Page last updated on April 3, 2024 at 2:35 pm
Kids to Parks Day
Saturday, May 18 from 2-5 p.m.
Lower Cascades Park, Waterfall Shelter
Outdoor fun galore! We’ve got scavenger hunts, outdoor games, and squirrel whispering (okay, maybe not that last one, but it sounds fun, right?) Nature is the best teacher! Learn about bugs, birds, and leaves that do jazz hands in the wind. Participation is free. For all ages.
See a list of all reservable picnic shelters in city parks.
Shelter house rentals may be made online or by visiting the Bloomington Parks and Recreation office at 401 N. Morton St., Suite 250 in City Hall, Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sorry, we cannot take shelter reservations over the phone.
Shelters are available for rental April 1 through October 31. Reservations are available year round on a first-come, first-served basis.
Shelter rental fees are per day, regardless of how long you actually use the shelter. Shelters are rented to only one party per day, and shelter rental times are from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Cascades Park (Lower) - Sycamore Shelter $82/weekdays, $97/weekends and holidays
Located in the lower portion of Cascades Park. Bathrooms (open seasonally) are a part of the building, and the shelter has a large grill, electrical outlets, lights, fireplace, water, drinking fountain, playground access, and a large parking lot. It is wheelchair accessible. Maximum 75 people.
Cascades Park (Lower) - Waterfall Shelter $72/weekdays, $87/weekends and holidays
Located in the lower portion of Cascades Park. This shelter houses approximately 75 people. It has electrical outlets, lights, fireplace, playground access, large grill, and a volleyball court nearby. The drinking fountain is currently out of order, and is scheduled for repairs in spring 2022.
Lower Cascades Park has two 200' fenced ballfields with lights. Lower Cascades Park ballfields are located at 3601 N. Old State Road 37. For reservation information, contact Scott Pedersen at 812-349-3774 or pederses@bloomington.in.gov.
Playground
One of the city park system's largest and most accessible playgrounds is located at Lower Cascades Park. Seasonal restrooms are available just south of the playground.
Land and Water Conservation Fund
Park improvements in Lower Cascades Park were partially funded in 1975 by the Land and Water Conservation Fund through the U.S. Department of Interior and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Official Bloomington Parks Mobile App
Find us on OuterSpatial
Cascades Park Trail
One asphalt trail
Removal or Suspension from Bloomington Parks and Recreation Properties
Actions that could result in removal or suspension from city parks, and the appeal process.
Event, Filming, and Class Permit Applications
Apply to hold an event or class in a city park.
Chemical Applications in City Parks
Record of chemical applications in city parks and trails.
Report a problem in Lower Cascades Park
Use the uReport online system to report a problem or make a comment.