As part of continuing efforts to improve digital equity in our community, the City of Bloomington Information & Technology Services Department (ITS) is pleased to announce public Wi-Fi in two City parks, with work currently underway in three more.
Funded through the City’s Recover Forward initiative using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the Wi-Fi in Parks project is part of the City’s 2020 Digital Equity Strategic Plan, which aims to reduce digital inequities in Bloomington. Among other recommendations like expanding digital equity grants, staffing, and securing high-speed fiber-based internet service citywide,* the Digital Equity Strategic Plan calls for the City to evaluate strategically expanding Wi-Fi at City facilities such as public parks.
“Digital access is a basic utility that is necessary for full participation in the working world, educational endeavors, and civic services,” said Mayor John Hamilton. “Increasing access in our parks increases access for residents as well as provides more choices for healthy places to work and learn in our increasingly digital society.”
The first round of parks targeted in this effort are Peoples Park; and the Waldron, Hill & Buskirk Park (formerly 3rd St Park); Butler Park; and Crestmont Park. Wi-Fi services are now available at Peoples Park and Waldron, Hill & Buskirk Park at speeds up to 140 Megabits per second (Mbps). Work at the Butler and Crestmont Parks is ongoing and is expected to be completed in the spring of 2023 and offer service at or above 100 Mbps.
The Wi-Fi in Parks project experienced some delays earlier this year due to several challenges related to power, facility siting, and connectivity at these parks, which have now been resolved. Work has also been impacted by supply chain delays in the availability of network hardware.
In addition to these parks, the City is now evaluating public Wi-Fi placement at Seminary Park. New LED lighting and pre-installed conduit within the park will allow for the placement of Wi-Fi access points to serve this area. ITS will connect this park to its network this winter, with service also expected in the Spring of 2023.
Original source can be found here.
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