Bloomington's Smith Park, located at 8155 Park Avenue South, is getting an innovative playground designed to pump up the fun factor along with the fitness levels for families in the area, come May 2024. The playground - a first in the neighborhood - serves up a variety of challenge-based equipment that's not just for the nimble-footed tykes but also maximizes inclusivity with a turf surface and ramped play structures for all abilities.
The park project was given the green light after the Bloomington City Council earmarked funds specifically for a new playground in 2022, ever since then the anticipation from the local community has been building up, and everyone's waiting for the grand reveal scheduled this spring, according to City of Bloomington's website. In a bid to ensure the playground met local needs, the city held a public event back in April last year and rolled out the virtual red carpet for opinions and suggestions at Let’s Talk Bloomington, which means this new spot for leisure is essentially designed by the community, for the community.
Smith Park also boasts fields for baseball, soccer, and softball alongside basketball and tennis courts for those itching for variety in their physical exertion. And for the less sporty, there are fishing spots, a picnic shelter, and trails to wander.
Families marking their calendars can hit up letstalk.bloomingtonmn.gov/smithplayground for the skinny on the grand opening details; the city promises it's gearing up to be a highlight of the year, not just for Bloomington's youth but also for community engagement enthusiasts who rallied for this playful escape.
