Courtesy photo – City of Bloomington
Staff report
Staff report
Bloomington, Ind. – July 27, 2023
Numerous infrastructure improvement projects aimed at advancing various community goals, including safety, sustainability, accessibility, equity, economic vitality, and quality of life, are currently in progress according to a press release from the City of Bloomington:
Parks & Recreation Upgrades
In the realm of Parks & Recreation, improvements have been made to the Bryan Park Pool’s Limestone Lagoon spray features. A new pump drive control was recently installed, enabling the activation of the popular mushroom spray feature for the first time this year. The delay in activating this feature was caused by a backordered part, but it is now fully operational, for pool-goers.
As the school year approaches, Mills Pool is scheduled to close for the season after Sunday, July 30. Meanwhile, the Bryan Park Pool will remain open daily until Tuesday, August 1. Following that date, the pool’s operation will be limited to weekends only, from 11 am to 7 pm, until Labor Day weekend. After the holiday, the pool will conclude its seasonal operation and close until next year.
The Bicentennial Bond Griffy Loop Trail Project continues to progress, with contractors actively working on the Griffy Dam Trail Crossing and the Griffy South Shore Trail. Currently, the focus is on installing fencing along the top of the dam to ensure the safe crossing of trail users from end to end. Once the project is complete, the dam’s trail will be equipped with fencing on both sides and a newly constructed staircase to provide access to the parking lot below the dam.
Additionally, contractors are working on the four-mile South Shore Trail, with nearly a mile of new trail roughed in thus far. However, for safety reasons, these trails remain closed to the public until their expected completion later in 2023. Residents eager to explore the trail’s connections and learn more about the project can find detailed information on the Parks and Recreation website.
To further maintain the city’s trail network, the Parks and Recreation staff members are actively engaged in seasonal trimming of overgrowth along various trails and paths. Recently, they completed trimming work along the Polly Grimshaw Trail. In the coming days, a one-day closure of the B-Line between Moravec and Adams St is planned to facilitate Urban Forestry and Vegetation Management crews in safely removing overgrowth and conducting tree work. Furthermore, during the week of August 7-11, a two-day closure of the Rail Trail between Rogers St. and the Clear Creek Trail roundabout is scheduled for similar trimming. Specific closure dates will be weather-dependent and communicated through signage and social media, with efforts made to minimize disruptions and ensure partial access to trails where possible.
Engineering Projects
The ongoing efforts by the City also encompass several engineering projects that are currently underway. Notably, E 3rd St between Eagleson and Overhill is set to undergo night-time paving from 7 pm to 7 am on Wednesday and Thursday nights, subject to weather conditions. This paving will necessitate lane restrictions and temporary road closures during the designated hours. Furthermore, pavement markings are expected to be added at the beginning of the following week.
Another notable project involves the closure of W Country Club Dr between Walnut and the western bridge on Friday night, weather permitting. The closure is necessary for milling and paving works to enhance the area’s road infrastructure. Similarly, pavement markings are expected to be applied at the beginning of the following week.
Also, residents should be aware of ongoing lane closures on N Walnut St, from E. 15th St to E. 17th St, with an anticipated finishing date of August 11th. Additionally, the section of West 17th St, between N. College Ave and N. Walnut St, will remain closed as Landmark Construction, in conjunction with R.H. Marlin, continues its work. These engineering endeavors aim to provide upgraded storm sewer service for The Standard apartment complex being developed on E 14th St.
Public Works Initiatives
The Department of Public Works Street Division crews are actively engaged in resurfacing projects as well. Specifically, during the week of July 31, weather permitting, they will be continuing their paving efforts on N Rogers St from W Kirkwood Ave to N 11th St. To facilitate the resurfacing process, certain restrictions will be in place during work hours, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with appropriate signage to guide motorists.
Furthermore, the Street Division crews are working to complete a sidewalk construction project on W 13th St, spanning from N Fairview St to N Maple St.
Courtesy photo – City of Bloomington
