Peoples Park & Hopewell Commons Use Application

This permit application requests authorization for the free use of Peoples Park and/or Hopewell Commons to host community-oriented activities, including public information sharing, performances, and demonstrations with under 100 people in attendance. Pending approval of this application, event organizers agree to comply with all park rules, safety guidelines, noise regulations, and cleanup requirements. Commercial activity or sales will be approved on a case by case basis. 

• Permit applications must be submitted to Bloomington Parks and Recreation at least two (2) weeks prior to the requested date for use of the park.
• Park operating hours are 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Use of the park outside of these hours will require approval of a Parks Special Use Permit. 
• An application for use of the park shall not become a permit until it has been approved and signed by a staff member of the City of Bloomington's Parks and Recreation Department.
• Applications for park use using this application will only be accepted for Peoples Park at 501 E. Kirkwood Ave, and Hopewell Commons at 630 S. Morton St. within each of the park boundaries. Sidewalks surrounding the outside perimeter of Peoples Park are not considered part of the park. Requesting use of other park spaces will require approval of a Parks Special Use Permit. 
• If you are submitting an application for use of Hopewell Commons and would like to utilize the stage fo a performance or intend to use amplified sound, please complete a Parks Special Use Permit. 

• All materials must be placed within the park perimeter and not block any sidewalk or pedestrian traffic within the park.
• Bloomington Parks and Recreation only provides a space. You need to bring all items necessary for your use (table, chair(s) and any items you want to display).
• Access to water is not available in Peoples Park or in Hopewell Commons. Access to electrical outlets may be requested on this application in the "description of requested infastrcture" section. 
• Groups may not give away homemade items intended for human consumption. Only pre-packaged items produced in an inspected kitchen may be distributed.
• Groups may not amplify sound without an approved noise permit. The noise permit application can be found on the Event Permits for City Parks website.
• Bloomington Parks and Recreation may at any time ask a group to vacate the park premises.
• Events requesting to set up larger infrastructure, charging admission, or requiring additional communication may require additional permits and fees.
• Goods may not be sold without a City of Bloomington Solicitor License. Information about soliciting within the City of Bloomington can be found on the City of Bloomington Business Licenses website.
• Food trucks are not permitted at events scheduled in Peoples Park due to its proximity to restaurants and other small business storefronts.
• The registering group representative is responsible for ensuring this information is shared with all members of the group who may be assisting with the use of the park. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Crystal Ritter by email or by phone at 812-349-3725.
• The event organizer shall maintain comprehensive general liability insurance in the amount of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) for bodily injury per person in any one occurrence and Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) in any one occurrence for all persons in that occurrence. Property damage shall be in the amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) per occurrence. The policy shall name the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department and the renter as additional insured parties, and the organizer shall provide Parks with a certificate of insurance at least two (2) weeks before the event.

I have read and agree to abide by the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation 2026 Peoples Park and Hopewell Use Application. I understand that approval is required, and all park rules, safety, noise, and cleanup requirements apply. The event organizer is responsible for sharing these requirements with all participants from their organization/event. The City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation may require additional permits, insurance, or fees for certain activities. I agree to hold harmless and indemnify the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department for any claims or damages arising from use of the park.