City of Bloomington, Indiana Parks and Recreation Department 2017 Annual Report

City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department

2017 Annual Report

Messy Mania at Bryan Park, July 2017

Message from the Mayor

As I write, Bloomington has just celebrated its 200th birthday. It’s a good time to stand back and reflect on how far we’ve come.

As we welcome more people to our city each year, one sentiment we frequently hear expressed is that people choose to settle in Bloomington because it’s a small city with big-city amenities. Life is easier and more convenient here than in a metropolis, but our cultural and recreational offerings are comparable with those in cities many times our size. That’s a balancing act that comes with intentional planning and a robust parks and recreation system.

We spent much of the last year preparing to launch our city’s most ambitious park project to date. As this report goes to press, we are planning for the early May 2018 groundbreaking for Switchyard Park, a 65-acre property bounded by Grimes Lane on the north, Country Club Drive on the south, Walnut Street on the east, and Rogers Street on the west. Just this week, the landscape architects who designed the park have shared their renderings of the completed park. The results are stunning.

When residents using the B-Line Trail round the top of the Grimes Lane bridge, they may not be prepared for the view. From the myriad activities that present themselves when you first descend the bridge—bocce, basketball and pickleball courts, a splash pad, and playgrounds—the park extends in all directions with opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of all generations and abilities. A multiuse pavilion looks on to a grand lawn with a capacity for several thousand, significantly enhancing our city’s capacity to host major artists and large festivals. Raised garden plots extend our community gardening options. A skate park and dog park, and lots of places to sit in the shade and relax with friends and family, are all in the design.

Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton, with help from preschoolers at the Banneker Community Center, planted a tree at Banneker in recognition of Arbor Day on April 27, 2017.

It’s a place to bring a picnic basket and spend an afternoon.

Switchyard Park is special enough to become a destination that draws visitors to Bloomington from across the region, and private investment to adjacent properties—while very much remaining a neighborhood park. To ensure this park enhances the quality of life for everyone in Bloomington, the city has leased to South Central Indiana Housing Opportunities a parcel on South Rogers Street beside the park zoned as Residential High-Density Multifamily for the development of affordable housing.

The project is to construct two eight-unit apartment buildings with long-term affordability for low-income families, including three units specifically designed for individuals with disabilities.

We’re excited about the the potential the Switchyard Park development has for so many in our community. Please visit the city’s website and our Facebook page to see the park for yourself. Ribbon cutting for Switchyard Park is scheduled for late 2019. Can’t wait to see you there!

Meantime, if you’re downtown, you might notice that over the last year we’ve made smaller-scale efforts to create green spaces for folks to gather. If you’re in the Near West Side or McDoel Gardens, check out the neighborhood greens at Seventh Street and at Allen Street. They’re a breath of fresh air in some of Bloomington’s most historic core neighborhoods.

We made some big commitments to being outdoors in 2017. We’re looking forward to seeing you out there!

John Hamilton, Mayor City of Bloomington

M

essage from the Director

The Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department is a major community asset that embraces nature, promotes health, protects the environment, and provides spaces for passive and active recreation. It is a kaleidoscope of opportunities filled with trails, programs, events, trees, natural resources, and facilities all together creating opportunities for experiences. The Department staff are dedicated professionals creating places and programs for the community to enjoy, engage, and create memories.

The Department experienced a retirement, new hires, and promotions throughout the year. Customer Service Representative Lesilyn Neely retired after 25 years of service. Joining the team in 2017 were Crystal Ritter, Community Events Coordinator; Sarah Owen, Community Relations Coordinator; Mark Marotz, Operations Superintendent; and Hannah Buddin, Community Events Specialist. Promotions included Becky Barrick-Higgins to the position of Recreation Services Division Director; Leslie Brinson to Community Events Manager; Erik Pearson to Banneker Community Center Coordinator; and Tiffany Hall to Customer Service Representative.

Parks and Recreation Department Director Paula McDevitt

Our Programs, Services, and Partnerships Year two of our five-year Master Plan guided the Department in maintaining more than $51 million in city assets and providing more than 300 programs and events with more than 619,000 participations. Through 35 collaborative partnership agreements with a variety of organizations, the ability to provide services and programs expanded the scope of our mission in meeting the recreational needs of the community.

This tremendous support enhanced our efforts to maintain parks, care for trees, and facilitate programs, and extends our impact even further.

Park Projects The Department’s $6.9 million in park bond projects over four years kicked off in 2017 with the completion of several projects. New shade structures were installed at the Lower Cascades ballfields and at Mills Pool. The original irrigation system was replaced on six ballfields at Winslow Sports Complex in preparation for the 2018 softball and baseball season, while the Frank Southern Ice Arena saw a complete remodel of its public restrooms, and installation of new spectator seating. The Twin Lakes Recreation Center purchased new cardio fitness equipment, installed improved impact flooring in the weight room, and modernized its locker rooms for members and daily users.

The Department joined the city’s commitment to add five megawatts of solar power in 2017 and to take advantage of the state’s net metering incentives. Solar panels were installed at 13 Parks and Recreation sites, and the panels are expected to generate 1.519 million kilowatt hours of energy. A 651-kilowatt photovoltaic installation at the Twin Lakes Recreation Center is expected to save $79,158 a year in annual energy costs for that facility alone.

Switchyard Park The largest and most significant project in the Department’s history, Switchyard Park was under final design in 2017.

The final approval of construction documents took place late in 2017 in preparation for soliciting construction bids in early 2018. A new logo for Switchyard Park was created, along with signage announcing the future buildout of the park.

The Bloomington Parks Foundation engaged in a donor program feasibility study to launch alongside the building of Switchyard Park.

Awards and Recognition The Department continued its tradition of excellence with celebrations of the following achievements: • The Sports Division received a James Farrell Award of Excellence from USA Softball for hosting two of the highest-rated national softball tournaments of 2017.

• Leslie Brinson and Joanna Sparks received a City of Bloomington Human Resources Department Merit Staff Award.

• Leslie Brinson successfully completed the rigorous coursework and exam by the National Recreation and Park Association to become a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional.

• Kevin Prince received Tree Risk Assessment Qualification, or TRAQ, from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

Paula McDevitt Director

2017 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report 1

City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation

P

rogram

P

articipation

Participation is defined as the number of people times the number of visits/activity to a specific program or service.

The numbers below do not include any estimate of the number of visits to City parks or trails.

Community Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300,262 Aquatics . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 68,830 Adult Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58,484 Frank Southern Ice Arena. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46,766 Youth Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32,507 Banneker Community Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28,891 Golf Services. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 27,856 Natural Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20,468

Twin Lakes Recreation Center . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 15,715 Youth Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10,065 Health & Wellness . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 9,394 Inclusive Recreation . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 212 2017 Total Participations . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 619,450

Program Participation Percentage by Program Area Community Events 48%

Community Events 28%

Aquatics 11%

Adult Sports 9%

Frank Southern Ice Arena 7.5%

Youth Sports 5.2%

Banneker Community Center 4.6% The remainder of programs account for less than 3% each of total program participation.

Golf Services 4.5%

0

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20

2 2017 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report

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40

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City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation

C

ondensed

F

inancial

S

ummary

for the year ended December 31, 2017 2017 Revenue

Tax Proceeds & Miscellaneous Subtotal—Tax & Miscellaneous Revenue

2017 Expenditures

$6,065,104 $6,065,104

Administration $38,292 $611,287 Adult Sports $181,799 $376,704 Aquatics—Bryan Park Pool $232,113 $206,145 Aquatics—Mills Pool $31,908 $103,106 Aquatics—Health and Safety $3,748 $3,438 Banneker Community Center $71,502 $319,810 Community Events $121,671 $394,797 Community Events–Farmers’ Market $120,561 $119,052 Community Relations $3,000 $379,476 Frank Southern Ice Arena $293,517 $404,895 Golf Services $628,483 $903,931 Health & Wellness $3,123 $98,925 Inclusive Recreation-See Youth Programs $- $Landscaping/Cemeteries/Urban Forestry $29,741 $794,310 Natural Resources $70,820 $344,654 Operations $130,881 $1,521,671 Project School Lease/TLRC Reserve $88,125 $0 Twin Lakes Recreation Center $571,305 $1,476,993 Youth Programs $218,910 $327,399 Youth Sports $54,619 $268,800 TOTAL Program Revenue/Expenses $8,959,230 $8,655,400 Grants $311,793 $292,430 Capital Related/Capital Expenditures $179,131 TOTAL Revenue/Expenses $9,271,023 $9,126,961

*unaudited financial data

2017 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report 3

Operations & Development

The Operations Division is responsible for maintenance, security, sanitation, capital improvements, planning, construction, and development of all City parks and natural areas, facilities, trails, and greenways. It is also responsible for beautification of parks and public areas, including landscaping, the administration and maintenance of Rose Hill and White Oak Cemeteries, and urban forestry. This Division is responsible for the establishment, management, and enhancement of City–owned natural resources properties including Griffy Lake Nature Preserve, Wapehani Mountain Bike Park and Leonard Springs Nature Park. Natural resources staff offer outdoor recreational, educational, and volunteer opportunities.

• Renovated restroom building at Building Trades Park with water-saving • • •

• • • • • • • • • •

fixtures, energy-efficient lighting, and accessibility upgrades.

Installed new playhouse and play table at playground in Lower Cascades Park Planted eight trees and installed new tree grates around courthouse square Installed new engineered wood fiber surfacing at Park Ridge Park, Southeast Park, Schmalz Farm Park, Bryan Park, Building Trades Park, Crestmont Park, Highland Village Park, Third Street Park, RCA Community Park, and Sherwood Oaks Park.

Conducted significant invasive plant species and brush removal projects to improve lines of sight along Bloomington Rail Trail and Clear Creek Trail Purchased Dagon Gaden Tensung Ling Monastery adjoining Lower Cascades Park from willing sellers Trained one supervisor and four laborers through Centerstone Work Program partnership for custodial duties in five parks.

Demolished former Wee Willie’s building at 1724 S. Walnut St. in preparation for Switchyard Park construction.

Repaired and replaced playground equipment at Olcott Park, Sherwood Oaks Park, Rev. Ernest D. Butler Park, Bryan Park, Lower Cascades Park, and Broadview Park Repaired roof of North Shelter at Bryan Park and replaced roof of shelter at Park Ridge East Park Installed new Storywalk Trail at Rev. Ernest D. Butler Park.

Replaced roofs at Olcott Park concession building, Banneker Community Center gymnasium, and Twin Lakes Recreation Center in preparation for the addition of solar panels.

Participated in “Takin’ It To the Streets” Broadview Neighborhood Association volunteer cleanup day Sept. 30.

Complete roof replacement of mausoleum building at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Operations 2017 Program Activity Shelter Rentals Bryan Park–Henderson 67 Bryan Park–North 59 Bryan Park–Woodlawn 84 Building Trades 25 Sycamore–Lower Cascades 80 Waterfall–Lower Cascades 73 Young Pavilion–Olcott 49 Lions Den–Upper Cascades 55 RCA Community Park -Small Shelter 20 RCA Community Park - Group Shelter 26 Winslow Woods 45 Total 2017 Rentals 583

Program Revenue General Fund $25 Non-Reverting $130,856 Total 2017 Revenue $130,881 Program Expenses General Fund $1,433,131 Non-Reverting $88,540 Total 2017 Expenses $1,521,671

Parks and Recreation Operations staff prepare flower beds at City Hall for springtime planting in March 2017.

4 2017 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report

U

rban Forestry

• Planted 430 trees in public areas (100 in city parks and 330 along city streets).

• Removed 442 hazardous trees from city parks and streets.

• Treated 93 city-owned ash trees (45 in city parks and 48 along city streets) for protection against the emerald ash borer.

• Urban Forester Lee Huss and Urban Forestry Laborers Kevin Prince and Haskell Smith attended the Indiana Arborist • • • • • •

L

Association’s annual meeting in Indianapolis.

Kevin Prince passed the International Society of Arboriculture’s Tree Risk Assessment Qualification training.

Haskell Smith participated in Arbor Master training.

Conducted an Arbor Day tree planting ceremony at the Banneker Community Center on Arbor Day, April 28.

Hosted volunteer tree plantings with the Elm Heights Neighborhood Association, Indiana University SPEA E422/522 students, and Bloomington Rotary Club.

Bloomington was named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation for the 33rd consecutive year.

Hosted tree education booth at the annual Monroe County Master Gardener Garden Fair in April.

andscaping

• Hired Landscape Specialist to gather data and compile information for landscape inventory.

• Installed native plant/pollinator gardens with 5,410 shrubs and perennials at City Hall, Operations Center, Courthouse Square, Kirkwood Avenue, Waldron, Hill and Buskirk Park, and B-Line Trail.

• Removed invasive plants and upgraded landscaping at Twin Lakes Recreation Center.

• Dedicated Kiwanis Club Bicentennial Pollinator Garden at the Waldron, Hill and Buskirk Park Aug. 27.

• Targeted removal of invasive plants including Japanese knotweed, purple wintercreeper, Asian bush honeysuckle and Canada thistle at more than a dozen parks and city-owned properties.

• Installed rain garden at City Operations Center.

C

emeteries

• • • • •

Replaced roof of and painted maintenance building at Rose Hill.

Re-set, leveled and sealed 21 headstones and one pen at Rose Hill.

Installed native pollinator garden at soldiers monument at Rose Hill.

Re-set, leveled and sealed 39 headstones and two pens at White Oak. Replaced roof and repaired limestone of Rose Hill mausoleum building.

Urban Forestry/Landscaping/Cemeteries 2017 Program Activity

Rose Hill Cemetery Lot Sales (cremation ground lots) 5 Mausoleum niche sales 1 Interments 18 Inurnments 7 Disinterments 0 Plot Surveys 6 White Oak Cemetery Lot Sales 7 Interments 2 Inurnments 0 Disinterments 0

Program Revenue General Fund $26,832 Non-Reverting $2,909 Total 2017 Revenue $29,741 Program Expenses General Fund $777,189 Non-Reverting $17,121 Total 2017 Expenses $794,310

2017 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report 5

N

atural Resources

• Leonard Springs Nature Day—Provided 704 MCCSC sixth-grade students with an experiential environmental science program during the program’s seventh year.

• Griffy Lake Nature Day—The eighth year for this environmental science program included 855 MCCSC fourth-grade students.

• Bloomington Bikes Month events attracted 375 participants.

• Reconnected loop trail at Wapehani Mountain Bike Park with elevated causeway following purchase of property by state for I-69 construction.

• Bugfest, a collaborative event with the Monroe County Parks and Recreation Department, attracted 1,200 participants • Sustaining Nature and Your Land (SNAYL) Day, a collaborative event with Monroe County-Identify and Reduce Invasive Species, attracted 400 participants

• Provided hands-on environmental education programming four days per week, for an average of 20 participants per day, during the summer Banneker Camp.

• Removed 62 deer from Griffy Lake Nature Preserve via professional sharpshooting; donated 1,682 pounds of venison to the Hoosier Hills Food Bank.

Adopt-A Programs

Adopt-An-Acre 8 volunteers contributed 43.5 hours Adopt-A-Stream 17 volunteers contributed 176 hours Adopt-A-Trail 27 volunteers contributed 230.25 hours

Natural Resources 2017 Program Activity Griffy Lake Annual Boat Launch Permits 106 Boat Rentals 5,946 10-Rental Pass/Misc. Rentals 35 Rental Hours 7,187 Daily Launch Permits 829 Afterschool Nature Days 368 Banneker Nature Days 584 Environmental Resources Ad Council 26 Great Outdoors 223 Griffy Lake Nature Day 1,710 Group Visits 162 Hoosier Riverwatch 0 Leonard Springs Nature Day 1,407 Naturalist at the Market 1,024 Volunteers 0 Total 2017 Participations 20,468

Invasive Asian bush honeysuckle removal at Lower Cascades Park by Boy Scout Troop 148, April 2017

Bloomington Rotary Club volunteers plant trees in Crestmont Park, October 2017.

Photo by Steve Raymer.

6 2017 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report

Program Revenue General Fund $0 Non-Reverting $70,820 Total 2017 Revenue $70,820 Program Expenses General Fund $320,835 Non-Reverting $23,819 Total 2017 Expenses $344,654

Sports

The Sports Division is responsible for providing formal and informal sports programs and services for the adults and youth of our community. These activities are provided at Department facilities such as Cascades Golf Course, Frank Southern Ice Arena, Twin Lakes Sports Park, Winslow Sports Complex, and a variety of other Department-owned and operated facilities. In addition, facilities are utilized in a cooperative agreement with Monroe County Community School Corporation.

A

quatics

The Aquatics program plans, coordinates, and facilitates recreational swimming, formal lessons, private rentals, special group use, and advanced aquatic and personal safety training for the Bloomington community and its visitors.

Aquatics 2017 Program Activity Bryan Park Pool Admissions 34,439 Aqua Fit 20 Waterslide 12,157 Swim Lessons 2,496 Passes 1,247 Pool Rental Attendance 3,335 Mills Pool Admissions 14,311 Passes 193 Pool Rental Attendance 400 Health & Safety First Aid/CPR/AED 130 Lifeguarding 90 Water Safety Instructor 12 Total 2017 Participations

A

dult Sports

Adult Sports plans, coordinates, and facilitates adult sports for the Bloomington community at Twin Lakes Sports Park and local tennis courts.

68,830

Bryan Park Pool Program Revenue General Fund $165,591 Non-Reverting $66,522 Total 2017 Revenue $232,113 Program Expenses General Fund $196,055 Non-Reverting $10,089 Total 2017 Expenses $206,145 Mills Pool Program Revenue General Fund $28,914 Non-Reverting $2,994 Total 2017 Revenue $31,908 Program Expenses General Fund $101,481 Non-Reverting $1,625 Total 2017 Expenses $103,106

Adult Sports 2017 Program Activity

Softball 47,029 Softball Tournaments 11,191 Rentals 60 Tennis Lessons 204 Total 2017 Participations 58,484

Program Revenue General Fund $63,772 Non-Reverting $118,027 Total 2017 Revenue $181,799 Program Expenses General Fund $260,065 Non-Reverting $116,638 Total 2017 Expenses $376,704

2017 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report 7

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Youth Sports plans, coordinates, and facilitates operations for Winslow Sports Complex, Rev. Butler Park, Frank Southern Ice Arena, and Bryan Park ball diamonds.

These facilities host Bloomington Junior League Baseball, Monroe County Senior League Baseball, and MCCSC baseball and softball events.

outh Sports

• Successfully hosted the

USA Softball Girls Class A 12-Under Fastpitch Northern National Tournament, with 15 teams competing, and the USA Softball Girls Class B 10-Under Fastpitch Northern National Tournament, with 13 teams competing.

Youth Sports 2017 Program Activity Youth Sports BJLBA Youth Baseball 19,102 Bloomington HS North Sports 0 Bloomington HS South Sports 3,102 Cutters Soccer-Olcott Park 84 Girls’ Fast Pitch Softball 1,649 Jackson Creek MS Sports 902 Monroe Co. Sr. League Baseball 1,028 Rentals (Winslow & Olcott) 2,334 Tennis 1,210 Youth Softball Tournament 3,096 Total 2017 Participations

Program Revenue General Fund $28,995 Non-Reverting $25,623 Total 2017 Revenue $54,619 Program Expenses General Fund $249,731 Non-Reverting $19,068 Total 2017 Expenses $268,800

32,507

F

rank Southern Ice Arena Frank Southern Ice Arena 2017 Program Activity

Frank Southern Ice Arena provides recreational and organized ice skating to ice enthusiasts from Bloomington and surrounding communities.

Adult Hockey League Blades Hockey Bloomington Figure Skating Club Hockey Initiation Ice Show IU Figure Skating IU Hockey IU Learn to Skate The Skating School Private Rentals Public Skating Admissions Special Events-Lunar Skating, etc.

Youth Hockey Total 2017 Participations

1,657 3,460 1,464 677 250 736 2,852 914 6,406 1,739 15,740 2,120 8,351 46,766

Program Revenue General Fund $184,531 Non-Reverting $108,985 Total 2017 Revenue $293,517 Program Expenses General Fund $338,165 Non-Reverting $66,729 Total 2017 Expenses $404,895

• Began installation of solar panels, capable of producing 271,284 kW of electricity annually, on the roof of the facility.

• Installed new molded plastic bleachers for spectator seating, replacing the outdated wooden bleachers.

• Renovated the men’s and women’s locker room/restroom facilities with new lighting, fixtures, and partitions.

8 2017 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report

Twin Lakes Recreation Center

• Renovated the men’s and women’s locker rooms on the upper • •

level to better serve Twin Lakes Recreation Center members and day users.

Installed shock-absorbent flooring on the upper level for safety and noise reduction in the weight machine and free weight area.

Installed solar panels on the roof of the facility capable of producing 827,236 kWh of electricity annually.

The Twin Lakes Recreation Center, a 100,000 ft2 indoor sports, recreation, and fitness facility, was purchased by the department in 2009. Amenities include five basketball courts, a turf field, a fitness area with strength equipment and free weights, a cardio studio, a mirrored exercise studio, 1/5-mile indoor track, and meeting rooms. The department offers programs, through the TLRC and other facilities, that help make Bloomington a healthy, active community.

Twin Lakes Recreation Center 2017 Program Activity

TLRC Programs Adult Activities 2,974 Member visits 38,106 Tournaments 50,643 Bloomington Youth Basketball 70,801 Total 2017 Participations 159,550

C

Program Revenue General Fund $0 Non-Reverting $571,305 Total 2017 Revenue $571,305 Program Expenses General Fund $280,198 Non-Reverting $1,196,795 Total 2017 Expenses $1,476,993

ascades Golf Course

Golf Services 2017 Program Activity Rounds Played Adult Season Pass Family Season Pass Senior Season Pass Youth Season Pass Student Season Pass Range Ball Buckets Junior Golf Total 2017 Participations

22,320 83 7 141 30 15 5,105 155 27,856

Program Revenue General Fund $542,711 Non-Reverting $85,771 Total 2017 Revenue $628,483 Program Expenses General Fund $864,186 Non-Reverting $39,744 Total 2017 Expenses $903,931

Cascades Golf Course has the objective of maximizing public play with a balance of leagues, tournaments, youth programs, and golf outings. Youth programs include the First Tee of Bloomington and the PGA Junior League.

• Contracted with Kentucky Fairways to replace 37,000 square yards of fairway on the Ridge Course with Meyer Zoysia grass.

• Began design of a new LEED Silver Certified Clubhouse, with plans for construction in 2018.

2017 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report 9

Recreation

The Recreation Division is responsible for programs, events, and services specially designed for preschoolers, youth, teens, adults, senior adults, and participants with varying degrees of ability. These activities are held at Department facilities such as the Allison-Jukebox Community Center, Banneker Community Center, and Showers Common.

A number of programs are facilitated through partnership agreements with other community organizations.

Y

Youth Programs is responsible for programs and services designed for youth and teens. These activities take place at the Allison-Jukebox Community Center and satellite sites. Youth Programs also includes the Inclusive Recreation area. The Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department is committed to an inclusive approach to recreation.

outh Programs

Youth Programs • Kid City Summer Camps completed a safe and fun nine-week summer with overwhelming positive feedback from families • Kid City Quest served more campers with a change in maximum enrollment from 20 to 30 youth.

• Continued a partnership with Ivy Tech to offer College for Kids and Ivy Arts for Kids program full-day options. College for Kids added an additional week, increasing from three weeks to four.

• Kid City Break Days moved from Binford Elementary back to the Allison-Jukebox Community Center, where there was consistent, record attendance.

• Kid City was re-accredited by the American Camping Association, maintaining the highest standards in safety and excellence.

Inclusive Recreation • Successfully supported at least two campers in each Break Days and Kid City summer camp session.

Facility—Allison-Jukebox Community Center • Complete renovation of restroom facilities in the building was completed in 2017.

Youth Programs/Inclusion 2017 Program Activity Adult/Family Sailing 76 Ballroom Dancing 1,326 Break Days 641 Break Days-Inclusion 28 Kid City Camps-Inclusion 184 Kid City Camps—Total 3,615 Rentals 3,167 Youth Sailing Camp 1,240 Total 2017 Participations

10,277

Program Revenue General Fund $0 Non-Reverting $218,910 Total 2017 Revenue $218,910 Program Expenses General Fund $128,935 Non-Reverting $198,463 Total 2017 Expenses $327,399

10 2017 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report

B

The Banneker Community Center is a Bloomington Parks and Recreation facility that is dedicated to inspiring youth to maximize their potential through safe and effective programming, and to provide programs and activities connect the Bloomington community.

anneker Community Center

• Introduced monthly preschool events averaging 74 participants per event. This program transitioned from a free to a paid program in Fall/Winter 2017, with participation increasing to 93 people per event.

• Family Resource Center program participation increased almost 7% from 2016.

• The summer Banneker Camp program hosted an average of 80 children per day. A total of 4,465 meals were served at Banneker Camp.

• Participation in teen programming increased in 2017. The teen mentoring program averaged 20 participants per month, and the Night Owls program averaged 43 participants per month.

• The Banneker Community Center received a $45,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County for the purchase of a new 15-passenger mini bus.

Banneker Community Center 2017 Program Activity After-School Programs 7,863 Basketball-All Participations 651 Break Days 403 Drop-ins 2,328 Family Resource Center Programs 3,227 Food Service Program 3,089 Head Start 0 IU School of Nursing 122 LEARN Homeschool 609 MCCSC 167 Paid Rentals 6,058 Preschool Programs 2,142 Special Olympics/Life Designs 108 Jump Start Sports 233 Waived Rentals 1,138 Total 2017 Participations 28,891

Program Revenue General Fund $12,222 Non-Reverting $59,279 Total 2017 Revenue $71,502 Program Expenses General Fund $275,756 Non-Reverting $44,054 Total 2017 Expenses $319,810

2017 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report 11

C

ommunity Events

The Community Events area provides an eclectic mix of cultural and outdoor activities and year-round events to provide enjoyment, education, and a sense of community for the diversity of people who make Bloomington their home.

Special events and programs, art fairs, Performing Arts Series, Movies in the Park, Farmers’ Market, Community Gardens, and the Holiday Market are examples of the diversity in programming and projects Community Events offers to the Bloomington community.

• The Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market had record attendance in 2017 with more than a quarter million visitors.

• The Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market contracted with 135 farmers from 19 counties.

• The Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market held multiple performances every Saturday, hosted more than 20 events and • • • • • • • • •

the Story Corps booth, five blood drives, plant swaps, community mediation sessions, the weekly Mayor at the Market series, and other community engagement activities.

The Community Gardening program provided three raised beds at Rev. Butler Gardens and replaced a total of eight raised beds between Rev. Butler and Willie Streeter Community Gardens.

All six A Fair of the Arts days were sold out in 2017, resulting in a $1,195 increase in revenue.

The 2017 Holiday Market had record-breaking attendance of nearly 13,000 people, and sold all the available artist booth spaces.

The Performing Arts Series debuted a new format in 2017 with back-to-back concerts at Bryan Park, which kept people in the park longer and boosted attendance in August.

The Nature Sounds series continued to seek musicians to complement the theme of the program. Naturalists and musicians work together to create a program that flows nicely from music to naturalist and back again.

The Trick or Treat Trail saw record attendance of more than 1,200 people.

Touch a Truck moved to the Winslow Sports Complex from the Twin Lakes Sports Park and saw a new record attendance of more than 2,000 visitors.

Community Events hosted the 43rd annual 50+ Expo with more than 100 exhibitors and 500 attendees.

The Fourth of July Parade had 100 entries and was one of the best attended parades with approximately 8,000 spectators.

Community Events 2017 Program Activity 50+ Expo 525 A Fair of the Arts 7,736 Children’s Expo 900 Community Gardens 2,398 Drool in the Pool 528 Farmers’ Market­—Saturday 249,211 Farmers’ Market—Saturday Vendors 2,760 Farmers’ Market—Tuesday 2,976 Farmers’ Market—Tuesday Vendors 250 Festival of Ghost Stories 125 Fourth of July Parade 8,000 Garden Classes 96 Holiday Market—Customers 12,795 Homegrown Indiana Farm Tours 109 Junk in the Trunk 1,050 Messy Mania 98 Mobile Stage Rentals 4 Movies in the Park 740 Nature Sounds 75 Peoples Park Concerts 1,131 Performing Arts Series 3,804 Pumpkin Launch 625 Seusspicious Behavior 574 Touch a Truck 2,011 Trick or Treat Trail 1,212 WinterFest 150 Yappy Hours 225 Total 2017 Participations 300,262

12 2017 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report

Program Revenue—Community Events General Fund $12,340 Non-Reverting $109,331 Total 2017 Revenue $121,671 Program Expenses—Community Events General Fund $341,696 Non-Reverting $53,100 Total 2017 Expenses $394,797

Program Revenue—Farmers’ Market General Fund $0 Non-Reverting $120,561 Total 2017 Revenue $120,561 Program Expenses—Farmers’ Market General Fund $6,086 Non-Reverting $112,966 Total 2017 Expenses $119,052

B

uskirk-Chumley Theater Buskirk-Chumley Theater 2017 Program Activity Days of Use 297 Rentals 249 BCT Presents 38 Participations 2017 Attendance 64,595 BCT Presents Attendance 9,618 Artists Served 3,059 Presenters 63

H

ealth and Wellness The Health and Wellness area provides opportunities through programs, events and partnerships to encourage physical activity, to communicate the benefits of healthy choices and to promote department resources which support healthy lifestyles.

• The Bloomington Walking Club completed its sixth season (30 weeks)with an average of 11 participants weekly, an increase of 10% from 2016.

• The G.O.A.L. (Get Onboard Active Living) 12-week healthy lifestyle program completed cohorts 20, 21, and 22, impacting approximately 75 individuals from 30 different families.

• The Banneker Running Club program completed its second season in summer 2017. This eight-week program had an average of 40 participants weekly. At the end of the eight weeks, the participants completed a two-mile race.

Health and Wellness 2017 Program Activity Active Living Coalition 199 Be Active/Employee Wellness 2,737 Binford Running Program 1,320 Bike Rodeo 20 Bryan Park Kids Triathlon 18 Family Fun Run 25 Fitness in the Park 10 G.O.A.L Program 840 Play Day 100 Rigamajig 1,350 Jazzercise 923 Tai Chi 1,200 Walking Club 253 Walking Wednesdays 210 Well Check 40 Total 2017 Participations 9,394

Program Revenue General Fund $0 Non-Reverting $3,123 Total 2017 Revenue $3,123 Program Expenses General Fund $97,753 Non-Reverting $1,172 Total 2017 Expenses $98,925

2017 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report 13

Administration

The Administration Division implements policy as set forth by the Board of Park Commissioners.

Under direction of the Department Administrator, Division Directors manage Recreation Services, Sports, and Operations and Development. The Office Manager and clerical staff provide financial and clerical support for all activities. The Community Relations Manager and staff coordinate graphic design, promotions, marketing, sponsors, and volunteers.

Accomplishments

• Submitted award nominations to the Indiana Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) for CFC Properties to be •

recognized as the IPRA Corporate Partner of the Year, and for the Goat Farm Prairie Project to be recognized with a Clark Ketchum Conservation Award.

Upgraded program registration software RecTrac to current version and trained for its effective use.

Administration 2017 Program Activity

Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department Natural Resources Coordinator Elizabeth Tompkins accepts the Clark Ketchum Conservation Award from the Indiana Park and Recreation Association for the Goat Farm Prairie project.

Program Revenue General Fund $1,965 Non-Reverting $36,326 Total 2017 Revenue $38,292 Program Expenses General Fund $607,959 Non-Reverting $3,328 Total 2017 Expenses $611,287

C

ommunity Relations

• Designed and completed a record 589 print and digital marketing pieces.

• Implemented new CERVIS volunteer management software.

• Assisted the city’s Information and Technology Services

• • •

Department with a launch of a redesigned website for the City; connected website to PROMT program management software to populate programs online.

Obtained $106,872 in monetary sponsorships and facility advertising sales from 77 different businesses and individuals for Parks and Recreation programs and events.

Increased the number of people who “Like” the Parks and Recreation Facebook page by 22% in 2017.

Managed 1,435 volunteers who contributed a total of 9,011 hours of service to the Department.

Department volunteers are an integral part of the success of community-oriented programs like Community Gardens.

Bravo Award-presented to outstanding volunteers

Andrew Frank, Bloomington Youth Basketball coach Libby Gwynn, Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market Janice Lilly, Farmers’ Market Advisory Council Oliver Fyffe, Twin Lakes Recreation Center Dave Nord, Adopt-a-Trail Terry Clark, Indiana Trails Study Bloomington Rotary Club, tree planting at Crestmont Park

14 2017 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report

Park Partner Award for outstanding partnerships CFC Properties, for their longtime collaboration with and support of the Parks and Recreation Department

Partnerships The Parks and Recreation Department entered into 35 partnership and cooperative service agreements to maximize available resources and avoid duplication of services. The Department is proud to partner and collaborate with these organizations in 2017: • Bloomingfoods Market & Deli • Bloomington Blades High School Hockey • Bloomington Blades Youth Hockey Association • Bloomington Community Orchard • Bloomington Figure Skating Club • Bloomington Junior League Baseball Association • Bloomington Parks Foundation • Bloomington Soccer LLC • Buskirk-Chumley Theater Management, Inc. • Center for Sustainable Living • Centerstone • Diamond Dynamics • Downtown Bloomington Inc. • Hilltop Gardens at Indiana University • Hoosier Hills Food Bank • IU Health Bloomington Hospital • Ivy Tech Community College • Jazzercise, Inc. • Jump Start Sports • Lake Monroe Sailing Association • Mad 4 My Dog • Middle Way House • Monroe County Civic Theater • Monroe County Fairgrounds • Monroe County Public Library • Monroe County Senior League Baseball Assoc.

• Monroe County United Ministries • Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard • Mother Nature Landscaping • The Ryder Film Series • Southern Indiana Scuba • Special Olympics Indiana Monroe County • Summer Star Foundation • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • WonderLab Museum of Science, Health & Technology

Grants and Awards The Department actively pursues grant opportunities to supplement funding received through other sources.

Indiana Department of Transportation .. . .. . .. . .. . . .. .$233,542 Wapehani Mountain Bike Park Mitigation for I-69 MCCSC 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . $21,409 Banneker Afterschool Program Indiana Department of Education. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. .$19,059 Summer Food Service Program Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry Community and Urban Forestry.. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. ..$12,000 Tree planting Indiana Department of Natural Resources Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) Grant .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . ...$11,332 Griffy Lake Nature Preserve Aquatic Vegetation Management Summer Star Foundation. .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. .$4,988 Griffy Lake Nature Days Summer Star Foundation. .. .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .$4,340 Banneker Nature Days Indiana Department of Natural Resources Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) Grant .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. ..$3,120 Griffy Lake Nature Preserve Management Plan Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Fish and Wildlife . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. $2,000 Goat Farm Prairie Amateur Softball Association James Farrell ASA Award of Excellence—National Softball Tournament Indiana Lakes Management Society Outstanding Group Award—Griffy Lake Nature Preserve Indiana Park and Recreation Association Corporate Partner of the Year Award—CFC Properties Indiana Park and Recreation Association Clark Ketchum Conservation Award—Goat Farm Prairie Project KaBOOM! Playful City USA Designation—10th consecutive year National Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA Designation— 33rd consecutive year U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Brownfields Site Redevelopment—B-Line Trail

2017 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report 15

Staff

The Department has a professional and connected staff of long-standing members of our community dedicated to providing quality parks, recreation and sports services.

Administrative Staff Paula McDevitt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Administrator Rebecca Barrick-Higgins. . . . . . . . . . . Recreation Services Director John Turnbull. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sports Director Dave Williams. . . . . . . . . . . . Operations and Development Director Office Staff Tiffany Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Brenda McGlothlin. . . . . . . . . . . .

Missy Grabowski . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lesilyn Neely. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

Ethan Philbeck . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

Customer Service Representative Customer Service Representative Customer Service Representative Customer Service Representative Customer Service Representative

Maintenance Staff John Barnes. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Master MEO Jon Behrman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Natural Resources Laborer II Don Foddrill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Facilities Working Foreman Dave Fox. . . . . . . . . . . . Sanitation and Grounds Working Foreman Curtis Gilstrap . .. Cemeteries/Landscaping Working Foreman Dennis Helms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MEO II Mike Hollingsworth. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Laborer II Bill Kerr. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Equipment Maintenance Mechanic Dan Kluesner. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Sports Laborer Chris Lamb . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Athletic Fields Working Foreman Kevin Prince. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laborer II Carl Retzlaff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laborer II James Richardson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MEO Dennis Robertson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Master MEO Jim Salisbury. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..Laborer II Haskell Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Urban Forestry Laborer II Rob Turpin . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Operations Crew Leader

16 2017 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Annual Report

Program Supervisors/Managers Leslie Brinson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Community Events Manager J.D. Boruff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operations Superintendent Kim Clapp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Office Manager Steve Cotter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Natural Resources Manager Aaron Craig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Golf Facilities Manager Lee Huss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Urban Forester Mark Marotz . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Operations Superintendent Hsiung Marler. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sports Facility/Program Manager Julie Ramey. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Community Relations Manager Mark Sterner . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Sports Area Manager Mark Thrasher. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Golf Course Superintendent Coordinators/Specialists Hannah Buddin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Program Specialist Ellen Campbell. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Graphic Designer Barb Dunbar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Operations Division Coordinator Daren Eads . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Program/Facility Coordinator Greg Jacobs. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Community Events Coordinator Robin Kitowski. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Program Specialist Nikki McEachern. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Special Services Coordinator Alison Miller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health and Wellness Coordinator Sarah Owen. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Community Relations Coordinator Erik Pearson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Program Specialist Scott Pedersen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Youth Sports Coordinator Chelsea Price . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Aquatics/Sports Coordinator Bill Ream. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Program/Facility Coordinator Crystal Ritter. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Community Events Coordinator Amy Shrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inclusive Recreation Coordinator Jason Sims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Golf Programs Coordinator Megan Stark. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Membership Coordinator Terrance Thomas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Program Specialist Elizabeth Tompkins . .. .. .. .. .. .. Natural Resources Coordinator Dee Tuttle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sports Coordinator Marcia Veldman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Program/Facility Coordinator

Message from the Board of Park Commissioners Dear Community Members,

Once again the Parks and Recreation Department has shown a remarkable capacity to meet increasing opportunities and challenges while stretching staff and resources with minor impact on the quality of programs, services and facilities provided to a demanding public. This is testimony to the caliber and dedication of the Parks and Recreation Department and its staff. As laudable as this staff effort is, it cannot persist without future attention to resource commitment to assure continued quality standards.

Highlights this past year have included a new director, Paula McDevitt, who hit the ground at full tilt and with the continued dynamic leadership the community has come to expect from the Department and staff. The year included the completion of the complex and detailed planning for Switchyard Park. There were dozens of meetings and consultations with the project’s lead design team and subcontractors.

Efforts have resulted in the design of a park that will be no less than Bloomington’s own version of New York’s Central Park. Switchyard Park will be appreciated and enjoyed for generations to come.

Board of Park Commissioners President Les Coyne

Adding to the complex workload of the Department, this past year was the initiation of several capital projects made possible through the renewal of a substantial bond issue. These projects will allow significant upgrading and enhancement of many community facilities, including Lower Cascades Park, Mills Pool, Frank Southern Ice Arena, Winslow Sports Complex, and the Twin Lakes Recreation Center.

The past two years and the coming year have had, and will have, significant impacts in terms of community enhancement. Kudos to all who have played a role in a successful and productive year!

Les Coyne, President Board of Park Commissioners

M ission Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department will provide essential services, facilities and programs necessary for the positive development and well-being of he community through the provision of parks, greenways, trails and recreational facilities while working in cooperation with other service providers in the community in order to maximize all available resources.

Vision

We strive to provide the highest quality parks, recreation services and greenspace to enhance the quality of life for our community.

Values

diversity l service l respect l stewardship l quality l accountability l progressive l responsive

Mayor

John Hamilton

Director

Paula McDevitt

Board of Park Commissioners Les Coyne Darcie Fawcett Joe Hoffmann Kathleen Mills

Bloomington Parks Foundation 2017 Board of Directors Debbie Lemon, President Travis Vencel, Past President Jim Murphy, Vice President Chris Quackenbush, Secretary Chris Hawk, Treasurer Jason Banach Doug Bruce John Carter Les Coyne Warren Cutshall Ted Ferguson John Hurlow Erin Martoglio Aaron Mobley Tony Mobley Valerie Pena Tony Rastall Kevin Robling Gary Scott David Skirvin Karin St. John Trish Sterling Jon Tichenor

Emeritus Members Frank Barnhart Doris Brineman Steve Ferguson Art Lotz Jane McIntosh Pat Mulholland Joan Olcott Gayle Stuebe

Griffy Lake, July 2017