New Public Wi-Fi Access in Peoples Park and Waldron, Hill & Buskirk Park

Bloomington, Ind.– As part of continuing efforts to improve digital equity in our community, the City of Bloomington Information & Technology Services Department (ITS) is pleased to announce public Wi-Fi in two City parks, with work currently underway in three more. 

Funded through the City’s Recover Forward initiative using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the Wi-Fi in Parks project is part of the City’s 2020 Digital Equity Strategic Plan, which aims to reduce digital inequities in Bloomington. Among other recommendations like expanding digital equity grants, staffing, and securing high-speed fiber-based internet service citywide,* the Digital Equity Strategic Plan calls for the City to evaluate strategically expanding Wi-Fi at City facilities such as public parks.

“Digital access is a basic utility that is necessary for full participation in the working world, educational endeavors, and civic services,” said Mayor John Hamilton. “Increasing access in our parks increases access for residents as well as provides more choices for healthy places to work and learn in our increasingly digital society.” 

The first round of parks targeted in this effort are Peoples Park; and the Waldron, Hill & Buskirk Park (formerly 3rd St Park); Butler Park; and Crestmont Park. Wi-Fi services are now available at Peoples Park and Waldron, Hill & Buskirk Park at speeds up to 140 Megabits per second (Mbps). Work at the Butler and Crestmont Parks is ongoing and is expected to be completed in the spring of 2023 and offer service at or above 100 Mbps.

The Wi-Fi in Parks project experienced some delays earlier this year due to several challenges related to power, facility siting, and connectivity at these parks, which have now been resolved. Work has also been impacted by supply chain delays in the availability of network hardware. 

In addition to these parks, the City is now evaluating public Wi-Fi placement at Seminary Park. New LED lighting and pre-installed conduit within the park will allow for the placement of Wi-Fi access points to serve this area. ITS will connect this park to its network this winter, with service also expected in the Spring of 2023.

*About City-Wide High-speed Internet Access

Announced in May 2022 (https://bton.in/nX5Mr), Hoosier Networks, LLC, the fiber network utility provider established by Meridiam, will build a transformational $50-million-plus network bringing high-speed internet access to all of Bloomington. GigabitNow will deliver fiber-based broadband services when construction is completed to the first residents at the end of January 2023. All residents can learn more and pre-register at no cost or obligation at gigabitnow.com/bloomington.

GigabitNow will offer service of at least 1 gigabit per second symmetrical speed (equal upload and download) everywhere the Hoosier Network network reaches. The cost-of-service rates with the initial ISP will be competitive locally and regionally. 

Eligible low-income residents may qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Plan (ACP) to get a symmetrical 250 megabits per second (Mbps) plan at reduced or no cost to them. The City and Hoosier Networks will together provide the “drop” connection to qualifying households.

About Digital Equity

Digital Equity is defined by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) as “a condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy.” 

The City of Bloomington and Hoosier Networks, LLC continue to collaborate on a groundbreaking digital equity program, one of the most innovative broadband public-private collaborations in the country,* to help low-income and digitally-disadvantaged households access top-quality internet services.

Bloomington has been recognized by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance as a 2021 and 2022 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer. Learn more about the City of Bloomington’s Digital Equity program at bloomington.in.gov/digital-equity. The City’s Digital Equity Strategic Plan is available at https://bton.in/-NQkR. Learn more about the National Digital Inclusion Alliance at digitalinclusion.org. 

About Recover Forward

Recover Forward is a multi-year initiative to help our community rebound and thrive as we come out of the COVID-19 pandemic, moving toward greater racial, economic, and climate justice as we do so.

More than $15 million has been approved to date by the City Council for critical investments. Recover Forward Bloomington includes $9 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act and $6 million from City reserve funds. Learn more at bloomington.in.gov/recoverforward.  

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