Parks and Recreation Links
Park improvement projects
The City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department undertakes multiple park improvement projects each year. Updates on each project will be posted periodically as significant progress is made or more information becomes available.
Hrbek Field Renovations
All four youth baseball fields are being renovated to improve safety and playability.
Project Milestones Achieved
- Removal of Excess Material: All fields have had subgrade material removed and warning tracks expanded.
- Reinstall Aglime: After the subgrade was removed, aglime was reinstalled and graded to correct elevations.
- Infield Turfgrass: Sod was installed on the infields of all four fields as well as in the areas outside of the field of play.
Pending Work
- Outfield Turfgrass: Sod is to be installed along the infield/outfield arc and other perimeter areas in spring 2024.
- Aglime Amendment: The aglime on all infields will be amended with a product called DuraEdge. This product should improve drainage and the quality of the fields.
- Pitching Mounds: Pitching mounds will be installed once field work is completed in spring 2024.
Grand Opening
- Full reopening is dependent upon weather. Warmer temperatures are needed to purchase and install sod. Once the sod is installed, it requires time to heal in before it is ready for use. This final, important step in the process cannot be rushed, as it is critical to both the health of the turfgrass and the safety of users.
In summer and fall 2023, the City and its partner builders and designers have been hard at work creating and installing a one-of-a-kind challenge course at Smith Park. This new play structure provides kids and adults with endless fun and adventure.
Project Milestones Achieved
- Foundation and Support Structures: The solid foundations and support structures are in place, ensuring the utmost safety and stability for our course. Artificial turf paves the way for play.
- Obstacle Elements: We've installed a wide range of unique and engaging obstacle elements, including rope swings, beams, and climbing walls. These elements will test your balance, agility, and coordination.
- Playground: Site amenities like a playground, benches and bike racks are in place to enhance and support the natural space.
- Finish Line and Viewing Area: The course now features a prominent finish line where participants can celebrate their accomplishment. A dedicated viewing area for family and friends has been established for those who prefer to cheer from the sidelines.
Pending Work
Progress has been made, but some final details remain, including:
- Final Safety Checks: Safety experts will thoroughly inspect the structure to ensure every element of the challenge course is secure and ready for action.
- Signage and Directional Markers: Clear signage and directional markers will be installed to guide participants through properly and easily navigating the course.
- Timing Clock and Landscaping: A scoreboard to display the elapsed time to complete the course will be installed. Additional shade and site amenities will be installed for all to enjoy.
Grand Opening
The finishing touches are being applied to the Smith Park Challenge Course now. In the spring, a grand opening event will take place that will feature exciting activities and surprises for our community. Save the Date: April 2024 Grand Opening. Mark your calendar for the Smith Park Challenge Course Grand Opening in April 2024! Bring your family and friends for a day of adventure, games, and delicious food. We can't wait to unveil this fantastic new addition to our park system.
Valley View Playfield is getting a new amenity.
The former horseshoe pits on the south side of the park are being converted to a fun and entertaining cornhole board court with additional green space!
Project Milestones Achieved
- Horseshoe Pit Removal: Old horseshoe pits are being removed to make room for the new installation.
- Ground Preparation: Ground has been leveled and will be made suitable for the installation of cornhole boards and surrounding green space.
- Cornhole Board Selection: High-quality concrete cornhole boards were selected to ensure they meet game standards.
Pending Work
- Cornhole Board Installation: Final setup of new cornhole boards to ensure they are firmly anchored and ready for play!
- Landscaping and Beautification: Final touches will include planting flowers and greenery around the cornhole board area, creating a welcoming and relaxing space.
Grand Opening
- Save the Date: Grand Unveiling Spring 2024. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing this exciting addition to Valley View Playfield!
Originally scheduled for fall 2022, the new restroom and park maintenance garage facility at Normandale Lake Park is scheduled to begin construction the week of May 8, 2023. It will be located at the south end of the Chalet Road parking lot on the west side of Normandale Lake Park, located within the Hyland-Bush-Anderson Regional Park Reserve.
The City has partnered with Romtec, Inc. for this development, which will include demolition, sidewalk and driveway access, and soil correction. Romtec will construct a 1,532 square foot building that combines new restrooms and a park maintenance garage to replace the existing separate restroom and maintenance garage buildings.
Key features of the new facility include:
- Two gender neutral, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant restrooms and a utility room.
- Approximately 1,200 square feet of maintenance space, replacing the approximately 400 square foot existing garage.
- Office space, an eye wash station, additional storage and parking.
Romtec was selected to provide this service based on other successful projects locally including the new restroom building and park shelter at the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge Trailhead.
Project funding comes from Metropolitan Council grants with funds appropriated by the Legislature from the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund to support regional parks. The project is estimated to take three months:
- Demolition begins: May 8, 2023
- Substantial building completion: August 30, 2023
Questions? Contact Dave Hanson, Deputy Director, Parks and Natural Resources, at dhanson@bloomingtonmn.gov.
EXISTING STRUCTURES
NEW STRUCTURE
In partnership with Bloomington Public Schools, the City of Bloomington, through its Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments, installs and maintains playground structures used by the community at school sites throughout the City.
In summer 2021, the play structure at Normandale Hills Elementary is being replaced. Demolition work took place the week of July 26 and the new structure is expected to be substantially complete by the first day of the 2021-2022 school year. The new play structure will include a variety of new and inclusive features to serve a wide spectrum of users.
For more details on this project, which was originally scheduled for 2020 but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, contact Michael Oxborough, Safety and Risk Manager, Bloomington Public Schools at moxborough@isd271.org or 952-806-8764.
In partnership with Bloomington Public Schools, the City of Bloomington, through its Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments, installs and maintains playground structures used by the community at school sites throughout the City.
In summer 2021, the play structure at Washburn Elementary is being replaced. Demolition work is anticipated to begin in early August and the structure is expected to be largely complete by the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year. However, an official schedule for this project has not been released due to supply chain issues with the contractor. The new play structure will include a variety of new and inclusive features to serve a wide spectrum of users.
For more details on this project, which was originally scheduled for 2020 but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, contact Michael Oxborough, Safety and Risk Manager, Bloomington Public Schools at moxborough@isd271.org or 952-806-8764.
The Tot Spray Table at the Bloomington Family Aquatic Center was successfully installed and enjoyed by all beginning in the summer of 2016.
Completed improvements:
- Replace the playground equipment
- Install picnic tables and park benches
- Construct portable toilet enclosure
- General landscaping and restoration
Playground Design Option 1
Playground Design Option 2
Completed improvements:
- Install playground equipment on the beach, between the beach house and water’s edge
Bloomington Parks & Recreation is seeking community feedback until June 20 for the playground equipment designs. If you would like to provide feedback, please contact Scott Breuer, Assistant Manager of Parks and Recreation at 952-563-8899 or SBreuer@BloomingtonMN.gov.
Playground Design Option 1
Playground Design Option 2
Splash pad features were replaced and improved and the project was largely completed in spring 2020. Some previously scheduled maintenance related to pre-existing portions of the splash pad delayed the public opening until June 2020.
Proposed improvements:
- Replace and update splash pad features
For questions regarding the project, contact David Benson, Recreation Supervisor at 952-563-8892 or drbenson@BloomingtonMN.gov.
Completed improvements:
- Replace the playground equipment
- Replace wood playground border with concrete border
- Install bike rack, picnic table and park benches
- Install new bituminous trail
- Install new basketball backboard and rim
- Construct portable toilet enclosure
Playground Design Option 1
Playground Design Option 2
Completed improvements:
- Replace the playground equipment
- Install bike rack and park benches
- Replace fencing around playground container
- General landscaping and restoration
Playground Design Option 1
Playground Design Option 2
The new wheelhouse was completed in August 2020.
Proposed improvements:
- Replace wheelhouse operations building enhancing restrooms and concessions
- Pavement replacement within wheel ballfield area
- Replace bleachers for the wheel ballfields
- Add four shade structures for spectators at wheel ballfields
- Improve landscape and grounds drainage
Construction bids have been awarded and project work commencement is mid-October. Project completion is anticipated by May 2020. For questions regarding the project, contact Mike Ramirez, Recreation Supervisor at 952-563-8880 or mramirez@BloomingtonMN.gov.
Replace playground equipment, safety surfacing, bituminous trail, resurface 1/2 basketball court and replace basketball backboard and pole, landscaping, bike rack, two benches and a picnic table
Summer 2016 update: The work is completed at Dupont Playlot for all to enjoy!
March 9, 2016 update: Work is anticipated to resume approximately April 1. Once the general site work is completed, the playground equipment will be installed. Substantial completion is anticipated by June 2016.
*Note – the colors of the playground equipment ordered will be different than shown above.
Completed improvements:
- Replace the playground equipment
- Replace wood playground border with concrete border
- Install bike rack, picnic table and park benches
- Install new bituminous trail
- Construct portable toilet enclosure
Playground Design Option 1
Playground Design Option 2
Completed improvements:
- Replace the playground equipment
- Reconstruct bituminous trail connection
- General landscaping and restoration
Playground Design Option 1
Playground Design Option 2
Replace playground equipment, safety surfacing, bituminous trail, resurface basketball court and replace basketball backboards & poles, bike racks, two benches, BBQ grill and a picnic table.
Summer 2016 update: The work is completed at Hampshire Hill park for all to enjoy!
March 9, 2016 update: Work is anticipated to resume approximately April 1. Once the general site work is completed, the playground equipment will be installed. Substantial completion is anticipated by June 2016.
Completed improvements:
- Replace the playground equipment
- Overlay the bituminous trail
- Construct portable toilet enclosure
- Install picnic table and park benches
- General landscaping and restoration
Playground Design Option 1
Playground Design Option 2
The City implemented upgrades to the Moir Park disc golf course in summer 2022. These improvements included:
- New concrete tee markers
- New Discatcher baskets
- Retaining same course layout
- Work was completed in June
For more information or questions, contact Dave Hanson, Assistant Maintenance Superintendent at 952-563-4770 or dhanson@bloomingtonmn.gov.
About Moir Disc Golf Course
- Opened in 1979
- Holes: 9
- Total course length: 1613 feet
- Par: 27
- Tees: Asphalt
- Baskets: Cone-shaped Saucer Golf baskets, designed in 1970s
- One of two courses remaining in Minnesota that is utilizing these baskets
FAQ
What are the features and benefits of the new baskets?
The new Discatcher baskets feature:
- Powder coated steel basket tops for visibility and protection from elements.
- Galvanized steel.
- 28 chains for superior catching.
- Large sweet spot for catching long and short shots.
- The City of Bloomington received a donation to cover the cost of the new baskets.
Why do we need new baskets?
New baskets are necessary because the existing baskets can no longer be procured and the condition of some of them makes repair/refurbishment difficult if not impossible.
What will happen to the old baskets?
Existing baskets that are salvageable will be donated to the City of New Brighton to help revitalize its Hanson Park disc golf course. Hanson Park is the only other course in Minnesota to still use these same vintage baskets.
Why do we need new tee markers?
The current tee markers are asphalt and in poor condition. They are not visible and pose a safety concern with the level of activity (kids, bikes, walkers, dogs, rentals, concert series, parking lot and road) in the park. Current tee locations have no markers or signage and there is currently no course map.
Improved path lighting installation was completed in mid-May of 2020.
Proposed improvements:
- Install path lighting on recreational trails around Normandale Lake
For questions regarding the project, contact Dave Hanson, Assistant Maintenance Superintendent, Public Works at 952-563-8765 or dhanson@BloomingtonMN.gov
UPDATE 5/5/2020:
Installation of ten (10) new poles with energy-efficient LED lights begins May 6 and is expected to be complete by May 15. Path will not be closed, but work locations will be coned off to alert park users to the activity. Blue icons in image below are new pole installation locations.
UPDATE 02/25/2020:
Installation of new LED lights on existing poles completed February 28, 2020.
Completed improvements:
- Replace the playground equipment
- Replace wood playground border with concrete border
- Install bike rack, picnic table and park benches
- Install new bituminous trail
- Install new basketball backboard and rim
Playground Design Option 1
Playground Design Option 2
Scope and timing of improvements:
-
Completed summer 2022.
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The City received a State of Minnesota Legacy grant in the amount of $134,000 to conduct a restoration of 20 acres in the Minnesota River Valley Below Parkers Picnic Grounds.
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Project took 2-3 years and involved returning area back to its native landscape and allowing native plants and trees to grow
- Much of the work was accomplished with reducing the tree canopy, removal of invasive plant species such as buckthorn, and preparing the area for seeding and planting of native grasses and flowers.
-
This was a continuation of similar projects already completed in the river valley.
For questions regarding the project, contact Mark Morrison, Recreation Supervisor at 952-563-8693 or mmorrison@BloomingtonMN.gov
New playground equipment and other improvements were completed in late 2019.
Proposed improvements (in conjunction with Bloomington Public Schools):
- Moving container and playground to the south
- Replacing playground equipment play structure underlay
- Installation of erosion control measures
- Installation of new concrete curbs and amenities
Construction bids have been awarded and project work commencement is mid-October. Substantial project completion is anticipated by mid-November with full completion by spring 2020. For questions regarding the project, contact Mike Ramirez, Recreation Supervisor at 952-563-8880 or mramirez@BloomingtonMN.gov.
Completed improvements:
- Replace the playground equipment
- Combine the two playground containers into one
- Construct portable toilet enclosure
- Install picnic table and park benches
- Improve bituminous trail
- Remove wood borders and replace with concrete
Playground Design Option 1
Playground Design Option 2
Completed improvements:
- Replace the playground equipment
- Combine the two playground containers into one
- Install picnic table and park benches
- Modify bituminous trail
Playground Design Option 1
Playground Design Option 2
May 2016 update: The project was completed! Verizon Wireless installed a new pole which co-located a cellular antennae with an outdoor emergency siren. A small equipment building was constructed on the back (south) side of the Sunrise Park building. The City and Verizon Wireless executed a lease agreement in September 2015 to facilitate the installation and ongoing operation.
Completed improvements:
- Replace the playground equipment
- Install picnic table and park benches
Playground Design Option 1
Playground Design Option 2
Playground Design Option 3
Completed improvements:
- Construct a picnic shelter; will include a grill, tables and electrical outlets
- Reconstruct two basketball courts; including new posts, backboards, rims and court lines
- Miscellaneous improvements to softball fields #2, #3 and #4 (not shown on design plans)
- Install parking lot lighting
Valley View Playfield improvements - 9000 Portland Avenue South
Completed improvements:
- Replace the playground equipment
- Replace wood playground border with concrete border
- Install picnic table and park benches
- Install and improve parking lot lighting to meet City code requirements
Playground Design Option 1
Ages 2 - 5
Ages 5 - 12
Full view
Playground Design Option 2
Ages 2 - 5
Ages 5 - 12
Full view
Completed improvements:
- Replace the playground equipment
- Replace wood playground border with concrete border
- Install picnic table and park benches
Playground Design Option 1
Playground Design Option 2
October 6 Update: Retaining walls and stairways near picnic shelter #1 have been completed. Hand rails will be installed on the stairways after the concrete has cured. All parking lots and driving areas at West Bush Lake Park will be closed for approximately three weeks beginning October 11 while the old pavement is removed and new pavement is installed.
Improvements description:
Northern Parking Lots & Driveways (Area near Picnic Shelter #1)
- Reconstruct Parking Lot & Driveway Pavement
- Traffic Control Signage
- Improve Parking Lot & Driveway Lighting
- Reconstruct Retaining Walls
- Improve Storm Water Management
Southern Parking Lots & Driveways (Area near Picnic Shelter #2)
- Reconstruct Parking Lot & Driveway Pavement
- Traffic Control Signage
- Improve Parking Lot & Driveway Lighting
- Install Boat Cleaning Station
- Improve Storm Water Management
The Parks & Recreation Division is delaying rentals of West Bush Lake Shelter #1 & #2 until a work schedule has been determined. Rentals are being accepted for West Bush Lake Shelter #3 and Moir Park Shelter #1 & #2.
Completed improvements:
- Replace the basketball court and three East-West Pickleball courts with eight North-South Pickleball courts
- Resurface the current tennis court
- Install new court fencing
- Construct portable toilet enclosure
- Install a water fountain and power outlet near courts
Current Amenities:
- Baseball field
- Off-street parking
- Picnicking
- Playground
- Tennis court
- Trails
Completed improvements include:
- Replacing the playground
- Rebuilding the tennis court
- Adding a pickle ball court
- Improving the ball diamond
- Installing additional benches
- Installing a small picnic shelter and/or adding picnic tables
- Adding public art
- Adding a bike repair station
- Adding a drinking fountain/water bottle filling station
Construction is scheduled for summer of 2017. If you have any questions regarding the proposed improvements at Wright’s Lake Park, please contact Jim Urie at jurie@BloomingtonMN.gov.
Playground Design Option 1
Playground Design Option 2
Funding for the Hyland-Bush-Anderson Lakes Regional Park Reserve comes from a variety of sources, including the State of Minnesota's Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment, and the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.
For more information, visit www.lcc.leg.mn or contact Bloomington's Parks and Recreation Director, Ann Kattreh.
Ann Kattreh
Parks and Recreation Director
City of Bloomington
1800 West Old Shakopee Rd
Bloomington, MN 55431
akattreh@bloomingtonmn.gov