Policies • The Department shall categorize the list of trails and connections that are marked for expansion and, to determine development order, create a priority index based on the organizational mission, underserved populations, geographic distribution, service outcomes, and redundancy with services provided by other organizations in the community. The Department will coordinate planning with the City Planning and Transportation Department, Bloomington and Monroe County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), and other relevant organizations to consider existing bike paths and sidewalks that the City administers when planning these trails. • The Department shall pursue partnerships with interested organizations to plan trails and facilities around the location of the new hospital near the intersection of 10th Street and the 45/46 Bypass. • The Department shall work with qualified entities to design trails using sustainable materials to mitigate environmental impact. • The Department shall seek out grants to assist in funding planning and construction. • The Department shall ensure that all new trail construction is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If trails are constructed with federal funds, they must also comply with the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA). Long Range Actions • Create a walkable/bikeable Bloomington that connects all sides of the city via designated walking and biking trails that allow for safe, non-motorized travel across the city. • Surround and connect the new hospital with walking and biking trails to encourage healthy lifestyles and to provide assets that the hospital and physicians can use to improve the lives of their patients. • Create a healthier community where people have more opportunities to use non-motorized methods of travel to go to work and school, thus decreasing roadway traffic and environmental impacts. • Pursue partnerships with Indiana University Health-Bloomington Hospital and Southern Indiana Physicians that will enable the City to assist with the development of land around the new hospital. • Provide accessible information to the public regarding the trail system in order to promote trail use and promote healthy activity and access to nature.
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Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department