Twin Lakes Recreation Center 8

Message 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