This document outlines the planning process and proposed design concepts for Switchyard Park in Bloomington, Indiana. It discusses gathering public input that emphasized restoring nature, providing recreation opportunities, and connecting to the community. Two conceptual plans are presented, each showing parking, trails, recreation areas, and conservation zones. The concepts aim to make Switchyard Park a signature destination that restores the landscape while offering experiences like gardens, public art, and space for events.

1. SWITCHYARD PARK
A Signature Destination Park…
prepared for
Bloomington Parks and Recreation
5.17.2012

2. Switchyard Park Design Team
Project Lead:

3. Design Workshop | May 14-17

4. Historic
Land Use and Zoning
Economic Development
Adjacent Business/Housing
Nearby Parks/Greenways
Local Interest Areas
Utilities
Pedestrian
Site Conditions
Floodway/Hydrology
Tree/Invasive Species
Habitat
Study Area Influences

5. CITY OF BLOOMINGTON
Arts Commission
Tree Commission
Historic Preservation Commission
ACHIEVE/Active Living Coalition
Environmental Resources
Advisory Council
Bike and Pedestrian Commission
Department of Public Works
Downtown Bloomington Inc.
Neighborhood Groups
MPO Citizens Advisory Commission
Design Workshop | Stakeholders

6. Design Workshop | Open Mic

7. Website
Facebook
Farmer’s Market
Senior Expo
Public Meetings
Design Workshop
Additional Public Input

8. Switchyard Park Will Be:
A Signature Destination Park
A Work of Art
Safe and Accessible for All
Connected to the Community
A Restored Natural Landscape
Uniquely Bloomington
An Innovative, Memorable & Dynamic Park Experience!!
Overall Themes

9. Restore and Sustain
• Natural Setting
• Stream Restoration
• Habitat Conservation
• Increase Tree
Canopy/Biodiversity
• Native Plant Communities
• Natural Stormwater
Management
• Constructed Wetlands
• Daylight Culverts
What We Heard | Design Elements

10. Play
• Water Play
• Unique Play Experience
• Street Style Skate Park
• Court Sports
• Dog Park
What We Heard | Design Elements

11. Refresh
• Picnic Shelters
• Restrooms
• Food Vendors
• Benches and Seating
What We Heard | Design Elements

12. Gather
• Grand Lawn
• Performance Space
• Large Shelter
• Multi-Generational
What We Heard | Design Elements

13. Connect
• Variety of Trails and Loops
• Wetland Boardwalk
• Main Park Entrance
• Multiple Access Points
• Parking and Accessibility
What We Heard | Design Elements

14. Experience
• Gardens
• Functional Art
• Stream Access
• Railroad/Limestone History
Interpretation
• Education Opportunities
• Festivals and Events
What We Heard | Design Elements

15. Existing Site
Framework Plan

16. Existing Site
Framework Plan

17. Existing Site
Vehicular Access
Framework Plan

18. Existing Site
Vehicular Access
Pedestrian Access
Framework Plan

19. Existing Site
Vehicular Access
Pedestrian Access
Framework Plan Conservation/Restoration Areas

20. Existing Site
Vehicular Access
Pedestrian Access
Conservation/Restoration Areas
Framework Plan Recreation Development Areas

21. Clear Creek
Concept Diagram A

22. Clear Creek
Vehicular Circulation/Parking
Concept Diagram A

23. Clear Creek
Vehicular Circulation/Parking
Pedestrian/Bike Circulation
Concept Diagram A

24. Clear Creek
Vehicular Circulation/Parking
Pedestrian/Bike Circulation
Large Gathering Space
Concept Diagram A

25. Clear Creek
Vehicular Circulation/Parking
Pedestrian/Bike Circulation
Large Gathering Space
High Density Use
Concept Diagram A

26. Clear Creek
Vehicular Circulation/Parking
Pedestrian/Bike Circulation
Large Gathering Space
High Density Use
Dog Park
Concept Diagram A

27. Clear Creek
Vehicular Circulation/Parking
Pedestrian/Bike Circulation
Large Gathering Space
High Density Use
Dog Park
Concept Diagram A Conservation/Restoration

28. Concept Plan A

29. 11
7
12
1 6
1
3
4 10
2 8 9 5
1. Parking 7. Shelter
2. Bike Rental 8. Basketball
3. Restrooms/Maintenance 9. Bocce/Pickleball
4. Community 10. Interactive Water 1
Garden/Orchard Play
5. Street Skate Park 11. New Entrance
6. Great Lawn 12. Pavilion/Stage
Concept Plan A 11

30. 9
2
6 4
4
1 8 7
10 1. Parking
2. Limestone Creek Terrace
5 3. Restrooms/Maintenance
3
4. Dog Park
5. Vendors
1 6. Great Lawn
7. Shelter
8. Gardens
9. Pavilion/Stage
10. Play Environment
Concept Plan A 11. Gateway/Portal

31. 2
4
4
1
2
3
1. B-Line Trail
2. Soft Surface Trail
3. Restrooms/Maintenance
Concept Plan A 4. Clear Creek Restoration

32. Birds Eye View A

35. Clear Creek
Concept Diagram B

36. Clear Creek
Vehicular Circulation/Parking
Concept Diagram B

37. Clear Creek
Vehicular Circulation/Parking
Pedestrian/Bike Circulation
Concept Diagram B

38. Clear Creek
Vehicular Circulation/Parking
Pedestrian/Bike Circulation
Large Gathering Space
Concept Diagram B

39. Clear Creek
Vehicular Circulation/Parking
Pedestrian/Bike Circulation
Large Gathering Space
High Density Use
Concept Diagram B

40. Clear Creek
Vehicular Circulation/Parking
Pedestrian/Bike Circulation
Large Gathering Space
High Density Use
Dog Park
Concept Diagram B

41. Clear Creek
Vehicular Circulation/Parking
Pedestrian/Bike Circulation
Large Gathering Space
High Density Use
Dog Park
Concept Diagram B Conservation/Restoration

42. Concept Plan B

43. 1. Parking 5
2. Welcome Bridge
3. North Forecourt
4. Community Garden
5. New Entrance 10
6. Great Lawn
7. Basketball
8. Amphitheatre 1
9. Perennial Garden 6
10. Stream Renewal 9
7 4
3
2
1
8
1
Concept Plan B 5

44. 14
13
2 4
1 8
6 10
6 9
12 11
7
5
3
1. Parking 8. Rubber Mound Play
2. Grand Shelter/Stage 9. Soft Surface Trail
3. Restrooms/Maintenance 10. Spray Park
4. Dog Park 11. Picnic Rooms
1 5. Vendors 12. Linear Water Feature
6. Great Lawn 13. Earth Forms
Concept Plan B 7. Skate Room 14. Stream Renewal

45. 5
3
3
4
6 7
1
1 2
1. B-Line Trail
2. Soft Surface Trail
3. Stream Renewal
4. Earth Forms
5. Measured Soft Surface Trail
6. Picnic Rooms
7. Informal Lawn
Concept Plan B

46. Birds Eye View B

49. B-Line Platform

50. The B-Line Platform

51. The B-Line Platform

52. Limestone Creek Terrace

53. Limestone Creek Terrace

54. Soft Trail Vista

55. Walnut Entry Overlook

56. Street Style Skate Place

57. Dog Park Vista

58. Community Garden

59. Gateway Art

60. Picnic Shelters

61. Water Play

62. Great Lawn

63. Creekside Villages

81. Thank You!
please visit
www.switchyardpark.org