City of Bloomington, IN Parks & Recreation 2022 Annual Report

Message from the Mayor

We’ve just been through a year of re-emerging and re-gathering. Our City’s public parks, trails, and programs provided such welcome, safe places for all of us to reconnect with each other and our community and nurture our physical and mental health.

We were renewing as a community during 2022, with most of the brutal pandemic in our rear-view mirror–where we hope it will stay. And we were renewing some of our parks as well. Many of our recent projects have focused on improving our parks’ accessibility and inclusion.

We upgraded Bloomington’s first park, Cascades, with a large streambank stabilization project and a beautiful new accessible boardwalk, making its waterfall and streambanks, both popular Bloomington features, available to more people.

We completed the first phase of the Griffy Lake Loop Trail and Accessible Fishing Pier project with its stunning quartermile multi-use path on the west side of Headley Road to connect the northern and southern trails around Griffy Lake. It includes accessible fishing access areas directly west of the existing Griffy Lake Nature Preserve parking lot. We improved pedestrian safety with a new, separated path to access the trails along the causeway (avoiding the road as was the previous practice!). The coming year should bring more improvements along the north and south shore trails to mitigate or reroute eroded sections of trail, improve trail crossings of drainages into Griffy Lake, formalize a crossing of the dam and with new stairs to parking on the dam’s west side.

We upgraded Bryan Park with new paving of the walking loop around the park. Two new boardwalks on the north side of Bryan Park will protect tree roots and improve drainage, and new paved connections between the westernmost boardwalk and the Bryan Park fitness station, and to the North Picnic Shelter along with new concrete curb ramps at the Henderson Street entrance all will increase accessibility.

RCA Community Park’s playground boasts new engineered wood fiber surfacing. The Waldron, Hill and Buskirk Park (formerly Third Street Park) enjoys a new playground and repaired decorative fountain and stage. And more improvements kept showing up all around our City.

Our tree canopy got bigger and better in 2022. We dedicated bicentennial bond money from 2018 to planting trees in four identified project areas on Bloomington’s southwest, northwest, north, and east sides to address some inequitable gaps in the canopy. This project makes our trees healthier by increasing botanical diversity and it makes our residents healthier by

distributing more trees more equitably. In 2022 we planted 265 trees, with more tree planting planned for 2023.

Our community enjoyed all these outdoor improvements while splashing around in the City’s two outdoor pools, Bryan Park Pool and Mills Pool and socializing at community events and festivals like the Movies in the Parks series and the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market. Not to mention golfing, playing tennis or pickleball or basketball or bocce or soccer or softball, riding or striding or rolling 30 miles of trails, canoeing or kayaking or hiking, or just basking in nature. Our facilities and programming saw more than 72,000 participations in fitness classes and wellness programs throughout the year.

Bloomington’s public parks, trails, and trees are a treasure. So are the people who tend them, improve them, sustain them, and program them. Thank a staff member when you see them. They help all of us live healthier and happier lives. Thanks for another great year in 2022!

Mayor John Hamilton officially opens the playground at the Waldron, Hill and Buskirk Park on December 1.

John Hamilton, Mayor City of Bloomington

Mayor John Hamilton (center) joins Parks and Recreation staff and special guests to cut a ribbon at the Griffy: A Golden Celebration grand opening of the Griffy Lake accessible sidepath and fishing access project on July 29.

Message from the Administrator

The Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department completed another busy year guided by our mission: “We equitably enrich community well-being by providing quality parks, trails, facilities, programs and services, and through the stewardship of natural spaces.”

Each of the four divisions, Administration, Recreation, Operations and Sports, set program area goals based on community needs, our capital improvement plan, and our five-year master plan. These goals are tracked through a fiveyear Strategic Action Plan with 102 goals set for 2022.

The Strategic Action Plan is our score card to the community. The 2022 goal scorecard reflects 60 accomplished goals, 16 substantially complete, 14 inactive due to COVID, nine delayed due to COVID and three no longer feasible.

We are fortunate to do our work and accomplish program goals through the support of city administration and the City Council. The Board of Park Commissioners, Kathleen Mills, President; Ellen Rodkey, Vice President; Israel Herrera, and Jim Whitlatch meet on a monthly basis and in 2022 approved 175 contracts and 39 partnerships, seven policy updates, and three resolutions.

The 2022 Annual Report captures data and pictures our program participations, financials, division highlights, partnerships, grants and awards, and for the first time an update on the activity of our volunteer-based Bloomington Parks Foundation.

We also welcomed new staff who joined the department team in 2022 including Emily Buuck (Community Relations Coordinator), Jeff Hazel (Operations Laborer), Kyle Hudson (Operations Foreperson Sanitation/Grounds), Satoshi Kido (Sports Division Director), Scot Sturrock (Urban Greenspace Foreperson), Kevin Terrell (Program/Facility Coordinator-Banneker) and Michele Wilson (Customer Service Representative).

Thank you to the Bloomington community for coming out to concerts, hiking trails, playing in parks, and taking advantage of the wonderful opportunities Bloomington Parks and Recreation has to offer!

Parks and Recreation Department Administrator Paula McDevitt welcomes community members to the ribbon cutting for the Waldron, Hill and Buskirk Park playground Dec. 1.

Paula McDevitt Administrator

Participants from the Boys and Girls Club afterschool program join Mayor John Hamilton (in black overcoat) and Parks and Recreation Administrator Paula McDevitt for the ribbon cutting to officially open the Waldron, Hill and Buskirk Park playground on Dec 1.

City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation

Program Participation

Program Participation Percentage by Program Area

Condensed Financial Summary

City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation for the year ended December 31, 2022

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.

• Retrofitted existing ceiling lights in Adams Street Operations Center from flourescent to energy-efficient LEDs.

• Complete replacement of all existing playground equipment at the Waldron, Hill and Buskirk Park required due to the City of Bloomington Utilities Department Hidden River Pathway Project. Playground was completely replaced with new footprint, sidewalks, curbing, equipment, and poured in place rubber surfacing for a total project cost of $291,633. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the playground on Dec. 1.

• Contracted for masonry repairs to columns on the stage at the Waldron, Hill and Buskirk Park.

• Completed construction of new picnic shelter at Leonard Springs Nature Park

• Removed all existing engineered wood fiber (EWF) surfacing from playground at RCA Community Park and replaced with 225 cubic yards of new EWF surfacing.

• Bicentennial Bond-funded project, streambank stabilization and Cascades Park Trail extension at Lower Cascades Park, was completed with a total project cost of $2,152,496. A grand opening celebration, “Celebrate Lower Cascades” was held Sept. 18.

• Conducted a total of eight encampment cleanups on city property.

Cemeteries

• Resurfaced half of the interior roads at Rose Hill Cemetery and removed existing pavement and curbing to begin construction of new Scatter Garden.

• The Prospect Hill Neighborhood Association received a $4,550 grant to purchase and install four additional section markers and an interpretive sign at Rose Hill Cemetery.

• White Oak Cemetery was designated a Historic Cemetery by the Indiana Department of Natural Resource’s Indiana’s Cemetery and Burial Grounds Registry. A historical marker was installed at the cemetery entrance.

• Hosted four different headstone restoration workshops to repair a total of 38 headstones at Rose Hill Cemetery.

• Planted 109 native flowering trees and shrubs at White Oak Cemetery.

• Hosted the American Legion’s placement of flags on a total of 742 veterans’ graves at Rose Hill and White Oak Cemeteries; hosted Wreaths Across America at Rose Hill Cemetery on Dec. 17, when volunteers placed 1,040 live evergreen wreaths on veterans’ graves.

Local Scout Troops participated in Wreaths Across America, placing evergreen wreaths on the graves of 742 different veterans at Rose Hill Cemetery Dec. 17.

Urban Forestry Urban

• Bloomington Parks and Recreation staff planted a total of 588 trees on public property. Following months of research, planning and preparation, 304 locations in four different project areas in Bloomington were identified to provide a more equitable urban canopy for all residents. A total of 265 trees were planted through the Bicentennial Bond intended for trees and trails.

• 115 trees were planted as part of the Lower Cascades Park streambank stabilization project.

• 128 trees were planted by the Department’s urban forestry crews.

• Pruned a total of 387 publicly owned trees (28 in city parks and 359 along city streets).

• A total of 72 ash trees received treatments for protection from the emerald ash borer—the eighth consecutive year of treatment. Of those trees receiving treatments, three were in city parks and 69 were along city streets.

• Bloomington was named Tree City of the World by the Arbor Day Foundation for the second consecutive year, and received both Tree City USA designation and a Tree City USA Growth Award.

Greenspace (formerly Landscaping)

• “Landscaping” program area re-named “Urban Greenspace” to more accurately reflect Department goals; City Landscaper position re-named Urban Greenspace Manager.

• Contracted with Eco Logic to install native plantings and control invasive species at Miller-Showers Park, and monitor wetland vegetation at Switchyard Park.

• Planted 6,200 bare root, native trees at the Goat Farm, Park Ridge East, Southeast, and Schmalz Farm Parks.

• Contracted with Green Dragon Lawn Care for mowing and trimming services at 36 park locations.

• Urban greenspace crews planted 3,920 native plants and grasses at multiple locations, including parks, medians, and other city-owned greenspaces.

• Partnered with Monroe County-Identify and Reduce Invasive Species (MC-IRIS) to host 178 “Weed Wrangles” invasive species removal volunteer programs at 26 different locations.

• Diverted 360 cubic yards of green waste from landfills to a city-owned green yard waste composting site.

• Urban greenspace crews removed eight planters from 7th and Morton Streets and repositioned them along 6th and 7th Streets near the intersection with the B-Line Trail.

2022 Program Activity

Natural Resources

• Co-hosted Earth Day at RCA Community Park on April 11, Get Outdoors Day at Switchyard Park on June 11, and Bugfest at Hilltop Gardens at Indiana University on Oct. 1.

• Contracted with Aquatic Control to conduct an aquatic vegetation survey at Griffy Lake in June.

• Constructed new 20’ x 30’ shelter house at Leonard Springs Nature Park for a total cost of $10,827.

• Added two sit-in kayaks and two 16’ canoes to the rental fleet at Griffy Lake.

• Purchased five new picnic tables and installed them on an accessible wooden platform west of the Griffy Lake boathouse.

• Completed first phase of the Griffy Lake Loop Trail & Accessible Walkway/Fishing Access project with installation of an accessible walkway across the Griffy Lake causeway on Headley Road and fishing access points on the west side of the causeway. Contractors also installed a wooden staircase from the accessible walkway to the natural surface loop trail on the south side of the lake. Total cost of this Bicentennial Bond-funded project was $2,276,828.

• Held a joint ribbon cutting for the Griffy Lake Loop Trail and Accessible Walkway/Fishing Access project and the 50th birthday of Griffy Lake during “Griffy: A Golden Celebration” on July 29.

• Forty-six deer were removed from Griffy Lake Nature Preserve by hunters who applied and were selected to participate in a controlled hunt over two weekends in November.

Natural Resources 2022 Program Activity

Adopt-A Programs

New staircase that provides access to trails on the south side of Griffy Lake from the causeway on Headley Road.

Mayor John Hamilton (L) and Natural Resources Manager Steve Cotter paddle Griffy Lake’s newest rental fleet canoe, purchased for the department by Mader Design, on its maiden voyage July 29.

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.

Aquatics

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.

Adult Sports

Adult Sports plans, coordinates, and facilitates adult sports for the Bloomington community at Twin Lakes Sports Park and local tennis courts.

Adult Sports 2022 Program Activity

• The Bloomington Parks Foundation sponsored Open Swim Day with free admission to both pools on the Fourth of July. The high temperature was 91 degrees that day. Bryan Park Pool saw 955 visitors, while an additional 281 people visited Mills Pool.

$400,818

Youth Sports plans, coordinates, and facilitates operations for Winslow Sports Complex, Frank Southern Ice Arena, and Rev. Butler and Bryan Park ball diamonds. These facilities host Bloomington Junior League Baseball, Monroe County Senior League Baseball, and MCCSC baseball and softball events.

Youth Sports

• Converted senior baseball field at Winslow Sports Complex into a turf field for soccer to be ready for use in 2023.

Youth Sports 2022 Program Activity

Frank Southern Ice Arena

Frank Southern Ice Arena 2022 Program Activity

Frank Southern Ice Arena provides recreational and organized ice skating to ice enthusiasts from Bloomington and surrounding communities.

• The Frank Southern Ice Arena saw a 116% increase in participations and a 70% increase in revenue over 2021, when the arena was closed January through March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Twin Lakes Recreation Center

• Facility rentals exceeded the $200,000 for the first time since Bloomington Parks and Recreation purchased the facility in 2009. Rental revenue in 2022 was $212,173.

• Experienced a 45% growth in membership revenue since 2021, from $244,000 to $308,000.

• Participations grew nearly 59% in the past year, from 115,556 in 2021 to 183,728 in 2022.

• Increased the number of personal training packages sold over the past year, from 38 in 2021 to 72 in 2022.

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 2022 Program Activity

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.

Golf Services 2022 Program Activity

• Cascades Golf Course recorded a record number of 32,067 18-hole rounds, an 8% increase over 2021.

• Cascades Golf Course clubhouse was rented 70 times in 2022.

• Served as the home course for Edgewood High School and Bloomington North High School Boys and Girls golf teams.

• Hosted 57 golf outings, including the Bloomington Parks Foundation annual Don Brineman Memorial Golf Scramble October 5.

• Hosted the annual City Tournament in June and July, with 136 golfers signed up and 116 playing in match play.

• Installed two, 15’ decorative 100-watt LED light poles in Cascades Golf Course parking lot for a total cost of $5,480. The lights are controlled by photocell for dusk to dawn operation. The lights were added for safety due to an increase in afterhours use of the Clubhouse

• Mobile office, purchased for use as a temporary pro shop during Clubhouse construction, was moved in May from the parking lot to the maintenance area for use as an office/break room by Cascades maintenance staff.

• Installed Hall of Fame display in Clubhouse in June.

• Re-activated the Cascades Golf Course Advisory Council in April with five members representing competitive golfers, recreational golfers, women’s golf leagues, junior golfers, and golf course maintenance.

The first nine holes of Cascades Golf Course were constructed in 1927. The golf course today is a 27-hole course that includes a new Clubhouse and pro shop (opened in 2019) as well as a driving range and putting green.

Recreation

The Recreation Services 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, Switchyard Park, and Showers Common. A number of programs are facilitated through partnership agreements with other community organizations.

Youth Programs

Replaced a 26-year old HVAC system with a new, energy-efficient split system at the Allison-Jukebox Community Center for a total cost of $6,750.

Youth Programs

• Kid City operated at capacity, serving 138 unique campers.

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 program area. The Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department is committed to an inclusive approach to recreation.

• Kid City Quest for campers in grades 5-7 returned to the Kid City program after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inclusive Recreation

• The Department’s Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist provided professional consulting services for accessibility enhancements in several city projects, including a new fishing access point at Griffy Lake, a platform designed for Frank Southern Ice Arena spectators who use wheelchairs, and play equipment selected for a new playground at the Waldron, Hill and Buskirk Park.

• Created a process to record and track inclusion instances in the broad scope of facilities, events and programs within the Department.

Youth Programs/Inclusion

2022 Program Activity

C ommunity Events

The Community Events program 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, Touch a Truck, and the Holiday Market are examples of the variety of programs and projects Community Events offers to the Bloomington community.

• The Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market added two new Food and Beverage Artisan vendors: Pinoy Garden Café and Homemade by Nife.

• The first Adult Field Day was held July 29 at Switchyard Park for 238 adults who arrived ready to play playground games, hear music from the 80s-00s, and enjoy adults-only access to the Community Foundation Switchyard Plaza Spray Pad.

• The Splash & Glow Party at the Community Foundation Switchyard Plaza Spray Pad on Sept. 15 saw 548 participants, an increase of more than 300% over the 2021 event.

• Farmers’ Market Coordinator Clarence Boone participated in the Innovating Sidewalk Maintenance project that addressed the problem of sidewalks that are used as public goods but are not maintained as such, negatively affecting any users of the pedestrian network, but especially historically disadvantaged communities and residents with varying degrees of mobility.

• The Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market was one of 10 farmers’ markets in the United States selected to participate in the National Recreation and Parks Association Farmers Markets in Parks and Recreation Community of Practice, an opportunity for agencies to connect and learn from peers, problem-solve market challenges, and receive assistance from industry experts.

• The Community Gardening program installed a potable water supply at the Switchyard Park Community Gardens.

• All available garden plots in three community gardens were rented, serving 304 unique gardeners. 107 of those gardeners responded to an end-of-season survey; 98.02% of respondents were either very satisfied or satisfied with their overall experience in the gardens in 2022.

• The Community Gardening program hosted 12 garden classes with a total attendance of 77 individuals.

• The first-ever Pet Expo made its debut on Feb. 27 in the Switchyard Park Pavilion, with 30 exhibitor booths and 754 attendees.

• A new route for the Fourth of July Parade in downtown Bloomington was created to skirt the Hidden River Pathway Project construction on Fourth Street and the outdoor dining program that closed Kirkwood Avenue to vehicle traffic.

Community Events provide enjoyment, education, and a sense of community for the diversity of people who make Bloomington their home.

Community Events 2022 Program Activity

*Does not reflect the number of canine program participants: Drool in the Pool (169 dogs), Mad Paws Doggie Egg Hunt (119 dogs), Howl at the Moon (26 dogs) or Yappy Hours (42 dogs).

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 through a cultural and nutritional hub.

Banneker Community Center

• Served 1,562 meals through the summer food program.

• More than 150 children participated throughout eight separate week-long sessions of Banneker Camp, a low-cost summer day camp program for youth in grades K through 6.

• Collaborated with Parks & Recreation’s Health & Wellness program area to present All Kids Swim, a grant-funded program that provided free swimming lessons, swimsuits, swim goggles, and towels for Banneker Camp participants.

• Recorded more than 2,700 participations by elementary school students at the Banneker at the View afterschool program.

• Provided, through a partnership with IU Health Bloomington Community Health, free health services for more than 30 neighborhood residents.

• Partnered with the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority at Indiana University to provide food baskets to more than 30 neighborhood families and children in recognition of the Thanksgiving holiday.

• Hosted “Celebrations Around the World”, an event celebrating the variety of December holidays, with more than 140 attendees, and provided donated toys and gifts for more than 80 children.

Banneker Community Center 2022 Program Activity

A certified swim instructor introduces swimming skills to Banneker Camp participants at the Indiana University Outdoor Pool on July 13.

B uskirk-Chumley Theater

Buskirk-Chumley Theater 2022 Program Activity

Health and Wellness

Top Renters in 2022 (by days of use)

Bloomington Good Morning Toastmasters Club

Constellation Stage & Screen

IU Arts & Humanities Council

IU Jacobs School of Music

Bloomington Symphony Orchestra

Lotus Education & Arts Foundation

Hoosier Films, Inc.

Indiana University

Limestone Comedy Festival, LLC

The Health and Wellness program 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.

• Held the annual Veterans 5K during the first snow of fall 2022 for 80 participants.

• Obtained two additional sharps containers for use at Switchyard Park.

• Continued outdoor fitness classes during summer season at Switchyard Park with almost 300 people in attendance.

• Coordinated All Kids Swim, a grant-funded program that provided free swimming lessons, swimsuits, swim goggles, and towels for Banneker Camp participants.

Annual report figures provided by BCT Managment, Inc.

Outdoor ZUMBA class at the main stage at Switchyard Park, part of the Switchyard Park fitness class series that included Poundfit/Dancefit and tai chi as well as ZUMBA and Run Club.

S witchyard Park

Switchyard Park, a 65-acre former railroad switchyard on the city’s south side, was imagined over decades and developed over years as a destination park. Officially opened in 2019, the park includes amenities that appeal to a variety of active and passive park users, and features landscaping and facilities that focus on green initiatives.

• Switchyard Park generated $62,000 in rental revenue, an increase of 29% from 2021 ($48,000).

• Granted 31 Park Special Use Permits for use of park facilities, an increase of 93% over the number of 2021 permits issued. Park Special Use permit revenue was $7,300 in 2022, compared to $1,900 in 2021.

• A total of 254 events were held outside at Switchyard Park, with an additional 74 events held inside the Switchyard Park Pavilion.

• An estimated 483,900 people visited Switchyard Park in 2022.

• Contracted with Auralex to purchase sound-deadening acoustic panels for the Switchyard Park Pavilion for $27,236. The sound panels were installed by Airtime Studios for $6,336.

• Renewed partnership agreement with Centerstone to provide restroom building attendants at the Community Foundation Switchyard Plaza Spray Pad seven days per week during the spray pad season. Attendants monitored restroom use and kept the restrooms and surrounding areas clean. Total amount of the staffing agreement was $57,642.

• Contracted with Marshall Security and Investigation to provide overnight security services at Switchyard Park throughout 2022 for a total of $169,134.

• Entered into a contract with Green Dragon Lawncare to mow specified areas of Switchyard Park (681,207 sq. ft. weekly) during 2022 for a total of $27,720.

• Contracted with Baker Stone Work in May to modify limestone cubes in the Switchyard Park playground by rounding off pointed corners of the cubes for safety.

• Mayor John Hamilton, former Parks and Recreation Department Administrator Mick Renneisen, Switchyard Park architect Kevin Osburn of Rundell Ernstberger Associates and other special guests gathered at Switchyard Park for a special ceremony September 16 to unveil the Switchyard Park dedication element installed on the east side of the Pavilion.

Switchyard Park 2022 Program Activity

(L-R) Former Parks and Recreation Operations and Development Director Dave Williams; former Parks and Recreation Administrator/Deputy Mayor Mick Renneisen; Kevin Osburn, Rundell Ernstberger Associates; Paula McDevitt, Parks and Recreation Administrator, Mayor John Hamilton; former Board of Parks Commissioner Les Coyne; and Lee Carmichael, Weddle Brothers with the Switchyard Park dedication plaque on Sept. 16.

A member of the Lakai skateboard shoe team skates at the Switchyard Park skate park during a demo organized by Rhett Skateboarding on Aug. 14. Photo by Jeremy Hogan.

A dministration

The Administration Division implements policy as set forth by the Board of Park Commissioners.

• Two staff members attended a three-day symposium presented by software developer Vermont Systems for in-depth training on the RecTrac reservation system to meet customer registration needs and staff work requests.

• Each of the Department’s 353 seasonal staff were transitioned to Time Track, the city’s electronic timekeeping system.

• Board meeting packets were prepared for 15 Board of Park Commissioners meetings. The packets included a total of 175 contracts, 39 partnerships and seven policies that were presented for review and approval.

Administration 2022 Program Activity

Community Relations

Community Relations coordinates graphic design, media relations, brand management, marketing, sponsors, and volunteers.

• Designed and completed a total of 511 print and digital marketing pieces

• Social Media and Digital Content Team managed event, marketing, and informational postings and provided relevant content about Parks programs and facilities on 10 different Facebook pages and three different Instagram channels.

• Obtained $75,850 in monetary sponsorships and facility advertising sales from 103 different businesses and individuals for Parks and Recreation programs and events.

• Managed 1,012 volunteers who contributed a total of 7,772 hours of service to the Department.

• Developed accessible, user-friendly website for Switchyard Park: switchyardpark.com.

Park Partner Award for outstanding partnerships

The Dog House, for generous ongoing support of pet-related programs

T&T Pet Food & Supply, for generous ongoing support of pet-related programs

Volunteer Rachael Stapleton helps with “candyland” decorations at Winter Lights, December Nights, held at Switchyard Park on Dec. 3.

Bravo Award-presented to outstanding volunteers

Lea Woodard, Bugfest

Melinda Seader, Leonard Springs Nature Day

Don Eggert, Weed Wrangles

Rachel Gingrich, Audrey Hakanson, Megan Kapp, Morgan Plunkett, Indiana University R410 students for Children’s Expo planning

Cortland Carrington, Farmers’ Market Advisory Council

Kendra Souder, Kiersten Groover, long-term volunteers

Margaret Dalle-Ave, Weed Wrangles & Adopt-a-Greenspace

Don Cing, Glow in the Park, Bugfest, Skate & Scare

Susie Sullivan, Leonard Springs Nature Day

B loomington Parks Foundation

The Bloomington Parks Foundation enhances and expands the services of the award-winning Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department through gifts of land and funds, and improves the lives of children by providing scholarship assistance to youth to participate in parks and recreation programs.

Rogers Family Park

The Bloomington Parks Foundation worked with donors Sherman and Meredith Rogers to finalize improvements to the park known as the “Goat Farm.” The Rogers donated a total of $966,010 to add amenities and make improvements to the 33-acre property, which the family donated to the Bloomington Parks Foundation in 2007. A ribbon cutting and official re-naming of the park to “Rogers Family Park” is scheduled to take place in 2023.

All Kids Swim Funding

The Bloomington Parks Foundation committed $3,500 in support of the All Kids Swim Youth Adolescent Physical Activity grant to facilitate swim instruction opportunities for Banneker Camp participants. All Kids Swim served 81 children in 2022.

Double Market Bucks Funding

The Bloomington Parks Foundation, in partnership with the Asante Foundation, secured a $35,000 grant to support the Double Market Bucks program, an innovative project designed to promote access to fresh, healthy, locally grown food and support the local food economy. Supplemental Nutrition Access Program, or SNAP, benefits can be exchanged for double their value in gift certificates to be used to buy eligible food from Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market vendors.

30th Annual Don Brineman Memorial Golf Scramble

A total of 18 teams participated in the golf scramble on Oct. 5, where the Bloomington Parks Foundation raised $9,130 to support scholarships for youth. Event sponsors included Presenting Sponsor Teders & Quackenbush; Cart Sponsor Hurlow Wealth Management; and Driving Range Sponsor IU Credit Union. There were an additional eight hole sponsors and four lunch sponsors.

Scholarships for Youth

The Bloomington Parks Foundation provided $15,302 in scholarships to 76 children in 45 different families for youth to participate in Bloomington Parks and Recreation programs.

Updated Bloomington Parks Foundation Website

Contracted with Monster Digital Marketing to resurrect and enhance the Bloomington Parks Foundation website. The new website is a platform for friends and supporters of Bloomington Parks and Recreation to learn more about opportunities to support the mission of the Bloomington Parks Foundation. Visit the new website at bloomingtoninparksfoundation.com.

Sponsored

The Bloomington Parks Foundation sponsored free admission to both Bryan Park and Mills Pools on July 4 for 1,236 swimmers.

Open Swim Day at Bryan Park and Mills Pools

Partnerships Grants and Awards

The Parks and Recreation Department entered into 42 partnership and cooperative service agreements to maximize available resources and avoid duplication of services. The Department is proud to partner and collaborate with these organizations in 2022:

• 4 Good Reasons Roofing

• Academy for Science and Entrepreneurship

• Area 10 Agency on Aging Endwright East Active Living Community Center

• Bloomington Blades High School Hockey

• Bloomington Blades Youth Hockey Association

• Bloomington Community Orchard

• Bloomington Figure Skating Club

• Bloomington Football Club

• Bloomington Junior League Baseball Association

• Bloomington Parkour

• Bloomington Senior League Baseball Association

• Centerstone

• Downtown Bloomington Inc.

• Elder’s Journey Home Care

• Hilltop Gardens at Indiana University

• Indiana University

• IU Health Bloomington

• IU Army ROTC

• IU Center for Veteran and Military Students

• IU School of Public Health

• Junior League Baseball Association

• Lake Monroe Sailing Association

• Mad 4 My Dog

• MC Tennis

• Middle Way House

• Monroe County Parks & Recreation

• Monroe County Civic Theater

• Monroe County Community School Corp

• Monroe County Fair Association

• Monroe County History Center

• Monroe County Public Library

• Monroe County Senior League Baseball

• Monroe County United Ministries

• Mother Nature Landscaping

• Ohio Valley

• Plant a Truck

• Purdue Extension-Monroe County

• The Ryder Magazine

• Special Olympics Indiana-Monroe County

• Summer Star Foundation

• Wheelchair Basketball Club at IU

• WonderLab Museum of Science, Health & Technology

The Department actively pursues grant opportunities to supplement funding received through other sources.

Monroe County Community School Corporation 21st Century Community Learning Center (2021-22 school year) $36,613 Banneker Community Center

Indiana Department of Natural Resources Community Hunting Access Program (CHAP) $23,389 Natural Resources

Regional Opportunity Initiatives Grant $9,035 Banneker Community Center

Indiana State Department of Health Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity Youth and Adolescent Physical Activity (YAPA) Grant $6,940 Health and Wellness Programs

Indiana Department of Natural Resources Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) Grant $5,498 Griffy Lake Aquatic Vegetation Management

National Recreation and Park Association Parks as Community Nutrition Hubs: Expanding Access to Healthy Foods Grant $5,000

Banneker Community Center

Summer Star Foundation for Nature Art and Humanity Inc $4,327

Griffy Lake Nature Days

Summer Star Foundation for Nature Art and Humanity Inc

$4,293 Banneker Summer Nature Days

Duke Energy Foundation Local Impact Grant $4,025 Arbor Day tree planting

Friends of Reservoirs $2,000 Fish habitat at Griffy Lake

National Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA Designation— 38th consecutive year

National Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA Growth Award— 5th time to receive this award since becoming a Tree City USA

National Arbor Day Foundation Tree City of the World— 2nd consecutive year

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

Emily Buuck Community Relations Coordinator

Ellen Campbell Graphic Designer

Kim Clapp Office Manager

Missy Grabowski Customer Service Representative

Tiffany Hall .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Customer Service Representative

Brenda McGlothlin Customer Service Representative

Ethan Philbeck Customer Service Representative

Julie Ramey Community Relations Manager

Michele Wilson Customer Service Representative

operAtions & nAturAl resources

Tim Street Operations and Development Director

John Barnes Master Motor Equipment Operator

Marie Becker Urban Greenspace Working Foreperson

Jon Behrman Natural Resources Working Foreperson

Steve Cotter .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Natural Resources Manager

Barb Dunbar Operations Division Coordinator

Don Foddrill Facilities Working Foreperson

Dave Fox Sanitation & Grounds Working Foreperson

Curtis Gilstrap..Cemeteries/Landscaping Working Foreperson

Bob Grubb ............................ Urban Forestry Laborer II

Erin Hatch Urban Forester

Jeff Hazel Laborer II

Mike Hollingsworth Facilities Maintenance Mechanic

Kyle Hudson Sanitation & Grounds Working Foreperson

Mark Marotz Operations Superintendent

Phil Paris Laborer II

Anthony Robertson . .. .. .. .. Equipment Maintenance Mechanic

Dennis Robertson Master Motor Equipment Operator

Jim Salisbury Laborer II

Haskell Smith Urban Forestry Laborer II/Urban Forester

Joanna Sparks Urban Greenspace Manager

Scot Sturrock .......... Urban Greenspace Working Foreperson

Rebecca Swift Natural Resources Coordinator

Rob Turpin Operations Crew Leader

recreAtion

Becky Higgins Recreation Services Director

Clarence Boone.. Community Events Coordinator

Leslie Brinson Community Events Manager

Jaylynn Burney

Specialist

Emily Carrico Health & Wellness Coordinator

JP Ford Program Specialist

Cassia LeBron-Williams Program Coordinator

Hsiung Marler.. General Manager Switchyard Park

Sarah Mullin

Specialist

Erik Pearson Program Coordinator

Haylie Pryson Community Events Specialist

Bill Ream Program/Facility Coordinator

Crystal Ritter Community Events Coordinator

Amy Shrake

Inclusive Recreation Coordinator

Ashley Spurgeon Community Events Program Specialist

Kevin Terrell ................................ Program Coordinator

Maggie Tull Switchyard Park Working Foreperson

sports

John Turnbull Sports Division Director

Satoshi Kido

Sports Division Director

Aaron Craig Golf Facilities Manager

Daren Eads Program/Facility Coordinator

Dan Kluesner Sports Laborer

Chris Lamb Athletic Fields Working Foreperson

Scott Pedersen

Youth Sports Coordinator

James Richardson Motor Equipment Operator

Brad Scroggins.. Master Motor Equipment Operator

Jason Sims Golf Programs Coordinator

Megan Stark Membership Coordinator

Mark Sterner Sports Area Manager

Dee Tuttle Sports Facility/Programs Manager

Parks and Recreation Department staff in December 2022

Message from the Board of Park Commissioners

In his book Last Child in the Woods , author Richard Louv extols the vital benefits of being outdoors. “Time in nature is not leisure time; it’s an essential investment in our children’s health (also our own.)”

The Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department is dedicated to this essential investment. Whether it’s Winter Palooza in February, preschool gardening in April, softball and swimming in the summer or the maple syrup tapping in the winter, the Parks and Recreation Department aims to provide beneficial activities for all ages and abilities and all times of the year.

The nationally recognized and award-winning Parks and Recreation Department works tirelessly to offer programs that enrich our physical and mental health. The department is keen to receive public feedback and takes seriously its commitment to provide the types of programming citizens are most interested in. As a representative of the Board of Park Commissioners, I know that the board is consistently impressed with the care and attention the department gives to public comments and suggestions about parks properties.

While our community enjoys newly paved tennis courts, clean pools, and clearly marked trails, the department works behind the scenes on constant improvements to facilities and programs. The public may not always be aware of it, but parks employees are regularly monitoring whether HVAC systems need upgrades or fencing is broken or soccer fields are properly maintained.

As you may be aware, many of the parks programs are free or low cost. The department is especially attentive to making sure recreation activities are available and accessible to a variety of people and pets from summer camps for kids to walking groups for seniors and Easter egg hunts for dogs.

I hope you have been able to enjoy some of our gorgeous parks, trails, and other recreation opportunities in the past year. If you’re not sure what’s out there, download the Outer Spatial app and let it guide you.

President

Our Mission

We equitably enrich community well-being by providing quality parks, trails, facilities, programs and services, and through the stewardship of natural spaces.

Kathleen Mills,

Board of Park Commissioners

Board of Park Commissioners

President Kathleen Mills at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Waldron, Hill and Buskirk Park Playground on December 1.

Mayor

John Hamilton

Administrator

Paula McDevitt

Board of Park Commissioners

Israel Herrera

Kathleen Mills

Ellen Rodkey

Jim Whitlatch

Bloomington Parks Foundation

2022 Board of Directors

Chris Quackenbush, President

Sally Baird

Doug Bruce

John Carter

Les Coyne

Ted Ferguson

Chris Hawk

John Hurlow

Debbie Lemon

Erin Martoglio

Aaron Mobley

Tony Mobley

Jim Murphy

Ben Niehoff

Valerie Pena

Tony Rastall

Ellen Rodkey

Gary Scott

David Skirvin

Karin St. John

Jon Tichenor

Travis Vencel

Emeritus Members

Frank Barnhart

Steve Ferguson

Art Lotz

Pat Mulholland

Gayle Stuebe

Candy Cane Hunt at Switchyard Park

A boy runs along a limestone wall before the Winter Lights, December Nights