BLOOMINGTON— Calling all animal lovers: a free, family‑friendly event, Community Zoo by You, returns to Bloomington’s Switchyard Park Bosque on Tuesday, July 8, from 3 to 6 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help with setup, run games and crafts, and assist with teardown, officials say.
Organized by Bloomington Parks & Recreation and sponsored by Bloomington Montessori School, Community Zoo by You takes place on the second Tuesday of each month — running April through October — offering interactive crafts, animal-themed games, and educational opportunities. This month’s spotlighted species will be sea lions. Young attendees can earn honorary “zookeeper” status by participating in multiple sessions. The $3 per person fee does not require preregistration. volunteer.bloomington.in.gov+7bloomington.in.gov+7bloomington.in.gov+7
Volunteers aged 16 and up are welcome to lend a hand during the 3 to 6 p.m. shift; under‑18s may participate with a signed parental waiver. On‑site training is provided. The Parks & Recreation office recommends that interested helpers claim one of the two remaining volunteer spots promptly. guides.idsnews.com
The event is hosted in the leafy Bosque area, located just east of the pavilion along the B‑Line Trail in Switchyard Park — a 65‑acre urban green space that was once a CSX railroad yard. The park, a centerpiece of Bloomington’s effort to transform former industrial land into a vibrant community hub, opened to the public in phases after its 2011 debut.
Switchyard Park has become a focal point for summer activities in Bloomington, including weekly Food Truck Fridays and live music performances, enhancing local engagement and supporting city efforts to revitalize public space.
WHO: Volunteers aged 16+ (underage participants must have a waiver), plus local families and wildlife enthusiasts
WHAT: Community Zoo by You — crafts, games, and animal-themed activities featuring sea lions
WHEN: Tuesday, July 8, 3–6 p.m.
WHERE: Bosque, Switchyard Park (1601 S. Rogers St.), Bloomington
VOLUNTEER NEED: 2 positions available to assist with setup, activities, and teardown
To learn more, contact Tara Brooke at 812‑219‑0770 or tara.brooke@bloomington.in.gov. Participants can register on-site at the park.
