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.