Bowling Green Prepares for Major City Improvements
Bowling Green is gearing up for a series of exciting changes as city commissioners have recently approved the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which lays out various projects planned from fiscal years 2025 to 2028. This substantial program outlines nearly $200 million in projects that aim to improve the city’s infrastructure and services.
City Manager’s Insights
City Manager Jeff Meisel emphasized that while several projects beyond fiscal year 2025 are in the works, they still need to go through the budgeting process for approval each year. “We do this just to keep an eye on things,” Meisel stated. “It’s not officially in the budget until that budget year is adopted and it’s approved.”
Key Projects Ahead
The CIP includes initiatives across six different departments, and one of the most notable projects is the expansion of the City Hall Campus. This project, budgeted at nearly $7 million over four years, aims to consolidate various city departments into one location. According to Public Works Director Andy Souza, as the city staff grows, it became clear that the current space is no longer sufficient. The discussions have even extended to possible collaboration with the Warren County government, including shared meeting spaces.
Cave Mill Road Widening Project
Another significant initiative involves expanding Cave Mill Road to three lanes over a two-mile stretch, which runs from near Greenwood Mall to the intersection with Dishman Lane. This project, estimated to cost over $25.7 million, has received support from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, which has allocated $20 million towards it.
Souza noted that the project is still undergoing design, stating, “Everyone sort of agrees that we want wider roads…but the devil is in the details.” The widening project may require the city to acquire land that could belong to private owners. However, he assured that the city has not utilized eminent domain for several decades and would offer “100% total market value” should property need to be acquired.
Improvements to Recreation Facilities
Improvements are also coming to Bowling Green’s recreational facilities. Plans include an over $2.6 million project to reconstruct the Paul Walker Pro Shop, originally built in the 1930s. Brent Belcher from Bowling Green Parks and Recreation explained that this new facility will meet modern needs and will also include a storm shelter to enhance community safety. This shelter is planned to serve the wider community, especially after recent tornadoes impacted the area.
In addition to the pro shop renovations, Bowling Green plans to invest $6 million to expand turf soccer fields. Next year, two new fields are anticipated to be developed at Preston Miller Park. The plan is to eventually convert several fields into “lit fields,” providing additional playing time for local soccer enthusiasts.
Future Projects for Riverfront Park and Downtown
Future phases for the Riverfront Park development, which will convert an area next to Barren River into a multipurpose space, are also part of the CIP. A total of $3.5 million has been earmarked for this project for FY2027, contributing to the completion of earlier phases of construction.
Moreover, over $2 million will be dedicated to continuing improvements in downtown Bowling Green. This funding will ramp up pedestrian-friendly upgrades, making the downtown area more inviting for residents and visitors.
Conclusion
Bowling Green is looking ahead to a bright future filled with development and community-focused upgrades. With the Capital Improvement Program laying the groundwork, residents can expect significant enhancements in various areas of the city over the next several years.
