Bowling Green celebrates Riverfront Park opening, breaks ground on phase two

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Bowling Green leaders celebrated the completion of the first phase of Riverfront Park on Wednesday while breaking ground on the next phase of the project.

The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, refreshments, games and live music from SOKY Heartstrings as community members gathered along the Barren River to mark the park’s progress.

The first phase includes gathering areas, landscaping, pedestrian connections and a boat ramp providing access to the river.

Mayor Todd Alcott said the project is transforming a former landfill into a destination for families and visitors.

“What was once a former landfill is becoming a place where families will gather,” Alcott said. “Children play. Visitors will explore and our community comes together.”

The second phase will add a 1.5-acre playground designed to give children and families more opportunities for outdoor recreation.

City Manager Jeff Meisel said the property’s transformation is especially meaningful to him because he remembers seeing the landfill as a child.

“I saw the city dump right up the hill here. Refrigerators. Stoves. Tires, lots of garbage, you name it,” Meisel said. “And so we’ve come a long way.”

Andy Knight, principal landscape architect at MKSK, said community input helped shape the park’s long-term vision.

“We’re creating an experience that will continue to evolve and expand — a place for recreation, for community events, outdoor adventure, and connection to the natural environment,” Knight said.

Warren County Judge-Executive Doug Gorman said the park could also help attract businesses and families to the area by expanding recreational opportunities.

“This park is going to be an unbelievable difference maker for the future of our community,” Gorman said.

Julie Milam, executive vice president of partnership services at the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, credited the local, state and federal partners involved in the project.

“What you see around you today represents years of vision, collaboration, investment and determination from our local, state and federal partners,” Milam said.

Future phases are expected to include whitewater recreation features and additional park space, including walking and biking paths.

City leaders say the long-term goal is to create a community destination that will continue to grow and serve Bowling Green for generations.