BLOOMINGTON – As part of continuing efforts to improve digital equity in our community, the City of Bloomington is pleased to announce public Wi-Fi in two additional City parks with work currently underway in two more.
Funded through the City’s Recover Forward initiative using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the Wi-Fi in Parks project is part of the City’s 2020 Digital Equity Strategic Plan, which aims to reduce digital inequities in Bloomington. Among other recommendations like expanding digital equity grants, staffing, and securing high-speed fiber-based internet service citywide, the Digital Equity Strategic Plan calls for the City to evaluate strategically expanding Wi-Fi at City facilities such as public parks.
“I’m pleased that we are expanding free public WiFi into more of our parks and public spaces, where all residents have equal access to this basic utility,” said Mayor John Hamilton. “This is another way the City supports health and equity among our residents and expands the opportunity to connect and participate in the digital world, regardless of income or location.”
The first round of parks activated as part of the City’s Digital Equity program included Peoples Park, 501 E. Kirkwood Avenue, and the Waldron, Hill & Buskirk Park, 331 S. Washington Street. This second round of digital equity Wi-Fi deployments includes Rev. Ernest D. Butler Park, 812 W. 9th Street, and Crestmont Park, 1100 N. Illinois Street.
Wi-Fi services are now available at Butler Park and the playground area of Crestmont Park at speeds up to 100 Megabits per second (Mbps). In addition to a new playground and two picnic shelters, Butler Park includes a paved connector trail to the nearby B-Line Trail, as well as the Butler Park Community Gardens and a fenced ballfield. Crestmont Park is the home of the city’s first 18-hole disc golf course, established in 2000 by the Bloomington Disc Golf Club. Wi-Fi service at Crestmont Park is available primarily in the playground area.
The City Information & Technology Services (ITS) Department is planning a third round of public Wi-Fi placement at Seminary Park, 100 W. 2nd Street, and at Bryan Park, starting at the Bryan Park Pool area. New LED lighting and pre-installed conduit within Seminary Park allow for the placement of Wi-Fi access points to serve this area. Work at Seminary and Bryan Parks has already begun and is expected to be completed in Fall 2023 and offer service at or above 100 Mbps.
