Bloomington's community-led vision is shaping up with a series of projects aimed at enhancing local amenities and preserving natural spaces, all thanks to a voter-approved sales tax hike last November. According to an announcement from the City of Bloomington, $155 million is earmarked for the overhaul of the Nine Mile Creek corridor, the rejuvenation of Moir and Central parks, the creation of a new health and wellness center, and the renovation of the Bloomington Ice Garden.
The Bloomington Ice Garden, lovingly known as BIG, witnessed a symbolic "ice-breaking" event this September to jumpstart its renovation, the first of the trio of Bloomington Forward projects to get off the ground. Details shared with attendees included an upgrade to the arena flooring, dasher boards, and a revamped ice system. According to the city's news release, this modernization is set to proceed without disrupting BIG’s operations until the anticipated construction closure from mid-March to fall of 2025.
Meanwhile, the Nine Mile Creek corridor and Moir/Central Park are also subjects of community enthusiasm, with hundreds turning out for summer events dedicated to these beloved locales. The city's outreach has culminated in a comprehensive engagement summary, which outlines the collective input gathered and the roadmap ahead. The details of this engagement process and what the future holds for these parks can be found at the project's webpage.
Furthermore, residents got a taste of what's to come with the proposed community health and wellness center at a gathering held on September 28. Live music and local food trucks set the stage for a presentation on potential programs and services the new center may offer. HGA Architects, the firm behind the design, will unveil draft designs for public feedback this November, a move that feels right in line with Bloomington's inclusive planning approach. For more information on these upcoming events, interested parties can visit the project website.
