Big savings for small carts

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Big savings for small carts

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Bloomington’s garbage rates may change in 2026. The pay-as-you-throw system will remain, but price gaps will widen so smaller carts cost less. A new, lower-priced every-other-week pickup will also be available for households with the smallest cart and minimal trash. These updates, based on a rate study and resident feedback, aim to keep service affordable and reduce waste. 

Residents can follow these strategies to save: 

  • Downsize carts if they’re rarely full.
  • Choose every-other-week service if weekly pickup isn’t needed.
  • Recycle and compost more to shrink trash.
  • Sign up for organics recycling at no extra cost to keep food scraps and other compostable materials out of the garbage.

Preliminary rates were presented to the City Council on July 28 and again on October 20.  Final adoption is expected after the November 17 public hearing. Learn more at blm.mn/garbage or call 952-563-8726.

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Family Archery

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Family Archery

Date(s)
Starts Thursday, October 2, 2025 - 5:30–7 p.m.

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Parks and Recreation Department

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Family at archery range standing near targets holding compound bows

Learn various aspects of the sport of archery during this fun, family-focused program, including: 

  • Equipment
  • Safety
  • History
  • Shooting techniques

Youth and adults alike will enjoy this fall program on Thursdays in October at the beautiful Marsh Lake Archery Range. Friendly competition is encouraged!


  • Dates and Times:
    • October 2, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
    • October 9, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
    • October 16, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
    • October 23, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
    • October 30, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
  • Fee: $7.50 per participant, per session
  • Registration: Sign up online at Webtrac
    • Maximum 10 participants per session.
    • Sessions are identical.
    • Participants must be at least 8 years old by session date.
  • Equipment: Provided. Participants will be using compound bows.  
  • Parking: Limited on-site parking. Additional parking available at Marsh Lake Playfields.
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Fall Fest 2025 - Hillside Church in conjunction with Bloomington Faith & Blue

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Fall Fest 2025 - Hillside Church in conjunction with Bloomington Faith & Blue

Date(s)
Friday, October 24, 2025 - 5:30–8:30 p.m.

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Police Department

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Fall Fest 2025

A night of free fun for the whole family!

* Bonfires * Live music * Lawn games * Kids Karaoke * Free dinner *Activities * Treats * Prize drawings and more!

https://faithandblue.org/
 

Halloween Bingo (50+)

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Halloween Bingo (50+)

Date(s)
Friday, October 31, 2025 - 10:30–11:30 a.m.

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Adult Programs

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Creekside Halloween 2022

Start your morning with some spooky fun at Halloween Bingo! Wear your favorite costume and enjoy an hour of games, prizes, and ghoulishly good fun. 

Come ready for a spooktacular celebration!
  • Registration: Required. Sign up online at Webtrac.
  • Participant maximum: 50
  • Cost: Free

Questions? 


Find information on other events and activities for adults ages 50 and above at blm.mn/adultprograms

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Bloomington Center for the Arts
Room Name/Location
Black Box Theater

Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month Tribute

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Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month Tribute

Date(s)
Thursday, October 9, 2025 - 5–7 p.m.

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Police Department

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Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month Community Tribute

Everyone is welcome! 

Maple Grove Central Park, Phenow Pavilion, 12000 Central Park Way

Memory Lane 5:00 PM - Honors over 150 Minnesota lives lost to domestic violence since 2020.  

Program 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Join us indoors for uplifting live music, words from Maria's voice, an where we honor the most recent Minnesota lives lost due to domestic violence.  

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH COMMUNITY TRIBUTE

Fall Festival - Faith in Blue event

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Fall Festival - Faith in Blue event

Date(s)
Saturday, October 11, 2025 - 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

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Police Department

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Fall Festival! FREE community event!

2025 NATIONAL FAITH & BLUE WEEKEND

Fun for the whole family! Bounce house, donuts & coffee, pumpkin painting, and meet the officers of the Bloomington Police Department!

Annual Medicare Update (50+)

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Annual Medicare Update (50+)

Date(s)
Monday, October 20, 2025 - 10–11 a.m.

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Adult Programs

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Medicare 101 Trellis Creekside September 2022

Medicare can be complicated, and it changes from year to year. 

Adults 50 years of age and above, come to Logan Lodge and learn from Trellis, our local branch of MN Aging Pathways (formerly Senior LinkAge Line) about what’s new in Medicare. Get the information necessary to help you choose the best plan for your needs.

This presentation discusses Parts A, B, C, and D of Medicare, as well as what additional insurance options are available. 

Also included:

  • Enrollment process
  • Options for enrollment
  • Personal costs of the programs
  • Eligibility for extra help with prescription drug costs

MN Aging Pathways can provide assistance making personal comparisons using the Medicare.gov website and the Health Care Choices booklet published by the Minnesota Board on Aging.


REGISTRATION

This is a free event, but registration is required and accepted until full. 

  • Limited to maximum of 30 participants.
  • Register online at Webtrac

For more information or questions, contact us at 952-563-4944, MN Relay 711, or parksrec@bloomingtonmn.gov

Room Name/Location
Room 103

Seasonal Crafts - Halloween (50+)

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Seasonal Crafts - Halloween (50+)

Date(s)
Friday, October 10, 2025 - 1–2 p.m.

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Adult Programs

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Seasonal Crafts - Halloween web graphic

Adults 50 years of age and above, join us for Seasonal Crafts, our craft series celebrating the spirit of the season through fun, hands-on projects! 

This time we’re getting into the Halloween spirit with a ghostly theme full of spooky fun and creativity. 

  • All materials provided.
  • No experience necessary.
  • Free program. Registration required online at Webtrac.  
  • Limited to a maximum of 30 participants.

Questions? 


Find information on other events and activities for adults ages 50 and above at blm.mn/adultprograms

There is Thriving in Place (50+) - RESCHEDULED

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There is Thriving in Place (50+) - RESCHEDULED

Date(s)
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 - 10–11 a.m.

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Adult Programs

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Nursing Home resident receives care from staff

This event has been rescheduled to January 27, 2026, 10 a.m. 


Adults 50 years of age and above are invited to join Machelle Borell from Comfort Keepers for an informative presentation on in-home care and home safety for seniors. 

She’ll cover:

  • When in-home care may be needed
  • How to choose the right agency
  • The benefits it provides for safety, independence and peace of mind. 

Machelle will also highlight TruBlue Home Service Ally and share tips on affordable modifications to make homes safer and more accessible.

There is no cost to attend, but space is limited to a maximum of 30 participants. Registration is required. Register online at Webtrac.  

Questions? 


Find information on other events and activities for adults ages 50 and above at blm.mn/adultprograms

Public Health Drop-In - Zawadi Center

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Public Health Drop-In - Zawadi Center

Date(s)
Friday, September 26, 2025 - 5–7 p.m.

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Public Health Department

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Drop in to get information from a Community Health Worker on low-cost medical care, dental, health insurance, childcare, transportation, food, housing-related resources (including rental assistance and eviction support), anything else that may be helpful, or make a one-on-one appointment for personalized resource assistance.

This drop-in typically occurs on the last Friday of the month.

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