Activating an Underutilized Hidden Riverfront
Learn how community engagement unlocked the potential of the Barren River in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
The City of Bowling Green is recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Its close proximity to Nashville and Louisville has positioned it as a burgeoning hub for recreation, entertainment, tourism, and residential living within the region. In light of this, City leadership has prioritized the enhancement of one of its significant underutilized assets – the Barren River. This river, named for the expansive grasslands that line its meandering 135-mile course, historically served as a vital source of transportation and commerce for the City, before being supplanted by railroads and the federal highway system in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Currently, the Barren River is on the verge of being rediscovered by both local residents and visitors. With the initiation of the 2023 Bowling Green Riverfront Master Plan by City leadership, the Barren River is expected to offer an opportunity for the community and tourists alike to experience Bowling Green as a river town, thereby enhancing its status as a destination for recreation, entertainment, and tourism.
The MKSK-led planning and design team conducted an extensive public engagement process, gathering insights from over 2,000 participants through surveys and workshops. The community's feedback highlighted key priorities such as enhanced access to the river, opportunities for interaction with nature, outdoor concerts and festivals, nature play features, kayaking and canoeing, as well as nature trails and hiking. Consequently, the Riverfront Park Master Plan for the 70-acre site presents an inspiring vision and a solid framework for the City to reconnect with the Barren River, offering the community enriching experiences and lasting memories for both present and future generations.
Inspired by the dynamic movement and flow of water across Bowling Green’s unique karst landscape, Riverfront Park offers a rich conceptual framework that intricately weaves together the meandering riparian edges of the Barren River and the extensive network of underground caves characteristic of the area. The park is divided into two distinct sections: The Terrace (West Riverfront Park) and The Flats (East Riverfront Park). This flowing network of paths, trails, and spaces creates numerous opportunities for visitors to engage with park destinations, activities, nature, and the river itself. Proposed pathways will feature multiple loops and circuits for walking, jogging, and cycling, while also connecting individuals to a diverse array of natural landscapes, including meadows, wooded areas, and the river's riparian corridor. Additionally, these pathways will enhance connectivity between the park's more active zones, such as play areas, performance lawns, food truck zones, interactive water features, and a canopy walk elevated among the trees.
Nestled in The Flats, the promenade features a 20-foot-wide multiuse pathway that runs alongside the river, offering access to strategically positioned riverfront “windows.” These windows allow park users to observe and connect with the river in a more intimate and intentional way. The removal of invasive vegetation along the riverbank enhances these riparian windows, creating accessible opportunities to engage with the water through overlooks, fishing piers, rock ledges, rapids, and kayak launches.
Situated within The Terrace, the Upper Green spans nearly two and a half acres of lush lawn, perfect for outdoor events and concerts. An outdoor pavilion and stage enable Bowling Green to host performances for approximately 1,500 to 2,000 attendees comfortably, while also providing spaces for food trucks, play areas for children, and convenient parking access.
The MKSK team of Landscape Architects and Engineers is actively advancing the initial three phases of the park situated in The Terrace. Key features of these phases encompass a destination playground inspired by the region's unique knobs and karst topography, a food truck grove, scenic river overlooks, a new boat ramp providing access for kayaks and canoes, interconnected loop paths and trails, and an exceptional whitewater park extending nearly 1,000 linear feet along the Barren River, adjacent to Riverfront Park.
Project Partners:
City of Bowling Green, KY – Client
MKSK – Park Planning & Community Engagement
Strand Associates – Engineering
Smith Gee Studios – Architecture
Andy Knight is a Principal at MKSK. As a Design Principal, Andy’s work collectively includes public realm revitalization initiatives, dynamic and productive landscapes, and vibrant public spaces that promote a diversity of social uses and cultural traditions. Andy has also served as teacher in Landscape Architecture programs at The Ohio State University and the University of Kentucky.