Bloomington advances Nine Mile Creek park renewal project
The Bloomington City Council received an update Wednesday on the Nine Mile Creek Corridor Renewal Project, a natural area restoration effort that will reshape how residents access and enjoy the creek and surrounding parks. The project is moving into detailed design phases, with community members set to see specific plans this spring.
Renae Clark, the city's Assistant Director of Parks and Park Projects, presented the latest progress on the initiative, which aims to restore natural areas while improving public access to nature. "The project is a natural area restoration project that also focuses on preserving, restoring, and enhancing the public's access to nature, which is so cherished and enjoyed by residents of Bloomington," Clark said.
A significant decision emerged from community and city council discussions in December: bike trails will not be built in Moir Park or Central Park, as they were determined to be infeasible for those locations. This conclusion came after technical assessments and community engagement throughout 2024.
The project is now entering the schematic design phase, where detailed plans will be developed. Clark outlined specific improvements planned for Moir Park, including a new picnic shelter, playground, enhanced natural areas, trail loops, and improvements to the disc golf course. The city will share detailed designs with the community in March.
Future work on the broader project includes creek management and upland restoration across the Nine Mile Creek Corridor. The council took no formal vote on Wednesday, as this was an informational update rather than an action item requiring official approval.
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Votes (1)
Nine Mile Creek Corridor Renewal Project Update
Renae Clark provided a comprehensive update on the Nine Mile Creek Corridor Renewal Project. She outlined the project's dual focus on natural area restoration and enhancing public access, referencing technical assessments and community engagement from 2024. A key development was the December 2024 conclusion, in collaboration with the community and city council, that bike trails are not feasible for Moir and Central Park. The project is now advancing into the schematic design phase, with detailed designs to be shared with the community in March. Future work includes creek management, upland restoration, and specific enhancements for Moir Park, such as a new picnic shelter, playground, and improvements to the disc golf course.
Notable Quotes (3)
The project is a natural area restoration project that also focuses on preserving, restoring, and enhancing the public's access to nature, which is so cherished and enjoyed by residents of Bloomington.
And in December, with the community and city council, concluded a bike trail and bikes in Moir and Central Park is not feasible and will not be included as part of the design.
Finally, we are developing a concept plan with Moir Park that will include a new picnic shelter, playground, enhanced natural areas, trail loops, and some improvements to the disc golf course.
Ordinances & Resolutions (3)
The overarching initiative for natural area restoration and public access enhancement in Bloomington.
The first phase of detailed design development for the project, where initial plans come to paper.
A specific design document being developed for improvements within Moir Park.
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