Rogers Family Park
The Bloomington Parks Foundation worked with donors Sherman and Meredith Rogers to finalize development and construction of Rogers Family Park in 2022. The Rogers donated $303,510 in 2022 which followed their earlier $662,500 donation in 2020. The 33-acre Goat Farm property was originally donated to the Bloomington Parks Foundation by the Rogers family in 2007. The Parks Foundation deeded the property to the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department in 2009. As Mayor John Hamilton commented: “The beautiful piece of farmland the Rogers family donated in 2007 will become even more inviting, thanks to their continued generosity. Our residents and visitors will greatly benefit from the Rogers’ contribution to our shared greenspace, which provides a much-needed refuge, important connectivity for our trail system, and an opportunity for responsible stewardship of our natural areas.”
“All Kids Swim” Funding
The Bloomington Parks Foundation committed $3,500 in support for the “All Kids Swim Youth Adolescent Physical Activity” to facilitate swim instruction opportunities for underserved youth in Bloomington. With previous State grant support (which has now discontinued), the program served around 81 kids in the past. The BPF funding will assist the Parks Department in covering the costs of instruction at the IU Outdoor Pool in 2023.
Continuation of Double Market Buck Program associated with the Farmer’s Market
In partnering with a granting agency, the Bloomington Parks Foundation secured the most recent grant of $35,000 to continue support of the Double Market Bucks Program. Funds were provided to BPF, “in the form of a one-time payment, for the Double Market Bucks Program, an innovative project designed to improve low-income people’s access to the nutrient dense, fresh, local food available at the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market. The Double Market Bucks program seeks funding to “match” transfers at Market: when SNAP customers purchase Market Bucks, they will receive an additional equal amount of vouchers to use at Market. The Market Bucks may be used to purchase fresh, locally-produced fruits, vegetables, bread, meats, eggs, and cheeses. Because the Market Bucks are spent exclusively at Market, it ensures the economic benefits stay in the community and the funds help support small farmers.”
Successful Golf Scramble
A total of 18 teams participated at the Bloomington Parks Foundation 30th annual Don Brineman Memorial Golf Scramble on October 5, 2022 which raised over $9,000 to support youth scholarships and programs associated with Bloomington Parks and Recreation. Teders & Quackenbush was the Presenting Sponsor; Hurlow Wealth Management was the Cart Sponsor; and IU Credit Union was the Driving Range Sponsor. In addition, there were eight hole sponsors and four lunch sponsors. The 2023 scramble is scheduled for October 4, 2023.
Scholarship Support for Kids
Approximately $12,500 was provided in scholarships in 2022 (spread over 67 families) to support youth involvement in Bloomington Parks and Recreation programs. The funding is expected to increase again to pre-pandemic levels in the future.
Sponsorship of “Free Day” at Bryan Park and Mills Pools
The Bloomington Parks Foundation participated once again as a sponsor of a “free day” for pool patrons at the city’s pools on July 4, 2022. BPF funded a total of $1,950 at Bryan Park and Mills Pools. The “free day” is being repeated again in 2023.
