By Mayor Tim Busse
Now that summer is winding down, we’re at the precipice of quite a few milestones in the three Bloomington Forward projects. Bloomington voters approved a new half-percent sales tax in 2023 to provide $155 million for the enhancement and protection of the Nine Mile Creek corridor and Moir and Central parks, construction of a new community health and wellness center and renovations to the Bloomington Ice Garden. We’ve made a point to provide updates on these projects regularly. So here’s the latest.
Bloomington Ice Garden
The Bloomington Ice Garden closed for construction in March. Since then, many improvements have been made, including updated rink viewing areas that are ADA accessible, a new concessions area, and new locker rooms and restrooms. The BIG team has also partnered with Creative Placemaking staff to begin work on a mural designed by Adam Turman that will be installed in the BIG entrance. BIG will reopen this fall before the hockey season begins. To learn more, visit bloomingtonforward.org/big.
Nine Mile Creek corridor and Moir/Central Park renewal
The Nine Mile project team continues to develop technical design details moving the design phase of the Nine Mile Creek restoration and Moir Park renewal forward. One notable addition to the project is the Bloomington Veterans Memorial being built at Harrison Park, 1701 West 100th St., which is being carried out by the nonprofit Bloomington Remembers Veterans. A community engagement event to share design information and request feedback on playground concepts for Moir Park is scheduled for August 12 at Moir Park. For more information, visit bloomingtonforward.org/9mile.
Community Health and Wellness Center
Creekside Community Center closed in June and senior programming has moved to Logan Lodge, 9930 Logan Ave. S. and Bloomington Civic Plaza. Since then, crews have been doing abatement work in the Creekside building. Demolition of the Creekside building is expected to begin in October. Learn more at bloomingtonforward.org/chwc.
