Bloomington park lovers will have a new stomping ground when Switchyard Park opens November 16. Spanning 57 acres, the park runs from West Grimes Lane to Country Club Road and between South Walnut and South Rogers Street.
According to a press release from the City of Bloomington, Switchyard Park will contain a pavilion, performance stage and amphitheater, skatepark, community gardens, fitness stations, basketball, pickleball and bocce ball courts, splash pad, accessible playground, bosque (formal forest), and picnic shelter.
To inaugurate the park as a community hub, the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department will welcome people to the park for two days of grand opening festivities on November 16 and 17. On November 16 from 6 to 8 p.m., a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring Mayor John Hamilton and other guests will take place on the pavilion. On November 17, the celebration will include children’s activities, live music, food trucks, games facilitated by Parks and Recreation staff, and demonstrations. Additionally, staff will share information about the park’s history as a former site of railroad activity and commerce and its transformation to a natural space with native plants.
While many parts of the park will be accessible to the public on November 16, the performance and activity lawns and dog park will be closed so that recently planted grass can grow.
The City of Bloomington purchased the former railroad property in 2009 and began construction of Switchyard Park in 2017.
For more information, visit https://bloomington.in.gov/parks/parks/switchyard-park.
