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Page last updated on August 12, 2020 at 2:56 pm

For more information, please contact

Paula McDevitt, Administrator, City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, mcdevitp@bloomington.in.gov or (812) 349-3711.

City Parks and Recreation Department Launches New Five-Year Master Planning Process with Community-wide Survey

Bloomington, Ind. - The City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department invites the community to help develop the Parks’ priorities over the next five years. The department is encouraging residents to provide input about Parks' programming and facilities through an online survey during the first stage of updating its Master Plan.

During the week of August 10, a randomized sample of 5,000 Bloomington residents of all ages and backgrounds and from all parts of the city will receive a postcard in the mail, inviting them to use a QR code on the postcard and fill out a survey online. In addition, any city resident who does not receive a postcard but would like to participate in the survey may do so online beginning August 10 at bloomington.in.gov/parks. Paper copies of the survey will also be available at the Twin Lakes Recreation Center, Cascades Golf Course pro shop, Banneker Community Center, and the Parks and Recreation office in City Hall (401 N. Morton St.). The department hopes to collect at least 600 survey responses by September 18.

“Bloomingtonians love our award-winning parks system. We see that every day, as people flock to great outdoor spaces, participate in programs, or use our trail network,” said Mayor John Hamilton. “Our parks system serves us best when we share what we most appreciate about it, and what we would like to see change. Survey results really help steer our system, so please participate and share your views!”

Resident input collected in the survey will help inform the department’s 2021-2025 Master Plan, scheduled for completion by January 2021. Since 1996, the department has used a master planning process as a way of integrating community needs and fulfilling eligibility requirements for national accreditation and grant awards. The department has twice (in 2018 and 2007) been awarded the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).

"We are asking for our community to help us understand what roles parks and recreation properties and programs play in their quality of life," said Paula McDevitt, Administrator of the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department. "If you receive a postcard with a request to fill out the survey, we invite you to take advantage of the opportunity to share your opinions and ideas, and to make your voice heard, so the Department's priorities over the next five years match the goals of our residents."

The Master Plan team is led by Mishawaka, Ind.-based Troyer Group, Inc. Staff from the Troyer Group, the Parks and Recreation Department and several other City departments, as well as public and private stakeholders, serve on the master plan's technical review and steering committees. The master planning process will include additional opportunities for public engagement including stakeholder meetings, public meetings, and pop-up input events.