Another Season of Outdoor Dining on Kirkwood Begins April 3

The City of Bloomington is pleased to announce another Expanded Outdoor Dining season. This program closes 2 ½ blocks of Kirkwood Avenue to all for expanded outdoor dining and a pedestrian thoroughfare, and parklets, which expands outdoor dining in parking spaces closed off by orange jersey barriers directly outside the participating businesses in the downtown area. 

The City Council voted unanimously in favor of this year’s closure on March 1. The 2023 season will run from April 3-September 30. Installation of bollards and barriers will take place between April 3rd and 5th. 

In addition to expanded outdoor seating, the program brings economic enhancement, vibrancy, and sustainability to our pedestrian-friendly community. This program was first passed in 2020 as a COVID measure that gave restaurants relief from internal capacity constraints; it continued in 2022 and will continue this year. ​

“Unexpected change brings innovation and adaptation. That is exactly what happened with COVID responses,” said Mayor John Hamilton. “Something that began as a public health measure has turned out to be an enhancement that improves quality of life in Bloomington. Kirkwood in the warm months has become a lively hub of community activity.” 

Applications for businesses who wish to participate in the 2023 Parklet Program are available now and open until March 17. Questions should be directed to Assistant Director of Small Business Development De de la Rosa at de.delarosa@bloomington.in.gov or 812-349-3419.

Businesses can apply and learn about associated fees at: https://bton.in/fIiJ8