Bloomington. Tomorrow. Together.

Nature Resources Management Plan, staffing and appropriate level of funding.

Independent assessments highlight the poor and declining state of our natural resources and natural areas. Despite the 2007 and 2021 Parks System Master Plan highly prioritizing a natural resources plan and appropriate funding, one has not been developed or even scheduled to occur. As a result, city leaders continue to not allocate necessary funds for one of our city's greatest assets and priority of residents - our natural resources and natural areas. (Attached photo highlights the pervasiveness of buckthorn throughout our parks. What is not seen, is the resulting destruction to wildlife and pollinator habitat, soil health and erosion, and native vegetation (critical for our efforts to prevent and address climate change.)

Save the outdoor pool/park, more bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure, single-track bike trails, reduce 4-lane streets to 3 lanes + bike lanes.

Save the Pool and Park, more bike/ped lanes

We need to take care of and utilize more of all the great outdoor space we have in Bloomington.

We need more amenities that will draw new/younger families and keep families here like trails, mt biking trails, & other activities besides the same old ball and stick sports.

Park maintenance and updates

So many parks in Bloomington are in poor condition. Buckthorn has taken over most of the forested areas and playgrounds are falling apart. The playground at poplar bridge does not serve the many younger children in the neighborhood and is so worn out it is becoming dangerous. Also it is infested with ground wasps for a good portion of the summer every year and desperately needs an update. Adding low cost, user maintained facilities such as bike parks and single track mountain bike trails is a great way to add amenities for minimal upfront and maintenance costs. Underutilized parks such as corridor park and Tierney's woods are ideal locations.

Keep our green space, keep the one and only outdoor swimming pool. Have it open for a few weeks longer like other communities do.

Save the pool

Bloomington isn't doing enough to address all the implications of climate change. There ARE many residents that ARE wanting to help.

We need to deal with and prepare for what is a head of us in a warming climate. More education on the simple things residents can do themselves: water/electric conservation, the 6 R's, composting, salt usage etc..

Not retaining young families

Bloomington has become a destination to start a family and then move away before kids become school age. The schools are consistently decreasing in important metrics, especially regarding underserved populations. Bloomington can increase retention by investing heavily in schools and in amenities. Improving park facilities and rehabilitating green spaces well help make this city attractive to young families. The polar bridge neighborhood is a prime example of deteriorating parks and schools.

Maintaining facilities

Taking a walk with our family through Kelly Fields, we often notice what a tremendous asset the parks are to the community. We also notice the spaces are showing regular wear without necessary maintenance or upgrades. An example is the playground at Kelly which is heavily used but needs to either be repaired or replaced. Warming houses could use more maintenance than they currently receive.

Restoring and maintaining our natural resources.

Studies show that healthy and quality natural resources improve 1) the physical, social, and mental health of people, 2) wildlife and pollinator habitant, 3) the balance within our earth's ecosystem (which would help prevent and address climate change), 4) the desirability of our city, and 5) provide sustainable jobs and food.

Lack of a sense of community among neighbors.

Social hostility and tensions, poorly maintained public spaces, and increasing crime are just a few indicators of the need for a greater sense of community among neighbors. The City needs to commit to working to support and encourage a sense of community among neighbors.

We have a lot of under utilized green spaces. We need to remove invasive plants and develop a plan to get residents outdoors.

All people who live, work, worship, play, and learn, in our city.

A new multipurpose clubhouse for Dwan. It could also serve as a meeting space and for wedding receptions.

New Clubhouse for Dwan Golf Course that could support the costs of replacing it.

Short and Sweet: PEOPLE are the greatest untapped resources in our community!!

As stated in other idea, there are residents that are willing to roll up their sleeves and get to work. They just need the opportunity.

Government should be the formal extension of the community.

Government should be focused on facilitating an ongoing community conversation that translates into collective action, where everyone is supported in knowing and doing their part. Government should not be about doing things for people, but rather should be focused on doing things with and working with the community. Thus government needs to ensure their work supports, builds, and encourages a sense of community and collective action among neighbors.

The local government needs to stand solidly behind the vision of what people want for the city. Then educate, inform, & interact w people.

The city should fund the initial costs of the buildings which would then be self supporting or provide income for the city in the future.

Fund the initial cost of the building a New Clubhouse or Community Center