The Crestmont community gathered for a cookout Saturday afternoon, while children flocked to playground swings and slides.
Last month, police responded to five incidents of gunfire in the neighborhood. Several people were injured at the Crestmont Park playground on July 2 and July 8.
Leon Gordon is administrative director at the Bloomington Housing Authority, located just a few blocks from the playground. He said the cookout is meant to empower Crestmont Community residents, specifically young people.
“Most people think this is only in response to the violence, but it’s something we’ve been wanting to do for a long time,” Gordon said. “We’re trying to capture the moment, the energy. There are residents who are wanting to be involved in turning around the image here.”
He said the community will continue to host youth engagements every two weeks through fall. The City of Bloomington worked with the Boys and Girls Clubs and city housing authority to plan the cookout.
Bloomington police chief Mike Diekhoff said police are continuing to investigate, but witnesses are forthcoming. BPD increased patrol in the area, including officers on foot.
“I understand people’s fears and concerns,” Diekhoff said. “But the sooner we can make some arrests in these cases, the quicker we will be able to, you know, get this community back to what it should be, and people feel safe and can go outside.”
BPD captain Ryan Pedigo said police will continue to use all investigative techniques available to them, including assistance from federal agencies.
