Parks and Recreation Department

The City of Bloomington initiated the process of developing a new Park System Master Plan in November 2019. With extensive and invaluable assistance from consultants, City staff and most importantly the community, the plan was developed over the next two years and ultimately adopted by the Bloomington City Council in August 2021.  

The Next Steps

Adoption of the master plan was just the first step. Now the work of developing service area and individual park plans begins. The Park System Master Plan provides a clear action plan and guidance for improvements to Bloomington's parks, trails, facilities, recreational programs and green spaces.

Nine parks have been identified for the first phase of planning and development:  Brookside, Bryant, Gene Kelly, Poplar Bridge Running, Smith, Southwood, Sunrise. Tretbaugh. 

To learn more about the park planning process and opportunities to provide input both in person and online, visit blm.mn/park-planning. 

One of the finest living-history events in the Midwest returns to Pond Dakota Mission Park in Bloomington! Experience the lifestyles of people living in Minnesota between 1800 and 1870 through story-telling and interactive, hands-on demonstrations. Tours of the restored 1856 Gideon and Agnes Pond House will be given throughout the day.

• September 24, 2022, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Pond Dakota Mission Park, 401 East 104th Street, Bloomington
• Open to the public

Get more details, including admission fees and a list of demonstrations and reenactments, on the River Rendezvous web page. 

Blacksmithing at 2019 River Rendezvous

October 30, 2022
2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Normandale Lake Park
West 84th Street  & Chalet Road

Join us for the Second Annual Halloween Trick or Treat Trail event. This FREE outdoor event takes place at Normandale Lake Park, 84th Street and Chalet Road and is designed for children preschool age through 5th grade.

The Trail begins near the boat launch on the west side of the lake opposite the Chalet Road parking lot and includes entertainment, candy, and more surprises! 

New in 2022, to keep things moving smoothly, preschoolers through 2nd graders are encouraged to hit the trail 2 - 3:30 p.m. and 3rd through 5th graders are encouraged to hit the trail 3:30 - 5 p.m.  Also new this year, food trucks will be part of the event. 

• Costumes not required
• Donation of a non-perishable food item for the VEAP food shelf is appreciated but not required.
• Event takes place weather permitting. In case of inclement weather, updates will be posted here and on the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Facebook page. 
• For full details, including map, coloring contest information and more, visit blm.mn/halloweenparty

Adaptive Programming and Inclusion Services

Bloomington Parks and Recreation Inclusion Services are provided to program participants with disabilities who request some kind of support that will allow them to fully participate the programs offered by the Parks and Recreation Division. More info

Adult Sports and Leagues

Parks and Recreation offers leagues and programs through out the year. The sports are offered at different levels of play - there is a sport for everyone from beginner to the serious player. More info

BIG Skate School

The Bloomington Ice Garden Skate School offers skating lessons year round. More info

Programs for Adults Age 50+

Designed to keep adults age 50+ and all adults with a disability actively engaged in the community, these programs at Creekside Community Center serve those seeking opportunity to become involved and stay connected. More info 

Youth Programs

Bloomington Parks and Recreation has a variety of programs to offer ranging from one-week classes to full summer programs and activities in spring, fall and winter too! Programs are for children going into preschool through 9th grade. More info

Bloomington Parks and Recreation is dedicated to making our parks ethnically and culturally diverse as well as equitable, inclusive, and relevant. It is our priority to build relationships with our community and break down barriers that are inhibiting residents from visiting the parks. We are committed to continually seek ways to better deliver park and recreation services, programming, and community events that connect people across cultures to the parks and one another.

If you would like to share input, feedback, or seek more information about outreach, please contact Jean Sanon, Recreation Coordinator, at parksrec@bloomingtonmn.gov or by calling Parks and Recreation at 952-563-8877.

Work and fun can go hand-in-hand!

Bloomington Parks and Recreation is a great place to work and have fun at the same time! We offer a wide vareity of permanent full-time, permanent part-time and temporary seasonal positions. 

To learn more about all of the great opportunities available, visit blm.mn/prjobs. 

Are you looking for recreation opportunities at home and on the go? The Recreation Experience Center (REC Online) is your online resource for fun, engaging, inclusive, and accessible activities.

With options in the creative and performing arts, fitness, history, nature and more, whether you're looking for a purely Bloomington experience or just general ideas on what to do, you're sure to find something that interests you at REC Online.