Switchyard Park

OVERVIEW

• Switchyard Park was the McDoel Switchyard until 2004. 

• It was mainly used by the Monon Railroad, and named after one of their presidents, W.H McDoel

• In 2017, it was revealed that the area was being turned into a park, and construction lasted from 2018 to 2020

• Many events are hosted here, like Food-truck Friday and the Summer Concert Series

HISTORY 

Switchyard Park is one of Bloomington’s best places to hang out. It has a playground, grass fields, and lots of areas for fun events to be hosted. But what was originally in this area? Until 2004, Switchyard park was the McDoel Switchyard, named after W.H. McDoel, the Monon Railroad’s president from 1899 to 1909. He oversaw both the passenger and cargo trains that came through Bloomington, the passenger trains taking college students to and away from IU, and the cargo trains mostly carrying furniture, appliances and limestone.  

However, business began slowing down in 2000, and in 2004, the last train left. For 12 years, the switchyard lay abandoned, but in 2016, plans were revealed to build a park. Construction started in 2018 and lasted 19 months into 2020.

ROLE IN THE COMMUNITY

Since it opened, lots of events have been hosted at Switchyard Park. The most notable is Food-truck Friday, an event every Friday from April through October where you can come eat from the food-trucks and enjoy Switchyard Park. Other, more seasonal events are also hosted here, like the Solar Eclipse Viewing Party that happened when a solar eclipse passed through Bloomington. Also, Hope for the Holidays, a Christmas tree event in December benefitting New Hope For Families happens here, as does the Summer Concert Series. 

Even if there aren’t any events happening soon, you can still have lots of fun. Live music, a dog park, a skate park, a playground and a splash pad are all things to do here. You can also walk, bike or run the B-Line Trail that cuts through the park. 

Another cool feature of Switchyard park is the art. Around the park are several pieces of art noting the part Bloomington had in the Underground Railroad. Back when this was a switchyard for the railroad, people who lived around here would help escaped slaves get on trains. The art is on the sides of the bathrooms. 

In all, Switchyard park is an important part of Bloomington. People love it for it’s fun events, things to do and deep history.