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 Moir Park on Facebook Share Moir Park on Twitter Share Moir Park on Linkedin Email Moir Park link

    Moir Park

    by gate0041, 6 months ago

    My memories go back to when my kids were young. The Bloomington Babysitting Co-op held the annual picnic at the shelter for years and Scout troops occasionally did events there too. Moir Park has a great disk golf course, playground, and walking trails. The park is right in the heart of Bloomington. It has the potential to be a vibrant, community gathering space for multiple user groups. It would be fantastic to add to the outdoor amenities of this park: natural surface singletrack mountain bike and trail running trails, more hiking trails, ADA accessible trails, pickleball, climbing wall, small stage... Continue reading

  • Share Poetic Power of Nature on Facebook Share Poetic Power of Nature on Twitter Share Poetic Power of Nature on Linkedin Email Poetic Power of Nature link

    Poetic Power of Nature

    by CAL, 6 months ago

    My affection for Nine Mile Creek is poetic in nature. It began seven years ago when my spouse and I moved to Minnesota from out of state. Initially, we searched for a home in Minneapolis but were ultimately drawn to Bloomington by two irresistible factors. First, we fell in love with a beautiful century-old house we now call home. Second, we were utterly captivated by the Nine Mile Creek corridor. Seven years later, my heart still swells with admiration for the creek and all its inhabitants.

    The natural surfaced path initially caught my attention, as it is much kinder to... Continue reading

  • Share First Ring Suburb Natural Gem! on Facebook Share First Ring Suburb Natural Gem! on Twitter Share First Ring Suburb Natural Gem! on Linkedin Email First Ring Suburb Natural Gem! link

    First Ring Suburb Natural Gem!

    by Tracy Trembley, 6 months ago

    I have lived in Bloomington since 2001 and visit the Nine Mile Creek Corridor at Moir and Central Park regularly—usually while walking my dog. It‘s such a spectacular and unique place to experience the solitude of nature (mostly in her raw state) in the midst of a major metropolitan area. It seems the founders of Bloomington township were wise when they set aside this land in 1954. May we continue that wisdom and ensure we co-exist with the park‘s natural inhabitants for generations to come. As they say, “Take memories, leave only footprints.”

  • Share Beautiful and peaceful 9 Mile Creek trail on Facebook Share Beautiful and peaceful 9 Mile Creek trail on Twitter Share Beautiful and peaceful 9 Mile Creek trail on Linkedin Email Beautiful and peaceful 9 Mile Creek trail link

    Beautiful and peaceful 9 Mile Creek trail

    by Stefanie, 6 months ago

    I have lived in Bloomington since 2011....and since adopting my dog in 2014, I have walked with her along 9 Mile Creek almost everyday (even a snow storm won't keep us away). This daily walk brings me, my dog, and all who join me so much joy and peace. Our favorite part of 9 Mile Creek is the dirt trail from 106th Street down to the Minnesota River. It is such a beautiful area, and there seems to be so much more nature along this dirt trail vs the paved trail north of 106th Street. I see more deer here... Continue reading

  • Share “In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.” John Muir on Facebook Share “In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.” John Muir on Twitter Share “In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.” John Muir on Linkedin Email “In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.” John Muir link

    “In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.” John Muir

    by TigerLily, 6 months ago

    I’ve lived in the west metro most of my life and a Bloomington resident for over 30 years. I lived briefly in San Francisco, Washington DC, and the mountains of Colorado, enjoying some of the best of our National Parks. The Nine Mile Creek Corridor is a rare gem in the heart of Bloomington that brings back fond memories of peaceful hikes in Muir Woods. Granted, we don’t have old-growth redwoods, but we do have old trees providing a shady canopy with rich biodiversity including endangered species and a meandering creek below.

    I love the woods and water and enjoy... Continue reading

  • Share Central Park is my favorite park in the Twin Cities on Facebook Share Central Park is my favorite park in the Twin Cities on Twitter Share Central Park is my favorite park in the Twin Cities on Linkedin Email Central Park is my favorite park in the Twin Cities link

    Central Park is my favorite park in the Twin Cities

    by MLBloom, 6 months ago

    I’d lived in Minneapolis for a long time when a friend suggested we look at a townhouse in Bloomington. We were instantly in love with the view from the deck into Central Park, and when we went down to the creek, we were enchanted by the quaint bridges, burbling stream, those towering cottonwoods at mile marker .4, and just how beautiful and wild the park felt. We decided right then to buy the place.

    That was ten years ago.

    Over the years I have explored every trail in the park. I have seen so much wildlife! Have you ever had... Continue reading

  • Share Keep Nine Mile Creek Trail the beautiful walking path it is today! on Facebook Share Keep Nine Mile Creek Trail the beautiful walking path it is today! on Twitter Share Keep Nine Mile Creek Trail the beautiful walking path it is today! on Linkedin Email Keep Nine Mile Creek Trail the beautiful walking path it is today! link

    Keep Nine Mile Creek Trail the beautiful walking path it is today!

    by Jane Freeman , 6 months ago

    My husband and I are long-time Bloomington residents, living in the city for 33 years. Although we live on Bloomington’s west side, near Hyland Park, we often walk at Nine Mile because it is such a special place.

    In the summer, it is cool and shaded, and in the winter, it is protected from the cold north wind. In all seasons, it is a treasure with the creek winding and flowing through and nature on every side.

    When we step onto the path, we immediately feel like we are “up north” within the city! Last spring, summer and fall alone... Continue reading

  • Share Landscape Artist on Facebook Share Landscape Artist on Twitter Share Landscape Artist on Linkedin Email Landscape Artist link

    Landscape Artist

    by Bob Matheson, 6 months ago

    I am an artist who has painted 9 Mile Creek for over 20 years and I never tire of its charm and beauty. I paint it year round and spend 4-6 hours on each painting. doing a few paintings a week I spend a lot of time here. I paint along the creek between Moir and 106th as I can no longer climb the steep hill beyond that although in my opinion that is where the " best " spots are.

    When I first heard of the plan to put in a bike path I was immediately saddened for the... Continue reading

  • Share Voices for the land… on Facebook Share Voices for the land… on Twitter Share Voices for the land… on Linkedin Email Voices for the land… link

    Voices for the land…

    by Mary Woodford, 6 months ago
    When the wildlife dies out because their homes are destroyed, when the vegetation is covered with asphalt and the trees are felled, even if one part is silenced 9 mile Creek will never be as pure and true as it is now. I realize it is really quite modest, but it’s lessons are not….sometimes less is more and nature demands that we look inward as much as outward. 9 mile Creek has carved a niche in my heart that will last for the rest of my life. I am hoping that my grandchildren will be able to continue to enjoy... Continue reading
  • Share Peaceful quiet meandering on Facebook Share Peaceful quiet meandering on Twitter Share Peaceful quiet meandering on Linkedin Email Peaceful quiet meandering link

    Peaceful quiet meandering

    by LMM, 6 months ago
    Nine Mile Creek Corridor is one of the few places left in the area where you can experience nature in a quiet, safe setting without having to worry about mountain bikers, bicyclists, and skateboards careening around corners and monopolizing the trails. It’s a peaceful, serene place for nature lovers, walkers, (and even landscape artists!) to meander, think, and get exercise. I look forward to seeing how the city can help revitalize the area plantings without losing that serenity.
Page last updated: 22 Oct 2024, 04:59 PM