A signature park amenity created from an abandoned railroad switchyard that will serve as a community gathering and event space while restoring an environmentally and ecologically compromised site.
Upon completion of the three-mile B-Line Trail through downtown, the City of Bloomington has turned its attention to defining a compelling vision for Switchyard Park, located along the southern end of the B-Line Trail. The City commissioned a multi-disciplinary design team led byREA to complete a comprehensive Master Plan for the Switchyard Park property.
The purpose of the Master Plan was to create a signature park amenity from an abandoned railroad switchyard that will serve as a community gathering and event space and restore an environmentally and ecologically compromised site. Key components of the master plan include: an inclusive public participation process using public meetings, social media, and community events to invite input; environmental and ecological remediation of the site; enhancing pedestrian and vehicular connections both within and outside of the park site; and providing an array of recreation amenities that respond to community needs while providing year-round activity. The plan also identifies phasing of site amenities and possible funding sources that include public-private partnerships and grants.
