News

The City of Bloomington is taking steps to improve digital equity by providing public Wi-Fi in more City parks. This initiative is funded through the City’s Recover Forward program using the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The goal is to reduce digital inequities in Bloomington outlined in the City’s 2020 Digital Equity Strategic Plan.

The first round of parks to activate this program included Peoples Park and the Waldron, Hill & Buskirk Park. Now, the City is expanding Wi-Fi to Rev. Ernest D. Butler Park and Crestmont Park. Butler Park offers Wi-Fi with speeds up to 100 Megabits per second (Mbps) and includes amenities like a playground, picnic shelters, a connector trail, community gardens, and a fenced ballfield. Crestmont Park primarily provides Wi-Fi access in the playground area and is known for its 18-hole disc golf course.

The City’s Information & Technology Services (ITS) Department plans to add Wi-Fi access at Seminary Park and Bryan Park in the future. Seminary Park has already been equipped with LED lighting and conduit to support the installation of Wi-Fi access points, while work is expected to be completed in Fall 2023 at Bryan Park.

The City of Bloomington’s Digital Equity program is a collaboration with Hoosier Networks, LLC to improve internet accessibility for low-income and digitally-disadvantaged households. Bloomington has been recognized by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance as a Digital Inclusion Trailblazer for its efforts. Additionally, the City is working on a city-wide high-speed fiber internet project in partnership with Hoosier Fiber Networks to provide quality internet service to eligible low-income residents through the Affordable Connectivity Plan (ACP).

The City of Bloomington’s Recover Forward initiative is a multi-year effort to help the community recover and thrive post-pandemic, focusing on racial, economic, and climate justice. Over million has been approved for critical investments, including million from the American Rescue Plan Act and million from City reserve funds.

Bloomington Parks and Recreation manages 41 park sites covering over 2,300 acres of greenspace. The department also plans and organizes more than 300 programs and events annually for the community. For more information about City parks, visit the official Parks website or download the Parks mobile app, OuterSpatial.

The post The City of Bloomington Expands Public Wi-Fi in Parks appeared first on satProviders.