use.
Mayor Kerry Thomson will be present at the noon unveiling, joined by the Council for Community Accessibility and members of the Parks and Recreation staff. The public is invited to attend the event, which highlights not just a new amenity, but a broader commitment to building an inclusive environment across the city’s park system.
“This is another important step forward in making Bloomington’s parks more accessible,” said Thomson. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy our city’s natural spaces safely and independently.”
Switchyard Park’s tactile map is part of a larger accessibility initiative launched by Bloomington Parks and Recreation. Over the past year, the department has allocated nearly $1 million in federal American Rescue Plan funds to enhance access across multiple sites. These upgrades are not only changing infrastructure—they’re reshaping the park experience for many individuals and families.
One of the largest active construction projects is at Building Trades Park, where improvements began in April. The upgrades include a redesigned parking lot and a brand-new 10-foot-wide concrete path that connects Howe Street to Second Street. This pathway will also connect with a planned pedestrian crossing and bus stop that links the park to the Hopewell neighborhood.
Elsewhere in the city, power-operated doors have been installed at several key community facilities. The Allison-Jukebox Community Center, Banneker Community Center, Frank Southern Center, and Twin Lakes Recreation Center all received upgrades to make building access easier for those with limited mobility. These enhancements are expected to have a daily impact on dozens of users.
Switchyard Park has also added a wheelchair-accessible golf cart shuttle that staff can use to help individuals reach park amenities. Whether it’s getting to a restroom, event space, or play area, the shuttle gives users more freedom to explore the park without barriers.
Inclusivity is extending to youth programs as well. The Kid City Summer Camp recently welcomed a new mini-bus that accommodates children with and without mobility impairments. Now, campers can travel together to field trips and off-site adventures—no child left behind due to accessibility limitations.
At Bryan Park, improvements were geared toward play. A new juvenile playground opened in June 2024, tailored to kids aged 5–12. It features accessible play elements such as buddy swings, a carousel spinner suitable for wheelchairs, and sensory-friendly ground-level equipment that welcomes children of all abilities.
Even picnic spots are seeing accessibility upgrades. At RCA Community Park, a new picnic shelter was installed with a ramp that links the parking lot and nearby restroom directly to the gathering area. It’s a small change that makes a big difference for visitors with mobility needs.
Bloomington Parks and Recreation continues to show that accessibility is not an afterthought—it’s a core value. Through tactile maps, improved infrastructure, and inclusive programming, the city is making clear that everyone belongs in its parks.
For more information about the June 13 unveiling or the city’s accessibility efforts, residents are encouraged to contact Bloomington Parks and Recreation. The journey toward full accessibility is ongoing, but with each new project, the community takes another meaningful step forward.
