City Of Bloomington Cancels Fourth Of July Parade, Delays Opening Outdoor Pool Operations

(BLOOMINGTON) – In compliance with guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Monroe County Health Department (MCHD) to limit the spread of COVID-19 as well as current best practices for parks departments nationwide, the City of Bloomington today announces the cancellation of this year’s Fourth of July Parade and a delay in the traditional opening of the City’s pools on Memorial Day weekend.

The Parks and Recreation Department will continue to consider public health indicators and to work closely with public health authorities to make decisions about other summer events scheduled in June and July.

The decision to cancel the parade has been made in consideration of CDC and MCHD recommendations against gathering in large numbers. The parade normally attracts 8,000 to 10,000 people lining the parade route through downtown Bloomington, in addition to the groups comprising the 100 parade entries. The inability to predict the local public health situation in early July with enough advance time to allow for preparations was also considered in the cancellation decision.  

Cook Medical announced earlier this month the cancellation of the BTown Boom fireworks show scheduled for July 2, and Downtown Bloomington Inc. has canceled the annual Taste of Bloomington scheduled for June 20.

The next big decision the City is considering is the 2020 pool season. The traditional Memorial Day weekend opening date for the city’s two outdoor pools, Bryan Park Pool and Mills Pool, will not happen this year. 

“We are in constant communication with Parks and Recreation agencies throughout surrounding cities, and with our state and national parks and recreation associations to gather as much information as we can about safe operation of aquatic facilities in the time of COVID-19,” said Paula McDevitt, Administrator of the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department. “This announcement is a difficult one to make, as we know how many people look forward to watching the parade, and to sharing time at the pool with family and friends. Our fondest hope is that our community stays healthy and that we’ll be able to enjoy parades and pools safely soon.”

For updated information about changes in Parks and Recreation program scheduling, visit the Bloomington Parks and Recreation website at bloomington.in.gov/parks, or call the Parks and Recreation Department office at (812) 349-3700.