Press release: Rogers Family Park is Dedicated; The Intersection of 17th and Kinser Pike Has Been Reopened to Traffic; and Downtown Curb Ramp Project is Nearing Completion

The following press release was shared with the Bloomingtonian:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 04, 2023

For more information, please contact:

Angela Van Rooy, Interim Communications Director, Office of the Mayor

Rogers Family Park is Dedicated; The Intersection of 17th and Kinser Pike Has Been Reopened to Traffic; and Downtown Curb Ramp Project is Nearing Completion

Bloomington, Ind. – Numerous infrastructure improvement projects are underway this season to advance community goals, including safety, sustainability, accessibility, equity, economic vitality, and quality of life in Bloomington. The City will provide regular public updates on a range of these improvements as they progress. The City makes every effort to provide residents and visitors with updated and accurate information though all projects schedules are weather dependent.

PARKS & RECREATION

Rogers Family Park dedication-

The Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a dedication and ribbon cutting on Friday, August 4 at 3 p.m. to celebrate the completion of the Rogers Family Park project (formerly known as Goat Farm Park). The improvements to the park, including new walking paths and boardwalks, a permeable paver parking lot, new seating areas, and exterior improvements to the barn were all made possible by a generous donation from the Sherman and Meredith Rogers Family. The donation also commissioned a new piece of public art by Jonathan Racek titled FLEET/ing, which has been installed near the barn. Friday’s dedication will include speakers from the Office of the Mayor, the Bloomington Arts Commission, and the Rogers family. While this marks the substantial completion of the project, the contractor will continue to work on some landscaping items and ongoing native plant restoration efforts into next year. Parking in the area is limited and attendees are urged to park nearby and walk if able.

Rogers Family Park barn, FLEET/ing sculpture, seating areas, and gardens.

Rose Hill Cemetery Scatter Garden opens-

On Thursday, August 3 the Parks and Recreation Department opened the Rose Hill Cemetery Scatter Garden. The scatter garden creates a place for cremated remains to be scattered, and offers an optional memorial engraving on the granite monument located in the scatter garden area. The scatter garden is located at the site of the old cemetery fountain, which was relocated to the Waldron, Hill, and Buskirk Park in 1991. Contractors and Parks and Recreation staff members worked to restore the original limestone path, install a granite monument and fence, and remove the road that previously circled the area. The site also has opportunities for memorial trees and benches.

Rose Hill Cemetery Scatter Garden with a granite monument, enclosed in a fence, surrounded by a limestone path.

Southeast Park Fitness Station being installed-

Staff members from Parks and Recreation are currently installing a new community fitness station at Southeast Park near the parking lot and playground. The fitness station was conceived of by representatives of the Arden Place and Sycamore Knolls neighborhoods, who applied for and received a Neighborhood Improvement Grant through the City’s Housing and Neighborhood Development department. The fitness station will be installed and opened for use in the coming weeks.

Concrete curbs being poured around the pad that upon which fitness equipment will be installed at Southeast Park.

ENGINEERING

17th St (Monroe to Walnut)–

A multi-use path is being constructed along the north side of 17th St, and accessible sidewalk curb ramps are being installed. The street is being resurfaced and the existing traffic signal at the intersection of 17th St at Madison St/Kinser Pike has been replaced. Construction began in April and is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year. The intersection of 17th and Kinser Pike has been reopened to traffic. The project is continuing to the west with a closure to eastbound traffic on 17th St from Monroe St to Maple St. More information is available on the project webpage at: bton.in/1D30T

Looking north at the newly opened intersection of Madison St/Kinser Pike and W 17th St, after the installation of new traffic lights and paving.

E 3rd St –

E 3rd St between Eagleson and Overhill will have pavement markings completed by August 4. Raised pavement markings along the lane lines and any sign work should be completed during the week of August 7. There may be lane restrictions due to work.

Country Club Dr –

W Country Club Dr, west of Walnut to the bridge, will have pavement markings completed by August 4. Raised pavement markings along the lane lines and any sign work should be completed during the week of August 7. There may be lane restrictions due to work.

Downtown Curb Ramps, Phase III –

This project reconstructed downtown curbs ramps in 14 locations throughout the downtown area, focusing on providing continuous routes. Construction began in early spring and is nearing completion. More information is available on the project webpage at: https://bloomington.in.gov/engineering/projects/dt-curb-ramps-phiii

Updated ADA compliant curbs ramps at the corner of W 7th St and Madison.

PUBLIC WORKS

Resurfacing Projects –

During the week of August 7, weather permitting, the Department of Public Works Street Division crews will begin milling & resurfacing on S Franklin Road from W 3rd Street to End of City Maintenance. The Division will prep streets prior to resurfacing and will have restrictions during work hours (7 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Signage will be posted. View an interactive map of 2023 paving projects at: bton.in/tpNzZ

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