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.