How we’re different from the City

They say, we say

A keen observer will note the similarities between our message and the City’s. We both talk about restoring and protecting the Nine Mile Creek Corridor. The quotes at right from the Bloomington Forward website show an important difference between our views. Note that the City always mentions improving access, or outdoor recreation opportunities.

In contrast, Restore the Nine advocates for spending 100% of the sales tax dollars for the Nine Mile Creek Corridor* on natural restoration and maintenance of existing infrastructure, along with some changes to make the park more ADA-compliant.

This differs substantially from the City’s plan, which was presented to the City Council on January 23, 2023. At that time, they said only one-third of the funds were to go to restoration, and the rest to the physical improvements and trails!

The words we use are important. Continue reading for the history of how the language used by the City about this project has changed over time.

*This does not include dollars allocated to Moir Park.

What does “improving access” mean?

Many of the City’s word changes simply replaced specific terms such as “widening trails” and “adding bike trails” with the vague phrase “improving access."

Is the City speaking about ADA compliance, or about making the park more accessible for other forms of recreation, such as biking?

Questions like this show why we cannot assume that the City’s plans for “protection and restoration” are the same as ours. This is why it is important for you to show up and make your voice heard about what you want for the Nine Mile Creek Corridor and Central Park. Join us!