City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department
2019 Annual Report
Switchyard Park Grand Opening, November 2019
from the Mayor Reflecting on 2019 from the perspective of 2020 reminds us of how much has changed in our world, but at the same time, how other values endure. Many of those values are embodied by the City of Bloomington’s nationally distinguished Parks and Recreation Department—a two-time recipient of the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management for communities our size. Parks’ mission of “providing essential services, facilities and programs for the positive development and well-being of the community” has become ever more urgent in the wake of the COVID pandemic. The magnificent properties the Department manages, the programming that activates them, and, above all, the creative, hard-working, and nimble professionals who make it all happen have been essential in helping our community enjoy enhanced well-being during these challenging months.
Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department Administrator While we couldn’t have known then to prepare for a Paula McDevitt (L) joins Mayor John Hamilton, City Council global pandemic, the accomplishments of 2019 feel member Dave Rollo, and Former Mayors Tomilea Allison and almost prescient to the extent that they equipped us John Fernandez to cut the ribbon at the Switchyard Park grand for a new way of living. Our park properties have unveiling on November 16, 2019. become critical outlets for safe recreation, exercise, and socializing when our usual patterns have been disrupted. We’ve seen a surge in trail usage from previous years. The Parks and Recreation Department’s execution of plans thoughtfully developed through best practices and with community engagement have gotten us here.
Photography by Garrett J Poortinga | Green Hat Media 2019
Message
Just think about our swoon-worthy Switchyard Park, substantially completed and unveiled in a community celebration with fireworks in November 2019. The City’s most ambitious Parks project to date, this 57-acre property at the center of our city was transformed from a long-retired rail yard into a hub of activity, beauty, and connection. It’s a place where Bloomingtonians and visitors can gather for a game of bocce or pickleball, to catch some air in a skate park designed by local artists, cool off in the Community Foundation Switchyard Plaza spray pad, tend an accessible garden bed, give Fido some hang time at the dog park, or take in a concert on the grand performance stage. With the B-Line Trail traversing the park’s length, a spur to the east with the B-Link Trail, and a planned spur to the west, the park is also becoming a major hub for the city’s bike/ped connectivity. As for that westward trail—a proposed 1.3-mile path from the park’s western edge to Weimer Road—it’s one of a number of Parks-led Bicentennial Bond projects, announced in 2018, that made progress in 2019. Those projects building up Bloomington’s active transportation network also include two others being led by Parks—the pilot road-to-trail conversion through the leafy refuge of Lower Cascades and a long-awaited six-mile loop trail around our beloved Griffy Lake. At the same time, with financing through another Bicentennial Bond, Parks started significant work in 2019 toward the evaluation and replenishment of our urban forest—a responsibility this Tree City takes seriously. Parks manages many indoor facilities our community relies on too, and in 2019 we saw some terrific improvements—whether the replacement of the Cascades Golf Course Clubhouse with an attractive, energy-efficient structure; or the improvements at the Banneker Community Center that will allow that facility to provide meals and educational opportunities for many more of our community’s young people. You can learn much more about these efforts in the report that follows. Just a few of the Parks and Recreation Department’s ambitious and transformative undertakings in 2019, these projects combine with countless facilities and programs our tireless Parks staff operates to increase our residents’ physical and emotional wellbeing and steward our natural assets. In survey after survey, our residents report that their access to and enjoyment of these properties and programs is one of their favorite things about Bloomington. I am grateful to the Parks staff and Board of Park Commissioners for your dedication to our community, whether skies are bright or gray.
John Hamilton, Mayor City of Bloomington
M
essage from the Administrator
The City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation is responsible for more than $52 million in City assets. Our Department manages 2,342 acres of property including 33 parks, 27 playgrounds, a golf course, ice arena, two pools, three community centers, three natural resources properties, 13 ballfields, 22 tennis courts, 19 basketball courts and just over 38 miles of trails. The Department is proud to be one of 171 nationally accredited agencies through the National Recreation and Park Association Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies. The accreditation standards are used as a management tool throughout the year for planning, operations, financials, community involvement and evaluation. The Department is organized and managed in four program divisions including Administration, Recreation Services, Sports Services and Operations and Development Services. These divisions are staffed by 53 full-time staff members and 454 seasonal staff. In 2019, the dedicated and talented staff set 112 annual budget goals of which 72 (64.29%) were accomplished, 27 (24.11%) substantially accomplished, and 13 (11.61%) were not met. The Board of Park Commissioners approved 137 contracts and service agreements, and 32 community partnership agreements.
Parks and Recreation Department Administrator Paula McDevitt
The General Obligation Parks Bond capital improvement projects continued in 2019. Cascades Golf Course opened a new pro shop and clubhouse. These new spaces welcomed golfers and guests alike to enjoy the beautiful setting overlooking the Quarry course with newly installed Zoysia fairways. Bryan Park Pool and Mills Pool underwent extensive improvements to the mechanical rooms and bathhouses in preparation for a busy pool season. Several parking lot, tennis court, and basketball court improvements were completed to meet the demand of users of these areas. Bicentennial Bond-funded projects such as city gateways and the new Griffy Loop trail commenced with preliminary design work A significant amount of time in 2019 was devoted to the construction of Switchyard Park. The groundbreaking for the park occurred in May 2018, with 2019 devoted to the buildout. A well-attended Switchyard Park unveiling was held November 16 and 17 as Department staff and city administration welcomed the community to preview and use completed areas in the park. Switchyard Park promises to have something for everyone, drawing visitors and community residents from near and far. The Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department staff is energized by the community involvement and support for all we do. The opportunities to access open green space, programs, events, facilities, natural areas, and miles of trails are endless. Our commitment to meeting the recreational needs of the community were realized in 2019 and we look forward to more goal accomplishments in 2020.
Paula McDevitt Administrator
2019 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report 1
City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation
P
rogram
P
articipation
Participation is defined as the number of people times the number of visits/activity to a specific program or service. The numbers below do not include any estimate of the number of visits to City parks or trails.
Community Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180,986 Adult Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64,510 Aquatics . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 57,790 Frank Southern Ice Arena. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43,690 Twin Lakes Recreation Center . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 41,168 Golf Services. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 35,912 Youth Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29,113 Banneker Community Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28,681
Natural Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21,269 Youth Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14,565 Health & Wellness . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,107 Inclusive Recreation . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 366 2019 Total Participations . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 510.414
Program Participation Percentage by Program Area
CE
Community Events 35.4%
AS
Adult Sports 12.6%
AQ
Aquatics 11.3%
FS
Frank Southern Ice Arena 8.6%
TL
Twin Lakes Recreation Center 8.1%
BB
Banneker Community Center 5.6%
YS
The remainder of programs account for less than 3% each of total program participation.
Youth Sports 5.7%
GO
Golf Services 4.9%
YP
Natural Resources 4.2%
0
5
10
15
20
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25
30
35
40
C
City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation
ondensed
F
inancial
S
ummary
for the year ended December 31, 2019 2019 Revenue
Tax Proceeds & Miscellaneous Subtotal—Tax & Miscellaneous Revenue
2019 Expenditures
$6,573,549 $6,573,549
Administration $37,890 $764,463 Adult Sports $181,260 $422,808 Aquatics—Bryan Park Pool $246,432 $269,503 Aquatics—Mills Pool $35,352 $140,238 Aquatics—Health and Safety -$504 $2,126 Banneker Community Center $27,609 $313,136 Community Events $119,527 $442,157 Community Events–Farmers’ Market $100,456 $134,850 Community Relations $2,400 $442,434 Frank Southern Ice Arena $322,008 $429,968 Golf Services $686,780 $1,226,081 Health & Wellness $2,350 $83,331 Landscaping/Cemeteries/Urban Forestry $40,078 $1,296,393 Natural Resources $71,161 $374,578 Operations $63,851 $1,823,453 Project School Lease/TLRC Reserve $81,910 $0 Switchyard Park $34,951 $59,939 Twin Lakes Recreation Center $630,693 $1,276,075 Youth Programs $248,728 $303,379 Youth Sports $48,971 $281,287 TOTAL Program Revenue/Expenses $9,555,452 $10,086,199 Grants $67,141 $79,989 Capital Related/Capital Expenditures $415,085 TOTAL Revenue/Expenses $9,622,593 $10,581,273
*unaudited financial data
2019 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report 3
Operations & Development
The Operations Division is responsible for maintenance, security, sanitation, capital improvements, planning, construction, and development of all City parks and natural areas, facilities, trails, and greenways. It is also responsible for beautification of parks and public areas, including landscaping, the administration and maintenance of Rose Hill and White Oak Cemeteries, and urban forestry. This Division is responsible for the establishment, management, and enhancement of City–owned natural resources properties including Griffy Lake Nature Preserve, Wapehani Mountain Bike Park and Leonard Springs Nature Park. Natural resources staff offer outdoor recreational, educational, and volunteer opportunities. • Placed more than 23 tons of #53 stone on the Bloomington Rail Trail and • • • • • • • • •
Jackson Creek Trail after a large portion of the trail was washed away in heavy February rains. Added 2.24 tons of quarter-minus and 11.34 tons of #11 stone to the shoulders of the B-Line Trail. Installed new Kompan fitness equipment at the Bryan Park fitness station. A ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the new fitness station was held May 10. Removed old, and installed new, treated boards on horseshoe pits at Bryan Park; painted horseshoe posts, dug out pits and filled with new sand. Rebuilt retaining wall near the picnic shelter at Park Ridge East Park Demolished existing playground at Crestmont Park in preparation for installation of new play equipment; playground completed in 2019 except for poured-in-place rubber safety surfacing, scheduled for spring 2020. Removed wooden footbridge at Highland Village Park; poured concrete replacement section in southeast corner of park. Utilized Park Bond funds to remove and repair or replace poured-in-place rubber safety surfacing in playgrounds at Broadview Park, Building Trades Park, Olcott Park, and Winslow Woods Park. Installed LED security floodlights at Butler Park and Olcott Park. Installed memorial benches at Bryan Park and Highland Village Park.
C
emeteries
• Planted 100 native roses along south wall (Third Street) at Rose Hill Cemetery.
Operations 2019 Program Activity Shelter Rentals Bryan Park–Henderson 136 Bryan Park–North 123 Bryan Park–Woodlawn 156 Building Trades 73 Sycamore–Lower Cascades 173 Waterfall–Lower Cascades 138 Young Pavilion–Olcott 124 Lions Den–Upper Cascades 140 RCA Community Park -Small Shelter 75 RCA Community Park - Group Shelter 94 Winslow Woods 109 Total 2019 Rentals 1,341
Program Revenue General Fund $534 Non-Reverting $63,317 Total 2019 Revenue $63,851 Program Expenses General Fund $1,766,848 Non-Reverting $56,605 Total 2019 Expenses $1,823,453
• White Oak Cemetery held a Grave Marking Ceremony on May 11, •
•
hosted by the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, in honor of Revolutionary War soldier Joseph Henderson. Held four headstone restoration workshops in partnership with the Monroe County History Center and the Prospect Hill Neighborhood Association, utilizing Neighborhood Improvement Grant funds awarded through the City of Bloomington Housing and Neighborhood Development Department. A total of 57 headstones were restored through these workshops. The same Neighborhood Improvement Grant also funded the replacement of six concrete pillar caps and a new entry arch at Rose Hill Cemetery. Extensive removal of invasive plants throughout White Oak Cemetery
4 2019 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report
Fifty-seven headstones at Rose Hill Cemetery were restored through workshops funded by a Neighborhood Improvement Grant.
U
rban Forestry
• • • • • • • •
Planted 618 trees and pruned 514 trees in city parks and along city streets. Removed 398 hazardous trees from city parks and streets. Treated city-owned ash trees for the sixth consecutive year for protection against the emerald ash borer. Contracted with Davey Resource Group to conduct a street and park tree inventory and canopy assessment. Urban Forester Lee Huss and Urban Forestry Laborers Kevin Prince and Haskell Smith attended the Indiana Arborist Association’s annual meeting in Indianapolis. Conducted an Arbor Day tree planting and tree seedling giveaway along the B-Line Trail in conjunction with the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market on May 4; planted a Regal Prince oak and Princeton Sentry ginkgo to commemorate Arbor Day. Planted three memorial trees, one each in Bryan Park, Butler Park and Lower Cascades Park. Bloomington was named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation for the 34th consecutive year
L
andscaping
• Contracted with Eco Logic to remove 10 acres of Asian bush honeysuckle from Bloomington Rail Trail. • Installed native pollinator gardens in 19 raised beds around the Monroe County Courthouse Square. • In 2019, installed more than 4,323 native plants and 138 shrubs, sowed 5.5 acres with native seed; planted more than 3,500 native tree saplings and 251 other native trees.
• Continued to work with Centerstone for the second year to create employment opportunities for adults recovering from addiction; employed seven laborers three days per week during the summer season.
• Removed 2 acres of Asian bush honeysuckle from Park Ridge East Park, 2 acres of Asian bush honeysuckle from the B-Line Trail, and 1/4 acre of purple wintercreeper from Highland Village Park
• Hosted 17 different volunteer work days to remove invasive plants from city park properties. Urban Forestry/Landscaping/Cemeteries 2019 Program Activity
Rose Hill Cemetery Lot Sales (cremation ground lots) 3 Mausoleum niche sales 0 Interments 11 Inurnments 10 Disinterments 0 Plot Surveys 0 White Oak Cemetery Lot Sales 13 Interments 7 Inurnments 0 Disinterments 0
Program Revenue General Fund $30,525 Non-Reverting $9,553 Total 2019 Revenue $40,078 Program Expenses General Fund $1,289,510 Non-Reverting $6,883 Total 2019 Expenses $1,296,393
2019 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report 5
N
atural Resources
• Leonard Springs Nature Day—Provided 946 Monroe County Community School Corporation sixth-grade students with an • • • • • • •
experiential environmental science program during the program’s seventh year. Griffy Lake Nature Day—The 10th year for this environmental science program included 949 MCCSC fourth graders. Bloomington Bikes Month events attracted 216 participants. Get Outdoors Day, a collaborative event with the Hoosier National Forest, attracted 123 visitors. Bugfest, a collaborative event with the Monroe County Parks and Recreation Department, attracted 805 participants. Installed three replacement interpretive signs along the trail at Miller-Showers Park. Provided hands-on environmental education programming four days per week during the summer Banneker Camp. Twenty-six deer were removed from Griffy Lake Nature Preserve through the Community Hunting Access Program (CHAP) over three weekends in November.
Natural Resources 2019 Program Activity Adopt-A Programs Adopt-A-Stream 13 volunteers contributed 234.75 hours Adopt-A-Trail 18 volunteers contributed 201.75 hours Adopt-An-Acre 6 volunteers contributed 51.5 hours
Griffy Lake Annual Boat Launch Permits 149 Boat Rentals 5,880 10-Rental Pass/Misc. Rentals 16 Rental Hours 7,483 Daily Launch Permits 958 Afterschool Nature Days 367 Banneker Nature Days 672 Environmental Resources Ad Council 51 Great Outdoors 1,402 Griffy Lake Nature Day 949 Group Visits 463 Hoosier Riverwatch 10 Leonard Springs Nature Day 946 Naturalist at the Market 1,287 Roving Naturalist 598 Volunteers 38 Total 2019 Participations 21,269
Watercraft at Griffy Lake, including kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards, were rented for a total of nearly 7,500 hours in 2019..
6 2019 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report
Program Revenue General Fund $0 Non-Reverting $71,161 Total 2019 Revenue $71,161 Program Expenses General Fund $344,801 Non-Reverting $29,777 Total 2019 Expenses $374,578
Sports
The Sports Division is responsible for providing formal and informal sports programs and services for the adults and youth of our community. These activities are provided at Department facilities such as Cascades Golf Course, Frank Southern Ice Arena, Twin Lakes Sports Park, Winslow Sports Complex, and a variety of other Department-owned and operated facilities.
A
quatics
The Aquatics program plans, coordinates, and facilitates recreational swimming, formal lessons, private rentals, special group use, and advanced aquatic and personal safety training for the Bloomington community and its visitors.
Aquatics 2019 Program Activity Bryan Park Pool Admissions 40,603 Aqua Yoga 0 Passes 760 Pool Rental Attendance 3,212 Swim Lessons 171 Mills Pool Admissions 12,363 Aqua Yoga 8 Passes 45 Pool Rental Attendance 600 Swim Lessons 28 Health & Safety First Aid/CPR/AED 0 Lifeguarding 0 Water Safety Instructor 0 Total 2019 Participations
A
dult Sports
Adult Sports plans, coordinates, and facilitates adult sports for the Bloomington community at Twin Lakes Sports Park and local tennis courts.
57,790
Bryan Park Pool Program Revenue General Fund $162.367 Non-Reverting $84,065 Total 2019 Revenue $246,432 Program Expenses General Fund $205,527 Non-Reverting $63,976 Total 2019 Expenses $269,503 Mills Pool Program Revenue General Fund $30,823 Non-Reverting $4,529 Total 2019 Revenue $35,352 Program Expenses General Fund $108,210 Non-Reverting $32,028 Total 2019 Expenses $140,238
Adult Sports 2019 Program Activity
Softball 34,138 Softball Tournaments 22,846 Rentals 7,526 Tennis Lessons 0 Total 2019 Participations 64,510
Program Revenue General Fund $49,965 Non-Reverting $131,295 Total 2019 Revenue $181,260 Program Expenses General Fund $263,260 Non-Reverting $159,548 Total 2019 Expenses $422,808
2019 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report 7
Y
Youth Sports plans, coordinates, and facilitates operations for Winslow Sports Complex, Rev. Butler Park, Frank Southern Ice Arena, and Bryan Park ball diamonds. These facilities host Bloomington Junior League Baseball, Monroe County Senior League Baseball, and MCCSC baseball and softball events.
outh Sports
• Successfully hosted the
USA Softball Girls Class B 16-Under Fastpitch Northern National Tournament, with 25 teams competing. Completed new curbing around ballfields at Winslow Sports Complex.
•
Youth Sports 2019 Program Activity Youth Sports Bloomington Youth Basketball Recorded in Twin Lakes Recreation Center BJLBA Youth Baseball 20,304 Cutters Soccer-Olcott Park 104 Jackson Creek MS Sports 1,998 Monroe Co. Sr. League Baseball 1,252 Rentals (Winslow & Olcott) 3,157 Tennis 1,262 Youth Softball Tournament 325 Winslow Fields Private Rentals 711 Total 2019 Participations
F
Program Revenue General Fund $41,769 Non-Reverting $7,202 Total 2019 Revenue $48,971 Program Expenses General Fund $228,014 Non-Reverting $53,273 Total 2019 Expenses $281,287
29,113
rank Southern Ice Arena
Frank Southern Ice Arena provides recreational and organized ice skating to ice enthusiasts from Bloomington and surrounding communities.
Frank Southern Ice Arena 2019 Program Activity Adult Hockey League Blades Hockey Bloomington Figure Skating Club Hockey Initiation Holiday Public Skating Ice Show IU Figure Skating IU Hockey IU Learn to Skate The Skating School Private Rentals Public Skating Admissions Special Events Youth Hockey Total 2019 Participations
8 2019 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report
1,483 3,096 1,186 589 1,605 424 763 2,569 816 4,717 2,129 14,506 3,020 6,787 43,690
Program Revenue General Fund $223,101 Non-Reverting $98,907 Total 2019 Revenue $322,008 Program Expenses General Fund $325,424 Non-Reverting $104,544 Total 2019 Expenses $429,968
Twin Lakes Recreation Center
• Registered 700 youth in Bloomington Youth Basketball • •
league. Achieved an all-time record of $168,000 in revenue generated through facility rental. Remained consistent in the generation of membership revenue with $279,000 collected in this category.
The Twin Lakes Recreation Center, a 100,000 ft2 indoor sports, recreation, and fitness facility, was purchased by the department in 2009. Amenities include five basketball courts, a turf field, a fitness area with strength equipment and free weights, a cardio studio, a mirrored exercise studio, 1/5-mile indoor track, and meeting rooms. The department offers programs, through the TLRC and other facilities, that help make Bloomington a healthy, active community.
Twin Lakes Recreation Center 2019 Program Activity TLRC Programs 50+ Activities 2,246 Aerial Silks 1,971 Bloomington Youth Basketball 48,428 Courts 37,903 Events/Tournaments 31,685 Party Room Rentals 1,085 Members 77,628 Other 527 Turf 113,366 Tournaments 0 Total 2019 Participations 219,174
C
Program Revenue General Fund $0 Non-Reverting $630,693 Total 2019 Revenue $630,693 Program Expenses General Fund $286,763 Non-Reverting $989,312 Total 2019 Expenses $1,276,075
ascades Golf Course
Golf Services 2019 Program Activity Rounds Played Adult Season Pass Family Season Pass Senior Season Pass Youth Season Pass Student Season Pass Range Ball Buckets Junior Golf Total 2019 Participations
21,494 54 6 118 35 18 14,023 164 35,912
Program Revenue General Fund $569,031 Non-Reverting $117,749 Total 2019 Revenue $686,780 Program Expenses General Fund $989,556 Non-Reverting $236,525 Total 2019 Expenses $1,226,081
Cascades Golf Course has the objective of maximizing public play with a balance of leagues, tournaments, youth programs, and golf outings. Youth programs include the First Tee of Bloomington and the PGA Junior League.
• Grand opening ceremony for the new Cascades Clubhouse was held October 2, 2019. This $1.3 million project included demolition of the former clubhouse and new construction.
• Zoysia grass installed on the Quarry Course. • James Kelb hired as new Golf Course Superintendent, replacing Mark Thrasher who retired in 2019 after more than 38 years in the position.
2019 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report 9
Recreation
The Recreation Division is responsible for programs, events, and services specially designed for preschoolers, youth, teens, adults, senior adults, and participants with varying degrees of ability. These activities are held at Department facilities such as the Allison-Jukebox Community Center, Banneker Community Center, and Showers Common. A number of programs are facilitated through partnership agreements with other community organizations.
Y
Youth Programs is responsible for programs and services designed for youth. These activities take place at the Allison-Jukebox Community Center and satellite sites. Youth Programs also includes the Inclusive Recreation area. The Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department is committed to an inclusive approach to recreation.
outh Programs
Youth Programs • Kid City Break Days held 14 fun-filled camp days that included trips to the Art of Brick Lego exhibit at the Indiana State Museum, the Terre Haute Children’s Museum, and Holliday Park in Indianapolis. • Kid City Camp Director was certified as a Child and Youth Care Practitioner. • Kid City was re-accredited by the American Camp Association, maintaining standards in safety and excellence. Inclusive Recreation • Served seven new campers in Kid City Summer Camp and Break Days. Facility—Allison-Jukebox Community Center • New accessible entrance installed in the front of the building, and three areas of new tile flooring inside the building.
Youth Programs/Inclusion 2019 Program Activity Adult/Family Sailing 69 Ballroom Dancing 1,374 Break Days 451 Break Days—Inclusion 31 Kid City Camps—Inclusion 335 Kid City Camps—Total 4,817 Other Programs 1 Rentals 6,235 Youth Sailing Camp 1,252 Total 2019 Participations 14,565
Program Revenue General Fund $0 Non-Reverting $248,728 Total 2019 Revenue $248,728 Program Expenses General Fund $150,247 Non-Reverting $153,132 Total 2019 Expenses $303,379
ORIGINAL
10 2019 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report
C
ommunity Events
The Community Events area provides an eclectic mix of cultural and outdoor activities and year-round events to provide enjoyment, education, and a sense of community for the diversity of people who make Bloomington their home. Special events and programs, art fairs, Performing Arts Series, Movies in the Park, Farmers’ Market, Community Gardens, and the Holiday Market are examples of the diversity in programming and projects Community Events offers to the Bloomington community.
• • • • • • •
The Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market created “Farm Fresh Field Trips” and hosted 10 youth groups at the Tuesday Market throughout the season. Youth were given $5 in Market gift certificates. As a result, $500 went directly to local farmers and youth and their families were able to connect with a source of their food. New pop-up programs, promoted through the Department’s social media channels, included a Popsicle Party, Pumpkin Painting, and Make-Your-Own Hot Chocolate. Ashley Spurgeon was hired as the Community Events Specialist. A new partnership with The Code & Key Escape Room resulted in the Bloomington Trail Outdoor Escape Adventure, which filled to capacity with 110 participants. Drool in the Pool celebrated its 15th anniversary, and the 50+ Expo its 45th. Dearly Departed Cemetery Tours saw a 38% increase in participation, from 86 participants in 2018 to 119 participants. Peoples Park concerts showcased 16 different local bands to a total of 1,333 people, the largest audience in recent years.
Community Events 2019 Program Activity 50+ Expo 525 A Fair of the Arts 7,258 Bloomington Street Fair 6,000 Cemetery Tours 119 Children’s Expo 914 Coffee & Canvas 13 Community Gardens 12,872 Drool in the Pool 372 Farmers’ Market—Saturday 115,066 Farmers’ Market—Saturday Vendors 2,084 Farmers’ Market—Tuesday 5,570 Farmers’ Market—Tuesday Vendors 224 Festival of Ghost Stories 270 Fourth of July Parade 8,000 Garden Classes 96 Glow in the Park 538 Holiday Market 6,000 Homegrown Indiana Farm Tours 41 Howl at the Moon Dog Walk 0 Junk in the Trunk 1,126 Messy Mania 200 Mobile Stage Rentals 6 Movies in the Park 1,447 Nature Sounds 97 Outdoor Escape Room 110 Peoples Park Concerts 1,333 Peoples Park Programs 1,627 Pop-Up Programs 126 Performing Arts Series 2,272 Pumpkin Launch 0 Seusspicious Behavior 447 Slip ‘N Foam 357 Spring Fling 169 Summer Kickoff Celebration 1,532 Switchyard Park Grand Opening 1,215 Touch a Truck 1,525 Trick or Treat Trail 913 Winter Palooza 150 Yappy Hours 91 Total 2019 Participations 180,986
Program Revenue—Community Events General Fund $11,175 Non-Reverting $108,352 Total 2019 Revenue $119,527 Program Expenses—Community Events General Fund $379,793 Non-Reverting $62,364 Total 2019 Expenses $442,157
Program Revenue—Farmers’ Market General Fund $0 Non-Reverting $100,456 Total 2019 Revenue $100,456 Program Expenses—Farmers’ Market General Fund $8,008 Non-Reverting $126,842 Total 2019 Expenses $134,850
2019 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report 11
B
The Banneker Community Center is a Bloomington Parks and Recreation facility that is dedicated to inspiring youth to maximize their potential through safe and effective programming, and to provide programs and activities that connect the Bloomington community.
anneker Community Center
• Banneker received $243,600 in grant funding: $199,600 from Regional Opportunities Initiative; $4,000-0 from Walmart and
• • • •
$40,000 anonymously. Banneker was selected from 23 applications, and was the first in the region to receive the Regional Opportunities Initiative grant that will transform spaces throughout the facility. The goal of the funding is to establish Banneker as a cultural hub throughout Bloomington and Monroe County, celebrating diversity and culture through programming, events and community partnerships. Banneker Camp served a record 4,964 meals during its summer Banneker Camp to an average 78 participants daily. The Banneker Community Center Advisory Council was re-created, with 12 members from diverse backgrounds. Attendance at the Teen Leadership Institute increased to 15 to 20 participants per day. New programming features included homework help via tutors and life skills lessons. Banneker in 2019 became a vendor with the Hoosier Hills Food Bank, allowing participants access to food at low cost. Banneker received 3,994 pounds of food and served 8,357 meals for a total of $338.07.
Banneker Community Center 2019 Program Activity After-School Programs 7,133 Break Days 127 Gym Drop-ins 1,683 Drop-ins 2,301 Family Resource Center 2,575 Food Service Program 3,002 IU School of Nursing 137 Jump Start Sports 267 LEARN Homeschool 818 Monroe Co. Comm. School Corp. 171 Other Events 852 Paid Rentals 6,434 Preschool Programs 1,411 Special Olympics/Life Designs 25 Teen Night Owls/Mentoring 244 Waived Rentals 1,501 Total 2019 Participations 28,681
12 2019 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report
Program Revenue General Fund $13,010 Non-Reverting $14,599 Total 2019 Revenue $27,609 Program Expenses General Fund $308,233 Non-Reverting $4,903 Total 2019 Expenses $313,136
B
uskirk-Chumley Theater Buskirk-Chumley Theater 2019 Program Activity Days of Use 246 Rentals 200 BCT Presents 46 Participations 2019 Attendance 46,371 BCT Presents Attendance 11,916 Artists Served 2,794 Presenters 72 Free events open to the public 40 Attendance at free events 9,366
H
ealth and Wellness The Health and Wellness area provides opportunities through programs, events and partnerships to encourage physical activity, to communicate the benefits of healthy choices and to promote Department resources that support healthy lifestyles.
• Collaborated with the Indiana University Wheelchair Basketball Club to hold the Veterans Day 5K on the IU campus for the first time.
• Awarded funds through the Youth & Adolescent Physical Activity (YAPA) Grant from the Indiana State Department •
of Health for the second consecutive year. Funds were used to create the Passport to Play program to bring outdoor recreation, health and wellness to a broad audience. The 12th annual Active Living Coalition Health Fair was held on opening day of the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market.
Health and Wellness 2019 Program Activity Active Living Coalition 69 Be Active Chair Massage 34 Banneker Afterschool Fit Club 70 Veterans Day 5K Run/Ruck 63 Bryan Park Kids Triathlon 38 Employee Health Fair 207 Fitness with a Firefighter 103 Get Onboard Active Living (G.O.A.L.) 165 Jazzercise 409 Passport to Play 1,050 Play Zone at Summer Kickoff 150 Rigamajig & Imagination Playground 490 Tai Chi 0 Veterans Day 5K 63 Walking Club 244 Well Checks 15 Total 2019 Participations 3,107
Program Revenue General Fund $0 Non-Reverting $2,350 Total 2019 Revenue $2,350 Program Expenses General Fund $81,370 Non-Reverting $1,961 Total 2019 Expenses $83,331
2019 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report 13
A dministration
The Administration Division implements policy as set forth by the Board of Park Commissioners.
Accomplishments
Administration 2019 Program Activity
• Distributed 30 customer service surveys each
• • •
quarter, with 23% returned; 96% of all returned customer service surveys showed a satisfaction rating of very positive or somewhat positive. Four staff members attended Vermont Systems RecTrac User Group training in October for professional development. Customer service staff completed 84.25 hours of customer service training. Completed 2019 Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) Accreditation documentation using PowerDMS software in preparation for 2021 re-accreditation.
Program Revenue General Fund $3,090 Non-Reverting $34,800 Total 2019 Revenue $37,890 Program Expenses General Fund $758,283 Non-Reverting $6,180 Total 2019 Expenses $764,463
Customer service staff is responsible for processing employee payroll, participant registrations for Department programs, and picnic shelter rentals.
C
Community Relations coordinates graphic design, promotions,
ommunity Relationsmarketing, sponsors, and volunteers.
• Designed and completed 606 print and digital marketing pieces.
• Increased Facebook followers by 39% (6,472 to 9,004 followers) in 2019.
• Obtained $65,683 in monetary sponsorships and facility •
advertising sales from 93 different businesses and individuals for Parks and Recreation programs and events. Managed 1,369 volunteers who contributed a total of 7,103 hours of service to the Department.
Bravo Award-presented to outstanding volunteers Teri Watkins, Holiday Market and Tomato Tasting Susan Sullivan, Leonard Springs Nature Days Eco Logic LLC Staff, Earth Day tree planting Catherine Walsh, Adopt-A-Stream Hanapin Marketing, Griffy Lake cleanup efforts Allen Edwards, service to Wapehani Mountain Bike Park Jim Manion and Tamara Loewenthal, long-term service at Butler Park Community Gardens Anne and Kevin Clark, Angela Wang, Pamela Davidson, service to the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market Bloomington Figure Skating Club, help with Skate & Scare and Skate with Santa events
14 2019 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report
Volunteers are an integral part of the Parks and Recreation Department’s efforts to control invasive plants in city parks.
Park Partner Award for outstanding partnerships Master Rental, for support of community events Summer Star Foundation, for support of Griffy Lake Nature Days and Banneker Nature Days Bloomington Board of REALTORS, for ongoing title sponsorship of the annual Fourth of July Parade MC-IRIS (Monroe County-Identify and Reduce Invasive Species), for efforts to combat invasive plant species
Partnerships
Grants and Awards The Department actively pursues grant opportunities to supplement funding received through other sources. Regional Opportunity Initiative. .. . .. ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . $199,600 Banneker Community Center
• Bloomingfoods • Bloomington Blades High School Hockey • Bloomington Blades Youth Hockey Association • Bloomington Figure Skating Club • Bloomington Junior League Baseball Association • Centerstone • Code and Key Escape Rooms • Comfort Keepers • David Prall • Downtown Bloomington Inc. • Hilltop Garden and Nature Center at Indiana University • Hoosier Hills Food Bank • Indiana University Center for Veteran and Military Students • IU Health • IU School of Public Health-Recreation, Parks and Tourism Studies Department • Ivy Tech Community College • Jazzercise, Inc. • Lake Monroe Sailing Association • Let’s Go Sports • Mad 4 My Dog • Middle Way House • Monroe County Civic Theater • Monroe County Fair Association • Monroe County History Center • Monroe County Identify and Reduce Invasive Species (MC-IRIS) • Monroe County Public Library • Monroe County Senior League Baseball Association • Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard • The Ryder Magazine and Film Series • Special Olympics Indiana Monroe County • Summer Star Foundation • Volunteers in Medicine
Indiana State Department of Health Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity Youth and Adolescent Physical Activity (YAPA) Grant. .. . .. ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . . .. . .. ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . $9,937 Banneker Community Center Walmart Community Foundation. .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .$3,000 Banneker Community Center Raymond Foundation. .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . $15,000 Leonard Springs Nature Days Indiana State Department of Health Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity Youth and Adolescent Physical Activity (YAPA) Grant . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . $10,000 Health and Wellness Programs Monroe County Community School Corporation 21st Century Community Learning Center. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. .$32,434 Banneker at the View Afterschool Program Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County.. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. .. .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . ..$45,000 14-passenger bus for Banneker Community Center Summer Star Foundation .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .$4,860 Banneker Summer Nature Days Indiana Department of Natural Resources Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) Grant .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . . .. . $11,600 Invasive Aquatic Vegetation Management Fightin’ IRIS Partner Award—Monroe County-Identify and Reduce Invasive Species USA Softball James Farrell Award of Excellence— Girls’ Class B 16-Under Fastpitch Northern Nationals Indiana Park and Recreation Association Clark Ketchum Conservation Award—Goat Farm Prairie Project National Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA Designation— 35th consecutive year
2019 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report 15
Staff
The Department has a professional and connected staff of long-standing members of our community dedicated to providing quality parks, recreation and sports services.
Administration Paula McDevitt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Administrator Ellen Campbell. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Graphic Designer Kim Clapp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Office Manager Missy Grabowski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Customer Service Representative Tiffany Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Customer Service Representative Brenda McGlothlin. . . . . . . . . . . . Customer Service Representative Sarah Owen. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Community Relations Coordinator Ethan Philbeck . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Customer Service Representative Julie Ramey. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Community Relations Manager Operations & Natural Resources Dave Williams. . . . . . . . . . . . Operations and Development Director John Barnes. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Master MEO Jon Behrman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Natural Resources Laborer II Steve Cotter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Natural Resources Manager Barb Dunbar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Operations Division Coordinator Don Foddrill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Facilities Working Foreman Dave Fox. . . . . . . . . . . . Sanitation and Grounds Working Foreman Curtis Gilstrap . .. Cemeteries/Landscaping Working Foreman Dennis Helms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MEO II Mike Hollingsworth. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Laborer II Lee Huss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Urban Forester Rebecca Jania. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Natural Resources Coordinator Mark Marotz . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Operations Superintendent Kevin Prince. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laborer II Carl Retzlaff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laborer II Anthony Robertson. . . . . . . . . . Equipment Maintenance Mechanic Dennis Robertson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Master MEO Jim Salisbury. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..Laborer II Haskell Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Urban Forestry Laborer II Joanna Sparks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . City Landscaper Elizabeth Tompkins . .. .. .. .. .. .. Natural Resources Coordinator Rob Turpin . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Operations Crew Leader
16 2019 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report
Recreation Becky Higgins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Recreation Services Director Leslie Brinson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Community Events Manager Hannah Buddin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Program Specialist Cory Hawkins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Program Specialist Jess Klein. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health & Wellness Coordinator Erik Pearson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Program Specialist Sarah Mullin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Program Specialist Bill Ream. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Program/Facility Coordinator Crystal Ritter. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Community Events Coordinator Amy Shrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inclusive Recreation Coordinator Ashley Spurgeon. .. .. .. .Community Events Program Specialist Marcia Veldman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Program/Facility Coordinator Sports John Turnbull. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sports Division Director Aaron Craig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Golf Facilities Manager Daren Eads . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Program/Facility Coordinator James Kelb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Golf Course Superintendent Dan Kluesner. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Sports Laborer Chris Lamb . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Athletic Fields Working Foreman Hsiung Marler. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sports Facility/Program Manager Scott Pedersen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Youth Sports Coordinator Chelsea Price . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Aquatics/Sports Coordinator James Richardson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MEO Jason Sims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Golf Programs Coordinator Megan Stark. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Membership Coordinator Mark Sterner . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Sports Area Manager Mark Thrasher. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Golf Course Superintendent Dee Tuttle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sports Coordinator
M
essage from the Board of Park Commissioners The Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department continued to serve the Bloomington community in 2019 with a huge variety of quality programs for residents of all ages. Not only does Department staff present more than 300 different sports and recreation programs every year, they also manage parks and trails throughout the city. It’s in our green and growing parks, and along our tree-lined streets and trails, that we being to recognize the significant places that help bring our community together. The most noteworthy accomplishment of 2019 was the unveiling of the city’s new Switchyard Park in November. Decades of planning and many pages of public input went into the design and construction of the park. We invite our community to visit Switchyard Park and experience firsthand the welcoming design and accessible features that will serve the Bloomington community for many years to come. It’s significant to note how the 300+ sports and recreation programs the Department presents every year have positively impacted our residents’ health. With accessible facilities and free and low-cost programs, there is something for everyone in Bloomington Parks and Recreation.
Board of Park Commissioners President Les Coyne
We continue to be grateful to our friends at the Bloomington Parks Foundation who distribute tens of thousands of dollars each year to ensure children in Bloomington have the opportunity to learn to swim, take part in ice skating lessons, or have an activity-filled week at Kid City Summer Camp. Youth that experience city parks and trails from a young age are the adults of tomorrow that will continue to advocate for Parks and Recreation properties and programs.
The Board of Park Commissioners is grateful, too, to long-time Board member Joe Hoffmann. Joe stepped down from his seat on the Board of Park Commissioners in 2019, having served on the Board since 1994. During his years of service, Joe made significant positive impacts on the Parks and Recreation Department as the Park Board representative on the Bloomington Plan Commission. We are grateful for Joe’s long-term, thoughtful presence on the Board. We hope you will make time to attend a free concert, enjoy the serenity of Griffy Lake, or take time to fly a kite or toss a Frisbee in one of our beautiful city parks.
Les Coyne, President Board of Park Commissioners
M ission Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department will provide essential services, facilities and programs necessary for the positive development and well-being of he community through the provision of parks, greenways, trails and recreational facilities while working in cooperation with other service providers in the community in order to maximize all available resources.
Vision
We strive to provide the highest quality parks, recreation services and greenspace to enhance the quality of life for our community.
Values
diversity l service l respect l stewardship l quality l accountability l progressive l responsive
Mayor
John Hamilton
Administrator Paula McDevitt
Board of Park Commissioners Les Coyne Joe Hoffmann Kathleen Mills Lisa Thatcher
Bloomington Parks Foundation 2019 Board of Directors Jim Murphy, President Doug Bruce John Carter Les Coyne Ted Ferguson Chris Hawk John Hurlow Debbie Lemon Erin Martoglio Paula McDevitt Tony Mobley Ben Niehoff Val Pena Chris Quackenbush Tony Rastall Ellen Rodkey Gary Scott Trish Sterling David Skirvin Karin St. John Jon Tichenor Travis Vencel
Emeritus Members Frank Barnhart Doris Brineman Steve Ferguson Art Lotz Jane McIntosh Pat Mulholland Joan Olcott Gayle Stuebe Goat Farm Prairie
