BLOOMINGTON – Indiana University Bloomington is set to unveil a state-of-the-art 30,000-square-foot outdoor recreation park. The park will offer a range of sports facilities and community spaces designed to enhance campus life and promote active lifestyles. Located at the intersection of Fee Lane and 17th Street, it is slated for completion by the end of November and will be a valuable addition to the university’s recreational offerings.
The new facility will feature six pickleball courts, a full-sized basketball court, an outdoor fitness court, a social gathering area, and specialized turf for soccer and futsal games. The park is designed to cater to various recreational interests, providing opportunities for casual social activities and more structured sports play.
Chris Arvin, project director and executive director of IU Recreational Sports, said the project results from collaboration between several campus units, including Residential Life and Recreational Sports. The park is being built in the Northwest neighborhood, near the Briscoe, Foster, and McNutt dormitories, making it easily accessible for students in the area.
Campus Auxiliaries and Recreational Sports are funding the $1.8 million project, which received additional support from the National Fitness Campaign, which provided a grant to help fund the construction of the outdoor fitness court.
“This park is part of our ongoing efforts to provide more opportunities for physical activity and community engagement,” said Arvin. “We’re excited to offer these new spaces for students, staff, and the Bloomington community to come together, stay active, and enjoy the outdoors.”
The park will be open to all community members, and access will be free of charge, offering a new and accessible destination for fitness, recreation, and socialization.
Once completed, the outdoor recreation park will become a central hub for physical activity on campus, contributing to a healthier, more active IU community.
