Nine Mile Creek Corridor - Moving Bloomington Forward

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Picture with flowers in the foreground and the current Moir Park shelter in the background.

Background: More than two years of input from residents helped the City develop the long-term Bloomington Forward investment plan to support three major community projects for better health, wellness, athletics and recreation.

In November 2023, via citywide referendum, Bloomington voters approved a half-percent local option sales tax to finance $155 million in bonds to pay for the projects. This includes the Nine Mile Creek Corridor Renewal project which prioritizes, sustainability and desirable amenities to ensure continued connection of resident to nature and outdoor activities.

Background: The 2021 Park System Master Plan assessed existing park infrastructure, and established needs and priorities

Picture with flowers in the foreground and the current Moir Park shelter in the background.

Background: More than two years of input from residents helped the City develop the long-term Bloomington Forward investment plan to support three major community projects for better health, wellness, athletics and recreation.

In November 2023, via citywide referendum, Bloomington voters approved a half-percent local option sales tax to finance $155 million in bonds to pay for the projects. This includes the Nine Mile Creek Corridor Renewal project which prioritizes, sustainability and desirable amenities to ensure continued connection of resident to nature and outdoor activities.

Background: The 2021 Park System Master Plan assessed existing park infrastructure, and established needs and priorities based on extensive stakeholder and community engagement and input.

A community-driven planning process will develop a new vision for Moir/Central Park, with design principles reflecting the Park System Master Plan’s priorities of natural resources, park facility needs, trails, mobility and equity.


Answers to common questions (FAQs) about the Nine Mile Creek Corridor project can be found on the project website.

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Thank you for your stories.  Stay up to date on the Nine Mile Creek Corridor project at BloomingtonForward.org



What's YOUR Nine Mile Creek Corridor story?

WALKS | WILDLIFE | PICNICS | PLAY 

Tell us what you love about the Nine Mile Creek Corridor and Moir and Central Park areas.  These areas have been the site for many wonderful experiences and we want to hear what has made them special to you in the past.   As we launch the Moving Bloomington Forward, Nine Mile Creek Corridor project, we start with what has already brought us joy.   

Registration is not required, however you will be asked for an e-mail and your name so we can contact you if we'd like to use your story in promotions. 

This summer we will begin engagement to gather input for the future of the area. You will have opportunities to share your input during that time. 

Thank you for sharing your story with us.
CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
  • Share Look up and down and all around. There is something to see everywhere. on Facebook Share Look up and down and all around. There is something to see everywhere. on Twitter Share Look up and down and all around. There is something to see everywhere. on Linkedin Email Look up and down and all around. There is something to see everywhere. link

    Look up and down and all around. There is something to see everywhere.

    by trillium, 5 months ago

    I first walked in Moir and Central parks over 20 years ago simply for brisk walks. I kept my eyes on the footpath because I feared encountering a snake.
    When I slowed down my walk, I noticed the lovely creek and the tall trees and sometimes saw an owl or a fox. I still looked for snakes.
    After a while walking included listening to birdsong and looking up to see eagles, hawks and migratory birds. I was rarely looking down because there was so much to see above.
    Then I discovered... Continue reading

  • Share A sacred space to be and to breathe on Facebook Share A sacred space to be and to breathe on Twitter Share A sacred space to be and to breathe on Linkedin Email A sacred space to be and to breathe link

    A sacred space to be and to breathe

    by Angie S, 5 months ago

    The park means family. My parents got engaged in Central Park - at the clearing by the bend in the creek. Moir park was there for my family on a tearful summer day in July 2020 for a socially distanced gathering following my grandma's funeral. We gathered under the big trees, at separate picnic tables, but together because of the park. The park is a safe haven. When I was barely able to get around after a car accident left me disabled for three years, the unpaved trail south of 106th offered a secluded and safe place for me to... Continue reading

  • Share Treasure in the City on Facebook Share Treasure in the City on Twitter Share Treasure in the City on Linkedin Email Treasure in the City link

    Treasure in the City

    by Tegan, 5 months ago
    I am so fortunate to live within walking distance of Nine Mile Creek. It is such a gift to be able to walk along the creek with my dog. Between the trees, wildlife, and bubbling music of the creek, it is truly an oasis of quiet calm. I love the unpaved trail, so much easier on the knees and it contributes to feeling even closer to nature vs a typical city park. A visit to Nine Mile with my dog always leaves me feeling better than when I arrived. I hope that as much nature can be preserved as possible... Continue reading
  • Share Perfect location for Natural Surface Mountain Bike Trails - A destination for local riders on Facebook Share Perfect location for Natural Surface Mountain Bike Trails - A destination for local riders on Twitter Share Perfect location for Natural Surface Mountain Bike Trails - A destination for local riders on Linkedin Email Perfect location for Natural Surface Mountain Bike Trails - A destination for local riders link

    Perfect location for Natural Surface Mountain Bike Trails - A destination for local riders

    by adam, 5 months ago

    As a Bloomington resident for 10+ years, and frequent mountain biker, I am constantly finding myself driving to other communities to ride high quality, singletrack mountain bike trails. Lone Lake in Minnetonka is the closest, which is still a 15 minute drive away. Murphy Hanrehan in Savage, and Lebanon Hills in Apple Valley are slightly further. The Natural Surface trails in the river bottoms are OK, but access to them is limited to Lyndale Avenue or Bloomington Ferry. The Nine Mile creek corridor is a beautiful area that would be an excellent location for destination-worthy singletrack trails, and would be... Continue reading

  • Share One of the Few Safe Places Left for Pedestrians, Dogs, and Artists on Facebook Share One of the Few Safe Places Left for Pedestrians, Dogs, and Artists on Twitter Share One of the Few Safe Places Left for Pedestrians, Dogs, and Artists on Linkedin Email One of the Few Safe Places Left for Pedestrians, Dogs, and Artists link

    One of the Few Safe Places Left for Pedestrians, Dogs, and Artists

    by Jim Fisher, 5 months ago

    The Nine Mile Creek Corridor has some of the steepest paved trails in the Metro Area. We should have learned that combining bicycles and pedestrians at the bottom of steep hills is deadly. The last time we paved a trail through the woods down a steep hill a woman was killed, who was a friend to many of us, as a cyclist rode down from Highwood Drive through the tunnel into Hyland.


    Right now, the Corridor is safe for pedestrians, safe for people with dogs on long leashes, safe for our friend to set up his easel and canvas at... Continue reading

  • Share A Natural Escape from the City on Facebook Share A Natural Escape from the City on Twitter Share A Natural Escape from the City on Linkedin Email A Natural Escape from the City link

    A Natural Escape from the City

    by RB, 5 months ago
    I love the Nine Mile Creek nature trails as a place right close to home where I can escape to nature. It’s usually not crowded and there are plenty of peaceful side paths to get you away from the main trail. My dog loves to explore the scents along the way. I am opposed to allowing bikes as they move much faster than walkers and come up from behind (many unannounced) and startle me and my dog. I like the peace and calm there.
  • Share A place of solitude inspired by nature on Facebook Share A place of solitude inspired by nature on Twitter Share A place of solitude inspired by nature on Linkedin Email A place of solitude inspired by nature link

    A place of solitude inspired by nature

    by Kellie, 5 months ago



    In the fall of 2021, when I was 52 years of age, I was on a solo walk through Moir Park down to the Minnesota River and back and for the first time in my life, I had the pleasure of seeing an owl in the wild. It was a moment I will never forget. Just me and the owl alone in the woods of this unique and treasured gem of a park right in the city of Bloomington. I couldn't even believe what I was seeing. I thought to myself how incredilbly lucky it is that I live near... Continue reading

  • Share A rare gem in the city on Facebook Share A rare gem in the city on Twitter Share A rare gem in the city on Linkedin Email A rare gem in the city link

    A rare gem in the city

    by cr, 5 months ago

    My story with Central Park does not go back as far as some people's, but it is deeply meaningful to me. When I discovered this park, I knew I wanted to live nearby. Two years ago, I purchased my home specifically to be close to this wonderful place. The natural beauty of the park provides a serene escape that feels like being in the countryside, despite being in the heart of the city. The quiet, bike-free trails offer a perfect place for me to walk my dog. Through these peaceful walks, I have met many wonderful people and made new... Continue reading

  • Share Missing Natural Bike Trails on Facebook Share Missing Natural Bike Trails on Twitter Share Missing Natural Bike Trails on Linkedin Email Missing Natural Bike Trails link

    Missing Natural Bike Trails

    by Blake, 5 months ago
    I love the natural beauty of nine mile creek. We walk on the weekends in the morning with our dog. What’s missing is mountain bike trails throughout the park. These would be natural (non paved) sustainable trails. If your looking for examples that this can be done look at Lone Lake Park in Eden prairie, which biking community supports the park through volunteer work and managing invasive species.
  • Share Once we alter we can’t go back on Facebook Share Once we alter we can’t go back on Twitter Share Once we alter we can’t go back on Linkedin Email Once we alter we can’t go back link

    Once we alter we can’t go back

    by GT, 5 months ago

    40+ year resident of Bloomington. Have seen a lot of change - some good, some not so much.

    Grew up one block from the 9 mile natural trail system that is being considered to be covered in asphalt. I currently live approx 200 - 300 yds from same trail.

    Growing up - all the kids in the neighborhood spent countless hours (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter) playing and connecting with this unspoiled paradise.I now walk this trail at least once a week with my dog - it is as close to real nature experience as any of us can get residing... Continue reading

Page last updated: 22 Oct 2024, 04:59 PM