Tents and other enclosed structures will not be allowed in Bloomington parks during the daytime, starting Wednesday, August 23.
The board of Parks Commissioners passed the policy unanimously during a meeting Wednesday, August 17.
Bloomington’s operations and development director Tim Street said Seminary Square and Switchyard Parks have the most reported incidents by security.
“Our top five categories of things we get reported from security staff are notes to maintenance…Substance abuse, property damage, or vandalism, unsafe conditions, or spill mess.”
The board’s new rule said these issues present health and safety concerns.
The city’s prior policy allowed tents during the daytime, but required them to be moved between the hours of 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Exceptions can be granted through a permit for an event. Unenclosed shade structures, like tarps, are still allowed.
Bloomington and Monroe county Human Right’s Commission member Tonda Radewon said the city should should work with organizations that provide services to unhoused populations before passing new rules.
“While that consideration is being made, if there could be more public availability where people can find the garbage bags and the trash cans and the receptacles, and public bathrooms," she said. "I mean, public bathrooms, I think that would really help with the waste situation as well. "
Police can enforce rules established by the Parks Board. The board is instructing the director of parks and recreation to work with law enforcement to ensure the policy against tents in the daytime is enforced.
Read more: City board passes resolution against camping on sidewalks, streets
The board of public works passed a separate resolution Tuesday, paving the way for city council to restrict camping on sidewalks, streets, and roads.
Read coverage from 2021: City removes tents from Seminary Square Park after two weeks of warnings
