Exploring New Bloomington

Experience

I started the walk from the Kirkwood entrance and then went down to the second street Kroger and back to tenth street past the farmers market.

First off, the walk was charming. I was nervous I would miss my opportunity in warm weather to do this assignment, so today was a beautiful day to walk. When I started the walk, many people were milling around and walking in both directions of the trail. My friend and I decided we wanted a burrito while we walked, so it was the perfect thing to do while eating. As we started walking toward the second street Kroger, it felt like there were fewer people, but a lady was playing music, and other people were wandering around people’s park. It makes me sad to see peoples park in the condition it is in today. I remember playing in that park when I was very young, and knowing that I would never do that again or let a child of mine do that makes me sad. We turned around and walked back toward tenth street, past the farmer’s market. That area was much nicer, and I have never been past the farmers market, so for me, it was a new area of Bloomington. I did this walk in between classes in the middle of the day, and it was a great pick me up. I am glad that I got a chance to do this assignment and explore more of the city I have been in for three years.

Places I saw

There are many places to stop along the trail. The main stops are some park benches, art to stop

and enjoy, and places to exercise. My favorite place that I stopped was a very cute city garden next to Wonderlab. We have discussed the importance of green space in class, so it was very neat to see this off-campus. I have never seen a green space like this in Bloomington that wasn’t a farm of the fields that are on campus. It was also interesting that it was connected to wonder lab, so it had some interesting learning and interactive things in the garden. I will put pictures of them below, but they have a bird-nesting box that explains on a plaque how they use the box to protect the birds that are native to Bloomington. They also have a solar panel connected to an interactive kiosk that kids can use to educate about how solar panels work and why they are good for the environment.

People on the trail

I am not very social, especially when I am out walking or doing something active, but I saw an abundance of people on the trail. The main group of people I saw were students, most likely around my age, either jogging, biking, or working out in some capacity, which was no surprise, especially because the weather was so lovely. The other group of people that I saw that I didn’t think of were employees taking a break during the day and walking. The trail’s north end is close to major employers like city hall and a Cook Medical site, so I saw many workers out and about.

Transportation

As I was walking, I saw many different methods of transportation. The majority of people that I saw were walking like me, but there were also quite a few bikes. Most bikers looked like they were biking for their own leisure, but a few looked like they were riding harder, potentially training for little five, which is a few short days away. I also saw one person on a skateboard, one on rollerblades, and two on the scooters, which I am pretty sure should not be on a trail. It was interesting to see all of the modes of transportation people used; it made me want to break out my bike and go for a ride.

Connectivity

I was impressed with how accessible the trail was to the neighborhood that surrounded it. There is an access point at every street crossing, by the Kroger on the south, and easy to access for the businesses and apartments on the north end. I didn’t walk the whole trail, but the areas I was in seemed easy. If someone didn’t live right next to the course, they would most likely have to walk to an access point, but Bloomington is very walkable, so if someone wanted to use the trail, they could.

Different land uses

I enjoyed looking at the different land uses surrounding the trail. Most of the land around is used for local business or apartment complexes on the north end, and after the Kroger heading south, I

believe it opens up and connects with switchyard park. Having driven in that direction, I can only assume the buildings start to dwindle, and there is more open space for nature and other fields. I enjoyed that the land around the trail had a few art installations to look at. In particular, I would love to know the story behind these pieces in this area. If I had to guess, a sculptor wanted to bring children’s works of art to life. I sometimes forget how beautiful this campus is, and I look forward to the next time I walk the trail.

Smart Trails Strategy

Many strategies and design opportunities could be implemented along the B-line to create a better public space. Here are two potential options:

Green infrastructure:

Along the route, one strategy to enhance the B-line trail would be incorporating green infrastructure, such as bioswales, rain gardens, and permeable pavement. These features would help manage stormwater runoff, reduce the heat island effect, and provide natural habitats for wildlife. Additionally, adding more greenery along the trail would create a more attractive and inviting space for users. Plants and trees could be strategically placed to provide shade, create visual interest, and buffer noise from the surrounding urban environment. Incorporating sustainable landscaping practices, such as using native plant species and minimizing chemicals, could further enhance the trail’s ecological value.

Interactive kiosks:

Another design opportunity for the B-line trail would be to incorporate interactive kiosks that provide information about the trail’s history, ecology, and nearby attractions. These kiosks could be equipped with touchscreens that allow users to access maps, trail guides, and other useful resources. They could also be designed to provide real-time updates on trail conditions and events. In addition to providing practical information, these kiosks could serve as public art installations, showcasing local artists’ work and adding visual interest to the trail. Incorporating smart technologies, such as solar-powered charging stations and Wi-Fi hotspots, would also make the trail more accessible and convenient for users.

By incorporating green infrastructure and interactive kiosks along the B-line trail, we can create a more sustainable, attractive, and accessible public space that benefits both the environment and the community. These strategies would enhance the overall user experience of the trail by providing helpful information, creating visual interest, and improving ecological function.