Bloomington is taking strides towards enriching community life by harnessing sales tax funds for public spaces and local health initiatives. In a move that saw overwhelming support, Bloomington residents voted last November in favor of a new half-percent sales tax, raising a solid $155 million designated for several key developments. The plan includes the overhaul of the Nine Mile Creek corridor, upgrades to Moir and Central parks, significant renovations to the Bloomington Ice Garden, and erecting a new community health and wellness center, as reported by the City of Bloomington.
Sticking to a meticulously crafted timeline, the Bloomington Ice Garden (BIG) renovations are moving forward without a hitch. Following a September ice-breaking ceremony, work has commenced on essential updates, including modern flooring, dasher boards, and an ice system. Provided by Bloomington's official communications, it's expected that BIG will continue to operate unaffected until mid-March 2025. Following that, patrons should anticipate a temporary closure stretching from then through the fall of the same year to finalize the construction efforts.
Echoing the sentiment of progress, the renovation project for the Nine Mile Creek corridor has taken shape with a keen ear lent to public opinion. After a summer and autumn bustling with community engagement events, the project team launched the concept plan review on October 21, as per the City of Bloomington. Citizens interested in the collaborative progress or what lies ahead can find a summary and more information on the project's dedicated webpage.
