Recreation Rendezvous

Less than 10 days until Flights of Fancy takes over Switchyard Park.Want to know more about our kite and bubble party on Saturday, May 16? The newest episode of Recreation Rendezvous has you covered.We talked with Community Events Coordinator Bill Ream about what to expect, from kites dancing over the concert lawn to bubbles filling the afternoon. Flights of Fancy is free and takes place Saturday, May 16 from 1–4 p.m. at Switchyard Park, 1601 S. Rogers St.A limited number of kites and kite kits will be available for purchase, or you can bring your own kite to fly. Listen to the episode, then come out and join us.

In this special episode of Recreation Rendezvous, we sit down with Leslie Brinson, Recreation Services Division Director, to talk about our upcoming holiday-themed events.

In this episode of Recreation Rendezvous, we sit down with Chris Hamric, our Aquatics Manager, to talk about the true costs of maintenance, how tax dollars support operations, and the challenges of keeping facilities maintained.

Take a moment to pause and reconnect with yourself in the heart of Bloomington. In this guided meditation, narrator Glen Hall leads you through a calming practice of grounding, recorded at Switchyard Park. This session is designed to help you slow down, center your thoughts, and find a sense of balance in nature.

In this Recreation Rendezvous episode, Caleb Poer leads a gentle breathing meditation designed to help you reset and recenter. You’ll be guided through a few simple but powerful techniques. Whether you’re in motion or at rest, this is your reminder to come back to your breath.

In this episode of Recreation Rendezvous, we sit down with Marissa Calabrese, Natural Resource Education Specialist. Marissa works closely with young people to spark curiosity about the outdoors, teaching them how nature, parks, and community connect.She shares what it’s like to introduce kids to new experiences in local parks, why hands-on learning matters, and how these moments shape future stewards of our natural resources.

In this episode of Recreation Rendezvous, we sit down with Dr. Julie Knapp, Clinical Assistant Professor at Indiana University’s School of Public Health. Dr. Knapp shares her journey into the field and offers insight into how students and young professionals can build a meaningful career in parks and recreation.See our open positions here: https://bloomington.in.gov/parks/employment

In this week’s Recreation Rendezvous, we talk with City Council At-Large Representative Isak Asare. He dives into what makes Bloomington’s parks special and shares the most common feedback he hears from residents about them.

In this week’s Recreation Rendezvous, we talk with Tracy Bruce of Scholars Inn Bakehouse, a longtime Bloomington Farmers’ Market vendor. Tracy shares the story behind the bakery, what inspires their fresh-baked breads, and how they’ve become a staple for market visitors.

Amber Racoma of Mama Duke’s Hawaiian BBQ shares how her family's recipes, heritage, and heart made their way to the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market.

Join us as we follow Haskell Smith, our Urban Forester through a typical day managing tree health, responding to community concerns, and helping shape the city’s natural landscape. Discover what it takes to care for the urban forest.

Invasive species threaten the health of our community. In this episode of Recreation Rendezvous, Urban Forester Haskell Smith explains what’s at stake, how to spot the warning signs, and what you can do to help protect our urban forest.

We sat down with Banneker Camp campers Aella, Tanae, and Tiona to talk about their favorite parts of camp, what they love about our parks, and, of course, their favorite desserts. A fun, lighthearted conversation straight from the voices of our community’s youth.

In this episode of Recreation Rendezvous, our Director of Operations , Rebecca Swift, joins us for an in-depth conversation about the ongoing transformation at Building Trades Park in Bloomington.Learn more about the Building Trades Park Masterplan visit our website: https://bloomington.in.gov/news/2024/05/22/5947

In this episode of Recreation Rendezvous, we sit down with Jaime Sabbach, a planning expert helping us shape our next 5-year master plan. We talk about how public input, data, and long-term vision come together to guide decisions about trails, facilities, green spaces, and more. Whether you’re a frequent park user or just curious about how these spaces evolve, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the blueprint for Bloomington’s recreational future.

In this episode, we sit down with a couple members of Bloomington’s own Rearview Rhonda to talk music, band life, and what it’s like making noise right here in their hometown. From songwriting to local shows, they share how Rearview Rhonda came together and what keeps the energy going.See the full Performing Arts Series Lineup at this link:

In this episode, Chris Hamric and Alec Curry return to talk all things Frank Southern Ice Arena. From daily operations and seasonal programming to what it takes to maintain the facility, they give us a behind-the-scenes look at one of Bloomington’s coolest recreational spots.

In this episode of Recreation Rendezvous, we’re joined by Amy Leyenbeck to explore the quiet corners of Bloomington’s cemeteries. From historic plots to hidden symbolism, we talk about how these spaces offer more than final resting places—they reveal stories of the city’s past, its people, and the evolving ways we honor memory.

In this episode of Recreation Rendezvous, we’re joined by Josh Brewer, co-founder of Cicada Cinema, and Liz Sullivan, longtime volunteer, to talk about Bloomington’s beloved pop-up movie collective.

This special Recreation Rendezvous meditation episode invites you to slow down and tune in—one step at a time. Narrated by Shelby Drake, this walking meditation is designed to ground you in the present moment through mindful movement. Whether you’re in a park, on a trail, or walking your neighborhood, take a deep breath and come along for a journey inward and outward.

In this episode of Recreation Rendezvous, we explore the gentle practice of forest bathing, or “Shinrin-yoku,” with certified Nature Informed Therapy practitioner Cheryl McDermott. Unlike traditional hiking, forest bathing is about slowing down, awakening the senses, and reconnecting with the natural world. Cheryl shares how this immersive experience can support mental clarity, emotional balance, and overall well-being—whether done alone or with others.

In this Recreation Rendezvous guided meditation, narrated by Maggie Tull, we invite you to look up and let go. Inspired by the gentle motion of clouds, this episode encourages stillness, imagination, and reflection.

Step away from your screen and into serenity with this special guided meditation, recorded at Griffy Lake Nature Preserve. Created for Mental Health Awareness Month, this episode invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect—with nature, your body, and your mind.This episode is narrated and written by: Maggie Tull

Julie sits down with Bill Ream to chat about Flights of Fancy: Kites and Bubbles in the Park, a whimsical afternoon event at Switchyard Park. They talk kite kits, bubble magic, and why you won't want to miss this event!

In this episode of Recreation Rendezvous, Julie sits down with Chris Hamric, Sports Facility and Program Manager, and Alec Curry, Sports Specialist, for a deep dive into aquatics. They discuss everything from facility operations to swim lessons, safety, and what’s ahead for the City of Bloomington’s aquatic programs.

In this episode, Julie sits down with with Cassie Hakken and Chad Rabinovitz dives into the vibrant world of Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical, coming soon to Constellation Stage and Screen. Hear behind-the-scenes stories, creative insights, and the importance of children focused programming.

In honor of National Public Health Week, we sit down with Dr. Priscilla Barnes, Associate Professor of Applied Health Science at Indiana University School of Public Health Bloomington to discuss public health in parks!

Welcome to Recreation Rendezvous! In this episode, host Julie Ramey sits down with Tatum Rose, Assistant Director at Kid City to discuss her journey. Get an inside look on camp from someone who has seen it all!

Welcome to Recreation Rendezvous! In this episode, host Julie Ramey sits down with Amy Shrake, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and Director of Kid City Summer Camp. Dive into all the camp details with us and learn why kids and parents love Kid City!

Welcome to Recreation Rendezvous! In this episode, host Julie Ramey sits down with Tim Street, Director of Bloomington Parks and Recreation, to discuss Hopewell Commons—a brand-new public greenspace in the heart of the city. Learn about the vision behind this project, how it enhances community recreation, and what you can expect to see at Hopewell Commons in the near future.