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.