News Summary
Bowling Green Parks and Recreation is engaging residents to shape the future of recreational activities through a community survey and a new Master Plan. This initiative aims to gather feedback on local parks and programs residents wish to see, while also addressing service gaps for the next decade. Additionally, the city allocates funding for the Riverfront Park project and celebrates the opening of Jennings Creek Nature Park, focusing on outdoor education and recreation in the community.
Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Engages Community to Shape Future Recreational Activities Through Surveys and Master Plan
Bowling Green Parks and Recreation is actively involving local residents in the development of a new “Master Plan” aimed at enhancing community engagement in recreational activities. A vital community survey has been distributed to gather valuable feedback on local parks, facilities, and the types of programs or activities that residents wish to see in the future.
The survey covers various topics, including the current strengths and weaknesses of existing recreational facilities, as well as community preferences regarding changes or new additions. Parks Planner Haley Parrett emphasized the importance of the survey in understanding the needs of the community and identifying any service gaps that may exist.
With the results of the survey, the Parks and Recreation department intends to prioritize recreational improvements for the next ten years based on community feedback. Initial data from early responses suggest a significant interest among residents for passive recreation options such as trails, trees, and jogging paths.
The subsequent steps will focus on utilizing the insights gained from the survey to develop concrete ideas for the Master Plan. Residents interested in the progress and results from the community engagement are encouraged to visit the dedicated website at www.bgprmasterplan.com/engagement.
Riverfront Park Project Progress
In addition to the Master Plan, the city has allocated an extra $4 million in its budget for fiscal year 2026 to support the ongoing development of the Riverfront Park project. This funding will be used to cover the design and construction costs of phase three, which is expected to feature the Barren River Whitewater Park.
Grant funding has already been secured for the first phase of the Riverfront Park project, which includes a new boat ramp and a temporary parking lot. The head of Neighborhood and Community Services, Brent Childers, noted that construction for phase one is anticipated to commence in late fall or winter of this year.
Phase two of the Riverfront Park will aim at developing nearby land further away from the river and will include the construction of a unique playground area. According to the proposed timeline, bids for phase two are expected to be released in the spring, with construction estimated to begin during the summer of 2026. The permitting process for the whitewater park is projected to take around one year due to the complexities associated with waterway regulations.
Opening of Jennings Creek Nature Park and Playscape
Bowling Green has recently celebrated the opening of the new Jennings Creek Nature Park and Playscape. This park features a design that integrates natural elements, diverging from the characteristics of traditional parks. It has been created to offer a positive experience for the community impacted by the tornado incident in 2021.
The playscape within the park includes a nature trail and is intended to serve as an outdoor classroom for nearby schools, promoting outdoor learning and play among children. Community members now have access to over 20 parks throughout Bowling Green, with each park providing unique outdoor experiences tailored to various interests.
As the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation department continues to work on these initiatives, it remains dedicated to fostering community involvement and enhancing the recreational landscape for both current residents and future generations.
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Additional Resources
- WBKO: Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Master Plan
- Wikipedia: Community Engagement
- WBKO: Bowling Green Parks Community Involvement Video
- Google Search: City Parks and Recreation
- BG Daily News: Jennings Creek Nature Park Opens
- Google Scholar: Community Parks
- WBKO: Bowling Green Riverfront Park Construction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Recreation
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.
