Switchyard Park Debuts City's First Tactile Map in Step Toward Greater Accessibility

Innovative map helps visitors who are blind or have low vision navigate the park independently

Parks and Recreation on June 13 will unveil the city park system’s first tactile map at Switchyard Park, marking a major step forward in making city parks more accessible and inclusive. 

Mayor Kerry Thomson will join members of the Council for Community Accessibility, and staff from Parks and Recreation, to introduce the new map at noon on June 13. All are invited to attend. The map will be installed next to the Pavilion and the B-Line Trail.

Designed to assist visitors who are blind or have low vision, the durable outdoor map features raised textures, braille labels, and color contrast to help users navigate key areas of the 65-acre park. ​

The tactile map is one of several accessibility projects that reflect Parks and Recreation's ongoing commitment to ensuring that all residents and visitors can experience and enjoy Bloomington’s parks with confidence and independence. In the past year, the department has committed nearly $1 million in American Rescue Plan Funds to make parks, transportation, and recreational spaces more inclusive.

• Construction began in April at Building Trades Park, 619 W. Howe St. Accessibility projects there include updates to the parking lot and installation of a new, 10' wide concrete path to connect Howe Street on the north side of the park to Second Street to the south. The path terminates at the location of a planned future bus stop and mid-block pedestrian crossing to the Hopewell neighborhood. 
• Power-operated doors were installed at the Allison-Jukebox Community Center, 351 S. Washington St.; at the Banneker Community Center, 930 W. 7th St.; at the Frank Southern Center, 1965 S. Henderson St.; and at the Twin Lakes Recreation Center, 1700 W. Bloomfield Rd., in 2025.
• Switchyard Park in 2024 purchased a golf cart shuttle that can transport wheelchairs. The shuttle is used by park staff to assist people using wheelchairs in getting to amenities within Switchyard Park.
• A wheelchair accessible mini bus joined the fleet at Kid City Summer Camp. This bus accommodates children using wheelchairs and others with and without mobility impairments, allowing campers to travel together on field trips.
• In June 2024, Bryan Park, 1001 S. Henderson St., completed a new juvenile playground (designed for children ages 5-12) with accessible play features, including ground-level sensory elements, a wheelchair accessible carousel spinner, and buddy swings.
• The newly installed picnic shelter at RCA Community Park, 1400 W. RCA Park Dr., features a concrete ramp linking the parking lot and restroom to the shelter, improving accessibility for all visitors.​