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Peoples Park
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Overview
A 1/3 acre park formed when land was donated on December 17, 1976. It is located at the intersection of Kirkwood Avenue and Dunn Street.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, various landscaping improvements and site amenities were installed at the park. In 1994, as a result of meetings with business owners, citizens and park users concerned about park safety and cleaniness, park site amenities were replaced. The locations of benches and tables were changed, additional lighting installed, exposed aggregate sidewalks were repaired, and additional trash receptacles and ash urns were placed. In keeping with the tradtion of the park as a gathering place for socialization, and due to limited capital improvment funds, no other significant improvements of physical changes have occurred in the park's 20-year history.
In 1995, a partnership with Rhino's All-Ages Music Club resulted in the construction of a mural wall, allowing club members the opportunity to display artwork in the park. In addition, seasonal outdoor concerts were held in the park. Both programmatic initiatives have been successful and well received by the public and park users.
Indiana University had recently completed significant landscaping, lighting, sidewalk and parking improvements in the area surrounding Peoples Park. These improvements, and the very intensive use of the park, highlighted what has been judged to be a "run down" or unkept appearance in the park. With endorsement and unanimous support by the Board of Park Commissionsers, and with discussion and unltimate approval by the City of Bloomington Common Council, the Parks and Recreation Department 1998 Budget included an appropriation of $123,000 in capital improvement funds for Peoples Park.
History
Peoples Park is located on the northeast corner of Dunn Street and Kirkwood Avenue and is managed by Parks and Recreation Department. It was given to the city by the Canada Family after a fire. The site must remain as a public park or default back to the family. During the Big Dig of 2000, Peoples Park was temporarily closed for excavations relating to the underground section of the Jordan River. It was reopened with new landscaping and its classic functional seating sculpture.
According to the February 10, 2002 The Herald-Times, Peoples Park was used by onlookers during the Greetings fire.
Facilities
- Parking Area: None
- Playground Equipment: None
- Other: Benches, checker tables, murals, mosaic tiles, concrete sculptures
Directions
From Mall Area: Take 3rd Street west past the IU campus. Turn right (north) at Indiana Avenue. Take Indiana to Kirkwood Avenue (T's into campus at the Sample Gates), and turn left (west). Peoples Park is on the right.
Future Plans
Capital Improvements at Peoples Park, Anticipated projects for 2005 - 2009
none planned
