Rogers Family Park

The Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department received a donation of 32-acre property that abuts Jackson Creek. Mader Design was engaged in master planning and design services to convert the former farmland into Rogers Family Park. Bloomington Parks desired to maintain the picturesque barn and agricultural character of the site, while providing attractive amenities to create a passive and sustainable park.

The master plan proposed connections to adjacent active parks, development of a 1-mile trail loop connecting the Jackson Creek Trail, and restoring the floodway/floodplain to natural wooded and prairie habitats. Additional improvements included a gathering plaza, picnic shelter, community gardens and native demonstration gardens, a trail head, prairie restoration, signage, interpretive elements, parking, and commissioned sculpture pieces.

The plan was used by the Park Foundation to solicit donors and benefactors for the implementation of the Rogers Family Park, providing a key facility with new amenities benefitting the surrounding community.