The Bloomington City Council on Nov. 24 adopted an ordinance amending chapter 5 of the city code to update the official location of the Memorial for Veterans from Civic Plaza to Harrison Park.

City maintenance staff explained that Civic Plaza presented site constraints and staff, in consultation with the Bloomington Remembers Veterans Group, identified Harrison Park as a more suitable, quieter location that better meets the memorial's goals. "This new site does not interfere or have any change in their visions or goals in the Memorial," staff said, calling the ordinance a clerical cleanup to reflect the changed location.

Kate Blessing, president of the Bloomington Remembers Veterans Group, testified in support of the move, telling the council that neighbors and veterans who visit the Farmers Market favor Harrison Park as a quieter, more serene site for gatherings. "They really feel that this will be a nicer place to be more quiet, more serene, better for gathering," Blessing said.

Council member D'Alessandro moved to adopt the ordinance; the motion was seconded and carried 7-0. Staff said the project will be put out to bid after the first of the year, with construction planned in 2026 and projected completion around October 2026 in time for Veterans Day 2026.

No amendments or public opposition were recorded during the hearing. The ordinance updates chapter 5 and article 7 of the Bloomington city code to reflect the new site designation.