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Bloomington parks board adopts 2026–2030 master plan and approves contracts for repairs, events and park projects
Summary
At its June meeting the Bloomington Board of Park Commissioners adopted the 2026–2030 parks master plan and approved a package of service agreements, event permits and appointments, including a Brownswood cleanup contract and a study of renovation options for Brian Park Pool.
The Bloomington Board of Park Commissioners on Monday adopted a five‑year parks master plan and approved multiple staff‑recommended contracts and event agreements intended to support maintenance, public programs and capital planning.
Tim Street, parks director, told the board the adopted resolution (26‑02) lays out four strategic priorities and positions the department to pursue accreditation and state grant opportunities. The board approved the master plan by roll call vote.
The board also approved a series of service agreements and partnerships. Amy Lambbeck, operations coordinator, presented a $38,300 contract with MSI to remove and dispose of about 16 piles of debris at the Brownswood property, a cleanup funded by the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County; Commissioner Jim Whitlatch recused himself from the Brownswood vote because of prior service and legal work for the foundation. The motion to approve the contract carried.
Other service agreements approved by unanimous roll call included a not‑to‑exceed $24,000 contract with Deem to complete fall readiness repairs at the Frank Southern Ice Arena (replacement of e‑stop switches, alarm light, ammonia recharge), and a not‑to‑exceed $32,000 rental agreement with CTM Services for the annual Zamboni (Olympia) rental.
The board approved a $24,849 replacement playground contract at Switchyard Park after Recreation Facilities general manager Sean Marlor described ongoing service problems with the existing accessible carousel and said the new unit is a simpler design expected to be more reliable. Members also approved a $11,865 service agreement with Jack Lori Floors for restroom floor work at the Twin Lakes Recreation Center.
Event and program approvals included permitting beer and wine sales in People’s Park for the Taste of Bloomington (Aug. 1, rain date Aug. 2) under a festival permit with perimeter controls and volunteer monitoring; a memorandum of understanding with MCCSC to provide breakfast and lunch for the Banicker Community Center summer camp (June 1–July 24); an 18th‑year partnership with Downtown Bloomington, Inc. for the July 4 parade; and the annual Drool in the Pool partnership with Mad for My Dog at Mills Pool (Aug. 5–6). Staff noted the Mills Pool situation is under review after recent leak‑detection work and that certain events could be adjusted if repairs affect facility availability.
Clarence Boom presented appointments to the Farmers Market Advisory Council. The board approved two new members and reappointed nine existing members to the council’s customer, artisan and farm‑vendor seats.
Several operational items received board approval, including planned short‑term closures of the Beeline Trail at West Second Street for the West Second Street improvement project (dates in June, July and September) with engineering‑approved detours and signage.
The meeting included routine reports: the recreation division highlighted record attendance at many community events and the performing arts series; the natural resources manager summarized 2025 work on invasive species, restoration and deer management; and staff reported daily vandalism and heavy use at a rented porta‑let in Seminary Park, prompting a 2027 funding commitment for daily cleaning from the city’s economic and sustainable development department.
The board set a next meeting for July 23 at 5 p.m. and adjourned.
