Bloomington, Ind. ~ Bloomington, Ind. - After months of construction, the Bicentennial Gateway at Miller-Showers Park has been completed and is now open to the public. The gateway, located at 1500 N. College Ave., features a 52-foot long and 10-foot high wall made of stacked limestone blocks. The wall is adorned with powder-coated aluminum letters spelling out "BLOOMINGTON," which are backlit with soft white light at night.

In addition to the impressive wall, the gateway also includes a median area that has been beautified with over 20 native trees such as serviceberry, redbud, yellowwood, black gum, and white oak. This addition not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of the gateway but also promotes the preservation of local flora.

Tim Street, Parks and Recreation Administrator, expressed his gratitude for the community's patience and cooperation during the construction process. He also noted that public feedback was taken into consideration during the design phase and believes that the finished product will serve as a warm welcome to visitors entering Bloomington.

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The planning and execution of this project involved numerous businesses and city boards and commissions. Rundell Ernstberger Associates handled the design and construction plans while Reed & Sons Construction served as the general contractor. Other contractors involved in various aspects of the project included Rock Solid Masonry for limestone wall construction, RiverTown Construction for concrete work, Huston Electric for electrical work, Abell Nursery for landscaping, and bo-mar Industries for letter fabrication and lighting.

The Bicentennial Gateway was made possible by a series of municipal bonds approved by City Council in October 2018. A total of $1.25 million was allocated for its design and construction. The project was completed within budget using these funds.

Looking ahead, plans are already in motion for an additional public art piece to be installed about 60 feet north of the gateway wall. The Bloomington Arts Commission (BAC) will be soliciting design proposals in February 2025 and has been allocated $125,000 from the Bicentennial Bond fund for this purpose.

The Bicentennial Gateway serves as a symbol of Bloomington's rich history and bright future. It is a testament to the city's commitment to preserving its natural beauty and enhancing the community's overall experience. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to visit Miller-Showers Park and witness this impressive addition for themselves.

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