On April 23rd, Bloomington, IN celebrated the grand opening of Hopewell Commons - a vibrant new park and the first public space in the emerging Hopewell neighborhood.
Designed by REA in close collaboration with the City’s Parks and Engineering departments, this one-acre urban park is more than just a green space - it’s the heart of a bold vision for inclusive, sustainable living. This new one-acre park is the first step in transforming the former hospital site into Hopewell, a neighborhood centered on equity, resilience, and community.

Hopewell Commons features porch-style swings, ping pong tables, a log scramble play area, a performance stage, and artificial turf for community gatherings. Soon, it will also be home to “Undulate”, a glowing interactive sculpture by local artist Jon Racek.
And this is just the beginning. As the Hopewell neighborhood grows, it will bring up new homes - including affordable and workforce housing - woven together with public art, green space, and a commitment to sustainability.
Hopewell Commons is more than a park - it’s a front porch to Bloomington’s future.

