Bloomington's ambitious Bloomington Forward projects, funded by the 2023 voter-approved half-percent sales tax, are steaming ahead as we leave summer behind. These enhancements, which include the facelift of the Bloomington Ice Garden (BIG), restoration of the Nine Mile Creek corridor, and the construction of a new community health and wellness center, collectively aim to rejuvenate the city's recreational infrastructure while boosting community wellness and engagement.
After shutting down for renovation in March, BIG has seen a flurry of activity. Upgrades include ADA-compliant viewing areas, a fresh concessions stand, and revamped locker rooms and restrooms. According to a report by the City of Bloomington, "The BIG team has also partnered with Creative Placemaking staff to begin work on a mural designed by Adam Turman that will be installed in the BIG entrance." Opening doors again this fall, BIG is set to welcome ice enthusiasts right in time for the hockey season. More information can be accessed by visiting bloomingtonforward.org/big.
Similarly, the Nine Mile project team has been diligently working to flesh out the technical design details of the Nine Mile Creek restoration. Notably, a new Bloomington Veterans Memorial is on the slate to be erected at Harrison Park. The city is actively seeking community input on playground concepts for Moir Park, with a public event scheduled for August 12. More project specifics and upcoming events can be found at bloomingtonforward.org/9mile.
The future community health and wellness center is also taking shape with the closure and ongoing abatement of the Creekside Community Center. With senior programming temporarily relocated, demolition is set to swiftly begin in October. The community's progression toward enhanced accessibility to health and fitness remains paramount. For the latest updates on the community center's development, citizens can look up bloomingtonforward.org/chwc.
These milestones represent significant leaps for Bloomington, with the expectation to both preserve and invigorate communal spaces. The projects, while distinct, share a common thread: a commitment to improving the quality of life for residents through mindful and practical enhancements to the city's amenities. As summer fades and construction ramps up, anticipation quietly builds for the new facilities and the promise they hold for the community's future.
