BLOOMINGTON – Members of the Bloomington Parks Foundation, together with staff from the City of Bloomington, will gather at the former Goat Farm Park, 2000 East Winslow Road., at 3 p.m. on August 4 for a ceremony to officially rename the park “Rogers Family Park” in honor of the family whose donation of land and funds made the park possible.
The ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony will be held at the barn at Rogers Family Park. Guest speakers include Mayor John Hamilton, Bloomington Parks Foundation President David Skirvin, Board of Park Commissioners President Kathleen Mills, artist Jonathan Racek, and Sherman Rogers. The public is welcome and invited to attend; parking is available at nearby Sherwood Oaks Park, 1600 East Elliston Drive, and Olcott Park, 2300 East Canada Drive.
More than $966,000 in park enhancements have been completed in the past year, following a year-long design process that included two separate public meetings and opportunities for online feedback. The final design retained the park’s existing focus as a quiet, natural space.
A paved loop trail was completed around the perimeter of the park and through the native prairie areas. Funding provided by the Rogers family also allowed the expansion of native prairie plantings, the construction of a shade pergola, and the addition of 10 parking spots on the north side of the park. Exterior roof and siding repairs were made to the signature red barn at the park, and the existing silo was repainted.
Parks & Recreation also coordinated with the Bloomington Arts Commission to select and install a public art piece: “FLEET/ing” by local artist Jonathan Racek.
“The impact the Rogers family’s generosity will make is immeasurable,” said Bloomington Parks Foundation President David Skirvin. “Their contributions are an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the power each of us possesses to make a positive difference in our community.”
