Nine Mile Creek Corridor - Moving Bloomington Forward
Click for Project Updates to provide feedback on Moir Park concepts by November 15, 2024.
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:Continue reading
Click for Project Updates to provide feedback on Moir Park concepts by November 15, 2024.
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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Share your story!
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.
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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, 6 months agoI 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, 6 months agoThe 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
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Treasure in the City
by Tegan, 6 months agoI 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, 6 months agoAs 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
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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, 6 months agoThe 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
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A Natural Escape from the City
by RB, 6 months agoI 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, 6 months agoIn 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
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A rare gem in the city
by cr, 6 months agoMy 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
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Missing Natural Bike Trails
by Blake, 6 months agoI 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, 6 months ago40+ 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
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Who's Listening
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Phone 952-563-8758 Email forward@bloomingtonmn.gov -
Phone 952-563-8890 Email forward@bloomingtonmn.gov
Timeline
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Request for Proposal (RFP) for Architect/Engineer
Nine Mile Creek Corridor - Moving Bloomington Forward has finished this stageMarch 2024: Issue Request for Proposal (RFP) for Architect/Engineer
April/May 2024: Review RFP responses.
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Contract awarded for architect and engineering firm.
Nine Mile Creek Corridor - Moving Bloomington Forward has finished this stageMay 20 City Council Meeting authorization of contract to SEH.
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Nine Mile Creek Community Celebration
Nine Mile Creek Corridor - Moving Bloomington Forward has finished this stageMay 21, 2024, 4 - 6 p.m. The Community Celebration event scheduled has been rescheduled due to inclement weather.
June 5, 4 - 6 p.m. RESCHEDULED Community Celebration Event at Moir Park.
- A summary of the event will be posted at BloomingtonForward.org in July.
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Environmental Analysis and Community Engagement
Nine Mile Creek Corridor - Moving Bloomington Forward has finished this stage- June - November 2024: Environmental and technical analysis/feasibility study.
- Late Spring - Fall 2024: Community engagement.
Help Plan Moir Park Event
- August 7, 2024, 5 - 7 p.m. (Wednesday)
- Moir Park Picnic Shelter
- 10320 Morgan Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55431
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Design / Community Feedback
Nine Mile Creek Corridor - Moving Bloomington Forward is currently at this stageFall 2024 - 2025: Schematic design, design development and community engagement.
Public Engagement - Concept Review
Monday, October 21, 3-5 p.m. at Moir Park, 10320 Morgan Ave. S.
Tuesday, October 22, 5-7 p.m. at Bloomington Center for the Arts' Black Box Theater, 1800 West Old Shakopee Road.
The project team has listened to the community, collected technical information about the site and studied possibilities for improvements to natural resources, trails, and Moir Park. Concepts to illustrate what’s possible and provide alternatives for public input will be shared. This is part of the predesign/feasibility study process; the first phase of planning and design.
Let's Talk Bloomington online survey (coming mid-October).
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Construction
this is an upcoming stage for Nine Mile Creek Corridor - Moving Bloomington ForwardEarly 2026: Construction documents and bid for construction.
Spring 2026 - 2027: Construction.
all schedules subject to change.
Important Links
FAQs
Videos
- June 5, 2024: The Community Celebration/project kickoff was held at Moir Park on June 5. Fox 9 Morning News aired a story ahead of the event, including an interview with Water Resources Specialist Jack Distel. He spoke about natural resources restoration and articulated why we are managing natural areas.