About Us

Our Mission

The mission of Restore the Nine is to educate and enlist community members to safeguard Bloomington's natural heritage by advocating for the new sales-tax funds to be primarily allocated to restoring and protecting the natural woodlands, wetlands, prairies, and waters along Nine Mile Creek for the benefit of present and future generations.

Our Vision

Restore the Nine's vision is for Central Park and Nine Mile Creek to become an environmentally sustainable urban oasis, where protecting and restoring its land, water, and native plants and animals are the top priorities. We envision a park that retains its natural setting without the need for added paths or pavement. The existing quiet, serene pedestrian trail will be maintained for Bloomington residents and visitors to connect with nature, enhancing their well-being and quality of life. Our broader vision is for the park to serve as a model of environmental stewardship for other urban communities, leaving a legacy of responsible and sustainable practices for future generations.

Our Position

To read or download our complete position paper, click here.

To read or download an infographic of key points, click here.

Why we exist

In summer 2023, the city of Bloomington, MN announced Bloomington Forward. Voters were asked whether they wanted a .5% sales tax increase to fund three different projects. The third project concerned Moir Park and Central Park in the Nine Mile Creek corridor (NMCC).

All three ballot measures passed. This gave Bloomington, MN $20 million to spend in the NMCC.

Despite the language on the ballot, Bloomington says that they do not have firm plans for what will be done in the park and will engage residents in Community Engagement events to find out what we want. Restore the Nine was formed to encourage residents to participate in the Parks and Recreation Department’s Community Engagement events and to tell the City that we want them to spend the money on protecting the park and not on adding trails.

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