Page last updated on April 4, 2025 at 9:37 am
City parks are open daily from 5 a.m. through 11 p.m.
Behavior Guidelines for City Parks
Removal or Suspension from Bloomington Parks and Recreation Properties
Adopt-a Programs
For more information about the Adopt-a programs for trails and streams on public land, or about helping remove invasive plants from city park properties, contact Emily Buuck, Community Relations Coordinator, at 812-349-3739 or emily.buuck@bloomington.in.gov.
Research and Collecting Policy for City Parks
A Scientific Study and Research Permit is required for research and/or collection activities on Bloomington Parks and Recreation (BPRD) properties. By requiring permits, Parks and Recreation can:
- monitor research being conducted on BPRD property
- prevent duplication of research
- meet the management requirements of the state dedicated nature preserves on BPRD property
- further expand our scientific knowledge by requiring copies of the research results, and
- protect park sites
Requests to conduct research and/or collecting on BPR property must be submitted to: Bloomington Parks and Recreation, Natural Resources Program, P. O. Box 848, Bloomington, IN 47402 or sent via email.
Enabling Statutes
- Bloomington Municipal Code Chapter 11.08, Griffy Lake
- Endangered Species Act
- Indiana Nature Preserve Act
- Department of Natural Resources Property Regulations
Permit Requirements
- Bloomington Parks and Recreation Scientific Study and Research Permit
A research permit signed by BPRD is required of anyone who wishes to collect scientific data, flora, fauna, or geological specimens on lands owned or managed by BPRD. All research requests require this permit. Scientific study and research period is not to exceed one year. Contact Bloomington Parks and Recreation to discuss long-term research projects. - Indiana DNR Division of Nature Preserves signature
Research on state dedicated Griffy Woods Nature Preserve requires permission from the Indiana DNR Division of Nature Preserves. Research and Collecting Permits for State Dedicated Nature Preserves - Indiana Scientific Collector's License
Any request involving the taking or harassment of vertebrate animals as well as crustaceans and mollusks on BPRD property also requires a separate Scientific Collectors/Purposes License from the Indiana DNR Dvision of Fish and Wildlife. If collecting vertebrate animals, a signed copy of your Indiana Scientific Collectors/Purposes License must be included with your Scientific Study and Research Permit application. Scientific Collectors/Purposes License
How to apply for a BPRD Scientific Study and Research Permit
A detailed explanation of the proposed research must include:
- Submit to BPR a 7.5 USGS Quadrangle showing the locations of any installed equipment following their placement.
- description of activities
- project objectives
- methods and procedures to be followed
- duration of the project
- areas to be visited (include a map)
- anticipated disturbances to the site
- species or objects to be collected
- number of specimens taken
- method of taking
- disposition of specimens
Once the permit application is reviewed and approved by BPRD staff, the applicant will receive a signed copy of the permit.
Follow Up
A written report is required following the research and should be submitted to BPRD within one year after the permit expires. To minimize possible negative impacts, publication resulting from a research study must not reveal information about rare species and their locations without permission from BPRD.
BPRD considers each application based on previous and current work on the site, to avoid duplication of effort and cumulative impacts. Applications are considered based on the prospective gain in terms of scientific value, and benefits to the site. If the applicant has a history of approved permits, but has not submitted the required study results or has been negligent in conducting the research, no additional permits will be issued to that applicant.
Collection of species already documents on the site is no permitted unless specifically required by the research. If collecting a previously document species, or species listed as endangered, threatened, or rare is permitted, BPRD reserves the right to place restrictions on collections.
Collecting unique or uncommon geological specimens is not permitted.
Park Ambassador
A volunteer program that promotes community stewardship of public parks and greenspaces.
Bryan Park
33-acre park with ballfields, playgrounds, picnic shelters and Bryan Park Pool
Broadview Park
A one-acre neighborhood park at the Broadview Learning Center
Building Trades Park
Two-acre park with basketball courts, playground and picnic shelter
Rev Ernest D Butler Park
Small community park with a trail, community gardens, an accessible playground, and picnic shelters
Crestmont Park
14-acre park with playground and disc golf course
Ferguson Dog Park
Fenced, off-leash dog park with areas for large and small dogs. Dogs must be spayed or neutered to visit the park.
Rogers Family Park
31.5 acres of passive green space including a native prairie. Connected to Sherwood Oaks Park.
Griffy Lake Nature Preserve
A nature preserve surrounding Griffy Lake with hiking trails and seasonal boat rental.
Highland Village Park
A 6.2-acre park with a playground, basketball court, trail and picnic shelter.
Latimer Woods
Ten acres of undeveloped forest.
Leonard Springs Nature Park
95.5 acres on S. Leonard Springs Rd with two hiking trails
Lower Cascades Park
Lower Cascades was Bloomington's first city park, established in 1924.
Miller-Showers Park
Olcott Park
The park near Jackson Creek Middle School features a playground, hard- and natural-surface trails, reservable athletic fields and a picnic shelter.
Park Ridge Park
1/2 acre park on Bloomington's east side.
Park Ridge East Park
4.49-acre park
Peoples Park
One-third acre located near Sample Gates, 501 E. Kirkwood at the corner of Dunn Street and Kirkwood Avenue
RCA Community Park
48-acre park with playground, trails, basketball, tennis & pickleball courts, and reservable shelters.
Schmalz Farm Park
Six-acre park located along the east branch of Jackson Creek with a playground, play field, and a non-reservable shelter
Seminary Park
Historic, 1.2-acre park at the corner of College & 2nd Streets
Sherwood Oaks Park
A 15-acre park with a playground, shelter, tennis courts, and basketball goals that connects to Olcott Park through the Jackson Creek trail.
Southeast Park
Nine-acre park with a non-reservable shelter, tennis and basketball courts
Switchyard Park
Bloomington's newest city park
Upper Cascades Park
Featuring a reservable shelter and a skate park, connected to Cascades Golf Course
Waldron, Hill and Buskirk Park
One of Bloomington's first city parks, with a playground, outdoor stage and fountain.
Wapehani Mountain Bike Park
Five miles of dirt trails perfect for mountain bikes off Weimer Road in Southwestern Bloomington
Winslow Woods Park
Home to a community garden, reservable shelter, and other amenities
Event, Filming, and Class Permit Applications
Apply to hold an event or class in a city park.
Record of Chemical Applications in City Parks and Trails
Pursuant to the Parks and Recreation Department's Integrated Pest Management Plan, adopted Dec. 2017.
Removal or Suspension from Bloomington Parks and Recreation Properties
Actions that could result in removal or suspension from city parks, and the appeal process.
Hopewell Commons
The Grand Opening of Hopewell Commons is Wednesday, April 23 from 3:30-6 p.m.