News Releases
Constitution Trail Reforestation Project
Ash trees have been removed and will be replaced along Constitution Trail in early 2012. Ash removals began on west section of Constitution Trail at Washington Street and the I-55/I-74 overpass through Bloomington’s sections of Constitution Trail. Planting will begin in the spring.
A total of 96 Ash trees will be replaced to prevent spread of the Emerald Ash Borer. The project is funded by a grant from the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus.
Trout Fishing Moved From Miller Park Lake to White Oak Park Lake
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will move the Catchable Trout Program from Miller Park Lake to White Oak Park Lake for the 2012 spring catchable trout season. Future catchable trout programs will return to Miller Park Lake. Anglers are prohibited from taking (harvesting) trout before the legal opening.
To legally harvest rainbow and/or brown trout from any waters which receive catchable trout or hatchery stockings of trout, anglers must have a fishing license and inland trout stamp, unless they are under 16 years of age, blind or disabled, or Illinois residents on leave from the Armed Forces. A daily limit of five trout per angler is enforced.
Fishing licenses and inland trout stamps are available at sporting goods stores and other vendors located near the catchable trout fishing sites, and at the IDNR’s five regional offices at Sterling, Bartlett, Clinton, Alton, and Benton. This program is funded through the sale of inland trout stamps.
Miller Park Zoo Master Plan
Please click DRAFT Zoo Master Plan to see the current DRAFT master plan for Miller Park Zoo. Staff is welcoming input on this plan. Submit your comments to parks@cityblm.org or by mail to P.O. Box 3157, Attn: Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department, Bloomington 61702-3157.
Eagle View Park Planning Process
The Parks Master Plan identifies the next recommended new park development as Eagle View Park, located just east of Towanda-Barnes Road and approximately 1/2 mile north of General Electric Road. Three sketch concept drawings are available for download by clicking Eagle View Concept 1, Eagle View Concept 2 and Eagle View Concept 3. No definite timeline or funding source has been formally adopted at this time, however, Staff is welcoming input on any of these three concept drawings. Submit your comments to parks@cityblm.org or by mail to P.O. Box 3157, Attn: Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Deptartment, Bloomington 61702-3157.
Parks Master Plan Update
The City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department has undertaken the process of updating the Bloomington Parks Master Plan that was adopted in October of 2005. There are several reasons and purposes identified for this document. The first is the development and enhancement of the outdoor parks and facilities offered to the citizens. The purpose of this document was not to review and identify better programs or how to provide and generate greater revenue for the various Parks Programs, nor to review the current rate structure.
2010 Approved Parks Master Plan Update
(14.1MB PDF)
Click below for a list of frequently asked questions on the Parks Master Plan.
Parks Master Plan FAQ
Constitution Trail – Ash Tree Replacement Project
The City of Bloomington Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Arts Department has received an Illinois Urban Forestry Restoration Grant through the Department of Agriculture to remove and replace 96 Ash trees along Constitution Trail.
These funds will provide a unique opportunity to reforest these areas after the impending loss of Ash Trees caused by the Emerald Ash Borer and will also increase the diversity of tree species throughout the park.
This two stage project began in January; Trees were removed along the trail in stage one and an equal number will be planted in the spring of 2012.
Any questions, please contact the Parks Division at (309) 434-2280
A note from the American Bird Conservancy:
For information on solutions to preventing birds from flying into home windows, click here.
