Waterfront Park is once again expanding thanks to a $10 million proposed budget allocation announced by Gov. Andy Beshear on Tuesday.
Since 1999, Waterfront Park has undergone a phased expansion which brought us amenities like the Great Lawn, Big Four Bridge + myriad walking paths and play areas.
The new funding — to be spent over two years if approved — will help push the expansion forward through Phase IV, which will extend the park by 22 acres on 10th and 15th Streets. Overall, the expansion has a $50 million price tag.
Phase IV of the project will begin with the construction of PlayWorks , an outdoor experiential learning area developed in partnership with the Kentucky Science Center.
It will also include the construction of an Observation Pier along the Ohio River, a hybrid play-and-exercise area, large gathering and historical plazas + an under-bridge pathway beneath I-64 connecting it all.
The Observation Pier overlooking the Ohio River. | Rendering courtesy of Waterfront Park
The park will finally connect Downtown and West Louisville by extending the Louisville Loop — a 100-mile trail system that will eventually encircle the city
. The Kentucky legislature will begin its 2022 session in January + looks to pass the two-year budget before the session adjourns in the spring.