Recreation Rendezvous

Latest Episodes:

Managing the Urban Forest Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

Join us as we follow Haskell Smith, our Urban Forester through a typical day managing tree health, responding to community concerns, and helping shape the city’s natural landscape. Discover what it takes to care for the urban forest.

Protecting Bloomington’s Trees with Haskell Smith Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

Invasive species threaten the health of our community. In this episode of Recreation Rendezvous, Urban Forester Haskell Smith explains what’s at stake, how to spot the warning signs, and what you can do to help protect our urban forest.

Camp Chats with Aella, Tanae, and Tiona Jul 17, 2025

Show notes

We sat down with Banneker Camp campers Aella, Tanae, and Tiona to talk about their favorite parts of camp, what they love about our parks, and, of course, their favorite desserts. A fun, lighthearted conversation straight from the voices of our community’s youth.

Building Trades Park with Rebecca Swift Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Recreation Rendezvous, our Director of Operations , Rebecca Swift, joins us for an in-depth conversation about the ongoing transformation at Building Trades Park in Bloomington.

Learn more about the Building Trades Park Masterplan visit our website: https://bloomington.in.gov/news/2024/05/22/5947

Planning for the Next 5: A Conversation with Jaime Sabbach Jul 03, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Recreation Rendezvous, we sit down with Jaime Sabbach, a planning expert helping us shape our next 5-year master plan. We talk about how public input, data, and long-term vision come together to guide decisions about trails, facilities, green spaces, and more. Whether you’re a frequent park user or just curious about how these spaces evolve, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the blueprint for Bloomington’s recreational future.

Hometown Jams with Rearview Rhonda Jun 26, 2025

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In this episode, we sit down with a couple members of Bloomington’s own Rearview Rhonda to talk music, band life, and what it’s like making noise right here in their hometown. From songwriting to local shows, they share how Rearview Rhonda came together and what keeps the energy going.

See the full Performing Arts Series Lineup at this link:

Frank Southern Ice Arena with Chris Hamric and Alec Curry Jun 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Chris Hamric and Alec Curry return to talk all things Frank Southern Ice Arena. From daily operations and seasonal programming to what it takes to maintain the facility, they give us a behind-the-scenes look at one of Bloomington’s coolest recreational spots.

Resting Places, Living Stories Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Recreation Rendezvous, we’re joined by Amy Leyenbeck to explore the quiet corners of Bloomington’s cemeteries. From historic plots to hidden symbolism, we talk about how these spaces offer more than final resting places—they reveal stories of the city’s past, its people, and the evolving ways we honor memory.

Popcorn & Projectors Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Recreation Rendezvous, we’re joined by Josh Brewer, co-founder of Cicada Cinema, and Liz Sullivan, longtime volunteer, to talk about Bloomington’s beloved pop-up movie collective.

Step by Step: A Walking Meditation May 29, 2025

Show notes

This special Recreation Rendezvous meditation episode invites you to slow down and tune in—one step at a time. Narrated by Shelby Drake, this walking meditation is designed to ground you in the present moment through mindful movement. Whether you’re in a park, on a trail, or walking your neighborhood, take a deep breath and come along for a journey inward and outward.

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