Seminary Park porta‑let repeatedly trashed and vandalized; staff seek cameras and funding for daily cleaning

City parks staff told the Bloomington Board of Park Commissioners that a rented porta‑let at Seminary Park has been heavily used and repeatedly vandalized, prompting a plan for daily cleaning and consideration of security cameras.

Amy Lambbeck, operations coordinator, said the contractor provides daily before‑and‑after photos showing the unit is often unusable after a single day of use. She said staff observed both heavy trashing and isolated instances of fire damage that have left holes in the unit. Because cleaning after each incident is required to keep the unit usable, Amy said the city could not sustain weekend‑only service.

Brian Gifin, the city’s homelessness response coordinator, told the board that nearby property owners generally regard the porta‑let as a useful public service and that Bloomington Police Department staff have expressed interest in adding cameras at Seminary Park. Jim Whitlatch urged a monitored camera system and signage to warn that the area is under video surveillance and warned that vandalism could justify civil or criminal follow‑up.

Amy said the economic and sustainable development department has committed budget support to cover the porta‑let rental and daily cleaning in 2027. Staff noted the unit is a rental that requires truck access for pump and cleaning hoses, which drove the current siting decision; staff said they will review whether the location can be adjusted for safety or improved access. A dated security camera currently covers the plaza area and staff said they are exploring upgraded options in coordination with BPD.

Board members requested staff return with camera‑options and cost estimates; staff agreed to present recommendations to the board once the options are developed.