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Bloomington: Parks and Recreation Continues Investment in Banneker Community Center

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Bloomington, IN ~ Bloomington's Banneker Community Center has recently undergone two major update and repair projects, showcasing the Parks and Recreation Department's dedication to investing in and maintaining community facilities. These improvements were made possible through grant funding and reflect the department's commitment to keeping the center a safe, welcoming, and well-utilized space for the neighborhood.

According to Parks and Recreation Director Tim Street, these updates are crucial in preserving the historic character of Banneker Community Center and supporting the programs that families and youth rely on. The center serves as a vital location for community programs and events, making it a key part of ongoing community investment strategies.

The age of the building and its significant place in Bloomington's history required a thoughtful approach to renovations and repairs. In 2025, an existing conditions assessment conducted by Ball State University's Center for Historic Preservation revealed that water infiltration was posing a serious threat to the long-term preservation of Banneker. This was primarily caused by insufficient drains and downspouts from over 8,400 square feet of roof.

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In response to this report, Banneker staff applied for a $20,000 grant from the Indiana Landmarks Black Heritage Preservation Program. With this funding, they were able to contract with B&L Sheet Metal and Roofing to conduct necessary repairs on the roof, gutters, and downspouts. The work was completed in April at a total cost of $68,550.

Another project that was recently completed at Banneker Community Center was the replacement of its original limestone stairs at the main entrance. The Board of Park Commissioners hired LRT Restoration Technologies from Monroe, Ohio to demolish and reconstruct the upper run of limestone steps and knee walls. The stairs had deteriorated significantly due to age, uneven surface wear, and use of deicing salts which caused erosion and mortar loss.

The project involved removing 12 existing limestone steps and replacing them with new ones, as well as replacing 24 limestone blocks in the knee walls. All new joints and limestone blocks were properly coated and sealed. This project was partially funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service's Historic Preservation Fund, administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology. The total grant amount awarded was $60,000, with matching funds of $21,165 provided by the Parks and Recreation Department.

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To ensure that the project adhered to historic preservation standards, a project manager with specialized expertise in historic architecture was required. Doug Bruce, President of Tabor Bruce Architecture and Design in Bloomington, generously donated his professional expertise to the project. He conducted a detailed assessment of the historic steps, prepared architectural drawings outlining necessary repairs, and provided expert review of the contractor's work at no cost to the city.

For those interested in learning more about programs at Banneker Community Center or renting space for events, they can visit bloomington.in.gov/banneker or call 812-349-3735 for more information. The Parks and Recreation Department is grateful for these recent updates and remains committed to maintaining Banneker Community Center as a valuable asset for the community.

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