Bowling Green, Ky., October 5, 2025
News Summary
A new Riverfront Park Project in Bowling Green, Ky. is underway, featuring recreational amenities like a playground, a boat ramp, and water activities such as tubing and kayaking. Local residents express enthusiasm for the project, which aims to enhance community engagement and recreation. Currently in phase one, construction will include a garden and seating area, with an overall budget of $50 million. The first phase is expected to be completed by next spring, paving the way for future phases of the park.
Bowling Green’s Riverfront Park Project Set to Transform City with New Recreational Amenities
A new park project is underway in Bowling Green, Ky., promising features like a playground, boat ramp, and water activities including tubing and kayaking. The Riverfront Park Project aims to enhance the area by providing a destination for recreation and community engagement.
Local residents are expressing excitement about the project, noting it will bring a peaceful environment and enjoyment for the community. Brent Childers, the director of the City of Bowling Green’s Neighborhood and Community Services, stated that the project is currently in phase one, which will include:
- Construction of a boat ramp.
- Development of a garden and seating area.
Currently, the city is seeking bids from contractors for construction, planning to start construction later this year. Phase one of the project is expected to be completed by next spring. Future phases of the project will include:
- Phase two: A playground and food truck park.
- Phase three: Areas for kayaking and tubing.
The overall project is budgeted at $50 million, with over $3 million already secured in federal funding. To date, the city has committed nearly $5 million to advance the Riverfront Park project. Additional amenities planned for the park include a bike track, rock climbing facilities, and an experiential whitewater rafting section.
The city released the bid package for phase one recently and expects to select a contractor by November. Data collection sensors have been installed in the Barren River to monitor water flows and levels for future construction of the whitewater rafting area.
The park is designed to be a unique destination, differing from existing parks in Bowling Green, with plans to attract visitors from outside the city. It will span around 4,000 feet along the Barren River, integrating natural landscapes and recreational features. The city’s children’s services director emphasized that while phase one may seem limited in amenities, there is much more planned for subsequent phases.
Key Features of the Riverfront Park Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Phase One | Boat ramp, garden and seating area |
| Phase Two | Playground and food truck park |
| Phase Three | Kayaking and tubing areas |
| Total Budget | $50 million |
| Federal Funding | Over $3 million |
| City Commitment | Nearly $5 million |
| Length of Park | 4,000 feet |
FAQ
What features will the Riverfront Park Project include?
The Riverfront Park Project will include a playground, boat ramp, and water activities including tubing and kayaking.
When will phase one of the project be completed?
Phase one of the project is expected to be completed by next spring.
What is the total budget for the Riverfront Park Project?
The overall project is budgeted at $50 million.
How much funding has been secured for the project?
Over $3 million has already been secured in federal funding.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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’s Riverfront Park Project Moves Forward
Bowling Green’s Progress and Future Ambitions
Additional Resources
- WBKO: Construction Set for Bowling Green’s New Riverfront Park
- Wikipedia: Riverfront Park
- WNKY: Bowling Green Looking for Bids to Build Riverfront Park
- Google Search: Bowling Green Riverfront Park
- BG Daily News: City Accepting Bids for Riverfront Park Phase One
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Riverfront Park
- BG Daily News: News on Riverfront Park
- Google News: Bowling Green Riverfront Park Project
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.
