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.