No refunds are provided after the first day of a program. All refunds are subject to a $2 administrative fee. If the $2 charge does not cover costs incurred by the Department, the refund may be pro-rated in addition to the $2 charge. There are no refunds on season passes or punch passes. Full refunds are given for all classes cancelled by Parks and Recreation. Allow four weeks for refund requests to be processed.
Substitution Policy
Parks and Recreation reserves the right to use substitute instructors and alternate facilities when necessary.
Scholarships
The Bloomington Parks Foundation provides scholarships for youth, for participation in Parks and Recreation programs. Scholarship applications can be obtained at the Parks and Recreation office, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., at any Department facility, or online at bloomington.in.gov/node/3874. Scholarship applications must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the start of the program for which applying. Proof of income and Monroe County residency is required. For more information, call 349-3700.
Space is Limited—Register Early!
Most programs have limited space available as well as registration deadlines. After the registration deadline please call for space availability. Register online at bloomington.in.gov/parks, or by sending in the enrollment form in this guide, or in person from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. at the Parks and Recreation office, 401 N. Morton St., Ste. 250.
Park Special Use Permit
A Park Special Use Permit is required to hold a large-scale event in Bloomington’s beautiful city parks. A Park Special Use Permit is also required to hold a race, walk, run, or other event on the B-Line Trail, Clear Creek Trail, Jackson Creek Trail, or any other trail owned and managed by the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department. For more information, contact Hsiung Marler, Switchyard Park General Manager, at 349-3961 or marlerh@bloomington.in.gov. Mobile Stage Rental: Groups may apply to rent Bloomington Parks and Recreation’s mobile stage for performances within the City of Bloomington city limits. A refundable deposit is required. For more information, call Crystal Ritter, Community Events Coordinator, at 349-3725. Hourly Park Use Permit: To better accommodate groups who wish to hold classes or programs in City parks, we have developed a comprehensive Hourly Park Use Permit. Contact Emily Carrico, Health and Wellness Coordinator, at 349-3771 or emily.carrico@bloomington.in.gov.
Noise Permits: Depending on the nature of the special event, a Noise Permit may be required. For more information about Noise Permits, contact Hsiung Marler at 349-3961. Permits for Filming: For more information about obtaining a free permit for commercial filming in city parks, contact Julie Ramey, Community Relations Manager, at 349-3719.
Detailed information and forms are available online at bloomington.in.gov/parks/rentals/mobile-stages.
How to request reasonable accommodation:
1. When you register, mark “yes” in the inclusive service request section. At least two weeks notification prior to the registration deadline for each program is required. In some cases reasonable accommodation may take longer. 2. Request and complete an inclusion questionnaire. 3. Inclusive Recreation Coordinator will contact participant to establish an individualized inclusion plan.
bloomington.in.gov/parks/inclusion Special Olympics Indiana—Monroe County, see page 33.
Support Parks and the Community and Promote Your Business—Become a Parks Partner Bloomington Parks and Recreation offers a variety of programs for all ages and interests. If you are trying to reach youth, families, young adults, or adults over age 50 yrs., we have the medium to promote your product or service. If your business believes in supporting the community, quality of life, and environment, we have many sponsorship options to choose from. See page 35 for more information.
Get Involved ... Volunteer! Look for the volunteer symbol throughout the program guide.
To register for volunteer opportunities, visit bloomington.in.gov/parksvol. Parks and Recreation volunteers provide valuable services to the community by assisting with events and programs in a variety of ways. There are many opportunities for individuals and groups to choose from. For additional information regarding volunteer opportunities, email emily.buuck@bloomington.in.gov.
bloomington.in.gov/parks
Approval for Alcohol Sales: Groups may request to serve beer and/or wine at an event, once the group has successfully applied for a Park Special Use Permit. Beer and/or wine ONLY may be served in city-owned parks, trails, and facilities, and ONLY with approval.
For more information, contact Amy Shrake, a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, at 349-3747 or shrakea@bloomington.in.gov. Bloomington Parks and Recreation is committed to an inclusive approach to recreation. Inclusion is individuals with and without disabilities participating in recreation activities together. Reasonable accommodations are individualized techniques and resources used to enhance program participation without fundamentally altering a program.
General Information
Refund Policy
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