Bloomington Leader

Indiana University Bloomington has inaugurated a new outdoor recreation park located in the Northwest neighborhood, adjacent to the Sembower Field Complex at the intersection of 17th Street and Fee Lane. The facility aligns with IU's commitment to wellness, inclusion, and community.

The 30,000-square-foot park boasts various amenities, including a futsal/soccer turf field, six regulation pickleball courts, a basketball court designed to reflect the floor of Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, and an outdoor fitness area comprising seven workout zones. The development of the outdoor fitness gym received support through grant funding from the National Fitness Campaign, in collaboration with Recreational Sports and Campus Auxiliaries.

"The park is open to everyone in the IU community, but we hope it will provide students the opportunity to focus on health and well-being while appreciating the outdoors," stated Josh Downing, associate director of programs for Recreational Sports. Additionally, Downing noted, "Having the first dedicated pickleball courts at IU is exciting. But the variety of offerings and the unique setting make this park special."

Initiated in the spring of 2023 as an initiative to update the existing outdoor courts in the Northwest neighborhood, the project sought to improve recreational access for students. The park, available on a first-come, first-served basis, features lighting facilities for nighttime use and emphasizes campus pride with IU-branded courts and a large seating wall.

The new park is free to access for all IU community members — students, staff, and faculty — and aims to foster a vibrant space for exercise and leisure activities. The comprehensive facilities and accessible location provide a significant enhancement to the campus infrastructure, supporting the well-being of the university community and encouraging engagement with outdoor activities.