(BLOOMINGTON) – Members of the public are invited to Bloomington City Hall Tuesday, December 10 for the unveiling of preliminary designs for one of the multiple community-enhancing projects announced during Bloomington’s Bicentennial year.
With approval from the Common Council, Mayor John Hamilton dedicated funds in 2018 through the issuance of publicly sold Bicentennial Bonds to the establishment of seven different improvements to the City’s quality of life, with particular emphasis on extending and integrating the city’s trail network, planting trees, and other investments in Bloomington’s environmental sustainability and aesthetic appeal.
Tuesday’s presentations will preview one of the seven Bicentennial Bond projects: the establishment of at least three signature gateways to the city at principal entry points.
Indianapolis-based landscape architects Rundell Ernstberger Associates (REA) will make two different presentations of their preliminary conceptual designs for the new gateways.
The first presentation is to the Board of Park Commissioners at the board’s regularly scheduled meeting at 4 p.m. in the council chambers. A public open house takes place the same evening from 6 until 7 p.m., also in the council chambers.
Members of the public are invited and welcome to attend either or both presentations.
Free parking is available after 5 p.m. in the lot south of City Hall.
Preliminary gateway locations identified by the city include Bloomfield Road next to the Twin Lakes Sports Park at 2350 W. Bloomfield Rd.; the Arlington Heights bridge over State Road 46 bypass east of the I-69/ State Road 46 interchange; and Miller-Showers Park between College Avenue and Walnut Street at State Road 46 on Bloomington’s north side.
The conceptual designs will include the proposed size, construction materials, themes, graphic features, and architectural and landscape elements. REA will collect feedback from members of the public, as well as from the Board of Park Commissioners. Comments from the public and from city officials will be used to refine the proposed designs, and to develop cost options for each gateway location. REA is the landscape design, architecture and urban planning firm that partnered with the City to design the new Switchyard Park.
“Gateways are a way Bloomington can celebrate its unique sense of place, reinforce the pride we take in our hometown, and welcome folks to town, whether they’re visiting for the first time, or coming back home,” said Mayor Hamilton. “We encourage residents to weigh in on the draft designs so that these gateways are infused with our community spirit.”
The preliminary conceptual designs will be available for review online beginning December 11 at 8 a.m. at bloomington.in.gov/parks, where comments may be submitted at an online form.
The contract for the Bicentennial Gateway conceptual designs is funded through the 2018 Bicentennial Bond fund for $45,800. Additional funds for constructing the gateways are also included in the Bicentennial Bond fund.
