Another Season of Outdoor Dining on Kirkwood Begins April 29

The City of Bloomington today announced the 2024 Outdoor Dining season for the downtown area. This year’s program will expand outdoor dining in “parklets”—parking spaces closed off by orange barriers directly outside the participating businesses. 

Kirkwood Avenue will remain open to accommodate emergency vehicles and traffic rerouted due to the Clear Creek Reconstruction Project. 

The City Council voted unanimously in favor of this year’s program on April 3. The 2024 season will run from April 29 through November 4. Installation of barriers will take place between April 29 and 30. 

In addition to expanded outdoor seating, the program brings economic enhancement, vibrancy, and sustainability to Bloomington’s pedestrian-friendly downtown. This program originated in 2020 as a COVID measure that relieved restaurants from internal capacity constraints; it continued in 2023 and will continue again this year. 

“I’m delighted that we’re able to continue the new summertime tradition of outdoor dining on Kirkwood,” said Mayor Thomson, “while also completing an important stormwater project to protect our downtown during extreme weather. I look forward to enjoying Bloomington’s outstanding cuisine and relaxing with friends and neighbors on Kirkwood.”

Applications for businesses who wish to participate in the 2024 Parklet Program are available now and open until April 15. Questions should be directed to Special Projects Manager Chaz Mottinger at chaz.mottinger@bloomington.in.gov  or 812-349-3419.

Businesses can apply and learn about associated fees at: https://bton.in/ODD24