Bowling Green, October 22, 2025
News Summary
Bowling Green has approved a $3.64 million grant from the National Park Service to develop a new whitewater park along the Barren River. This grant covers half the project cost, with additional funding from state and city resources. The initiative is part of a broader plan to enhance the city’s recreational facilities and includes upcoming projects such as a subdivision for tornado victims. Construction is expected to commence around 2028, with design plans already underway and community engagement highlighted throughout the process.
Bowling Green has taken a significant step towards enhancing its recreational landscape with the approval of a $3.64 million grant during the recent Bowling Green City Commission meeting. This funding, awarded by the National Park Service’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP), will be used to develop a new whitewater park along the Barren River.
The approved grant will cover half of the total cost of the whitewater park project, with the remainder funded by a combination of state and city resources. The director of Neighborhood and Community Services stated that this grant represents a significant boost for the city and its future parks initiatives.
Brent Childers, the Neighborhood and Community Services director, highlighted the complexity of the whitewater park project, noting that the collaboration with the National Park Service, alongside state funding, plays a crucial role in make the venture feasible for Bowling Green.
In addition to the whitewater park, the commission also approved a separate $5 million grant aimed at constructing a new subdivision for individuals affected by the December 2021 tornadoes. The city plans to allocate an extra $4 million in its fiscal year 2026 budget towards the Riverfront Park project, which includes design and construction costs for the whitewater park.
The timeline for this extensive project indicates that design plans for the whitewater park have already been initiated, with expectations to secure additional funding moving forward. Construction on the first phase of the Riverfront Park, which will include amenities such as a new boat ramp, is slated to begin in the summer of 2025. The second phase will target land development away from the river, including a playground, with bids projected for release in spring 2026.
However, the permitting process for the whitewater park is expected to take one year due to its complexity, which suggests that actual construction is likely to start around 2028. The planning for the whitewater park project has been active for about eight years, evolving from initial discussions among city staff regarding the potential development of riverfront property.
The proposed whitewater park will span approximately 4,000 feet along the Barren River and aims to enhance recreational opportunities while improving access safety to the river. Currently, local whitewater activity options are limited, requiring enthusiasts to travel to the Ocoee River near Chattanooga, TN, or Whitewater Warehouse in Dayton, OH, both about three hours away.
The entire Riverfront Park initiative was publicly unveiled in January 2024 during the city’s strategic planning meeting, marking a notable investment in the community’s future recreational facilities.
Key Features of the Bowling Green Whitewater Park Project
- Grant Amount: $3.64 million
- Project Location: Barren River, Bowling Green
- Covers: Half of the total project cost
- Construction Start Date: Anticipated in 2028
- Span of Park: Approximately 4,000 feet
- Adjacent Projects: Riverfront Park amenities and subdivision for tornado victims
FAQ
What is the amount of the grant approved for the new whitewater park?
A $3.64 million grant was approved during the Bowling Green City Commission meeting to fund a new whitewater park along the Barren River.
When is the construction of the whitewater park expected to start?
Actual construction on the whitewater park is likely beginning in 2028.
Where is the proposed whitewater park located?
The proposed whitewater park will span roughly 4,000 feet along the Barren River.
What other projects were discussed during the city commission meeting?
A separate $5 million grant was also approved to construct a new subdivision for individuals affected by the December 2021 tornadoes.
Chart: Key Features of the Bowling Green Whitewater Park Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Grant Amount | $3.64 million |
| Location | Barren River, Bowling Green |
| Construction Start | Anticipated in 2028 |
| Length of Park | Approximately 4,000 feet |
| Related Projects | Subdivision for tornado victims, Riverfront Park amenities |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bowling Green’s Riverfront Park Project Set to Transform City
Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Seeks Community Feedback
Exploring the Barren River Dam’s Role in Kentucky’s History
Bowling Green Parks Initiative Enhances Community Green Spaces
Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Plans Community Engagement
Bowling Green Receives Grant for Sidewalk Upgrades
Bowling Green’s Riverfront Park Project Moves Forward
Additional Resources
- WNKY: Bowling Green City Commission Accepts $3.64 Million Grant for Whitewater Park
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Whitewater Parks
- BG Daily News: Riverfront Park Updates
- Google Search: Bowling Green Whitewater Park
- Lane Report: Grant Sought for Whitewater Park
- World Atlas: National and State Parks in Kentucky
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
