Bowling Green Wraps Up a Stellar Year with Exciting Plans Ahead!
As the calendar year winds down, Bowling Green is celebrating a productive 2024 and looking ahead to an even brighter 2025! City Manager Jeff Meisel recently shared his excitement about the city’s achievements over the past year, noting that Bowling Green has earned prestigious recognition from the Kentucky League of Cities as the City Government of the Year. “The employees did it, really, it’s a team win,” Meisel said with a proud smile. “(We’re) very proud of that.”
Exciting Projects on the Horizon
This year has been full of noteworthy projects that have showcased Bowling Green’s commitment to growth and community improvement. One of the big highlights is the *extension project on Bluegrass Farms Boulevard*. This fantastic project will connect the road from its current dead-end near Camping World all the way to Plano Road. Meisel expects this to be completed by spring, making travel even smoother for residents!
Another gem in the city’s treasure chest is the ambitious restoration of the historic Southern Queen Hotel in the Shake Rag area. The hotel was sold to local developer Desmond Bell last year, and Meisel is optimistic about its future. “We knew it was in really bad shape to start with, but he’s going to make it a masterpiece,” he confidently stated. Though the project encountered some hiccups with unforeseen fire, termite, and water damage, Meisel reassures residents that Desmond is dedicated to preserving the essence of the building while ensuring safety and compliance with modern codes. “It had to be done that way, and Desmond is saving as much as he can of it,” he added, addressing community concerns over the necessary demolition.
Empowering the Community
This year, Bowling Green also welcomed a fantastic initiative from Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, which launched the *Another Way program*. This program offers job skills training and work opportunities for residents seeking alternatives to panhandling. Participants work for about four hours at various job sites and earn a $50 stipend for their efforts. “Goodwill is taking them in, showing them how they can help them and get them what they need,” Meisel explained. “Several have gotten full-time jobs….” This initiative is a true win-win, equipping individuals with valuable skills while enhancing the community as a whole.
Fun Times Ahead with Riverfront Park
Looking toward 2025, Meisel is particularly excited about the upcoming developments at Riverfront Park. This project is all set to transform the land adjacent to the Barren River into a multi-use recreational center. “Hopefully we’ll get some drawings in here soon,” he said enthusiastically, predicting the start of groundbreaking activities in the new year. Thanks to a generous $3.6 million grant from the National Parks Service, the park will also feature a thrilling whitewater park for adventure-loving residents. The total cost of the park is expected to be about $7.28 million and the city plans to handle the remaining funds. “I’ve been told the White Water Project will kind of happen in sync with the first phase of the park,” he said, clearly excited about what’s to come.
Enhancing Safety and Training
In a bid to enhance safety for all, the city is also focusing on the joint police and fire training center, expected to open in the early months of the new year. This new facility will provide the necessary training environment and help free up space for both departments, improving their operations. “They’ll have a really good space to train people in,” Meisel shared, assuring that this long-awaited addition will make a real difference.
A Community Focused Approach
While reflecting on this year’s successes, Meisel emphasizes the importance of effective communication among the city’s more than 500 employees. Ensuring residents’ needs are met remains a top priority as they continue investing in the community. “Not all the revenues need to go to paying salaries – they have to go out back to the community,” he said. “You’re either growing or you’re dying,” he concluded, underscoring the necessity of continuous investment and progress to keep Bowling Green thriving.
As 2024 draws to a close, Bowling Green stands proud of its accomplishments and eagerly anticipates the growth and development awaiting in the new year. The community is ready, and it’s all set to embark on a journey filled with opportunity in 2025!
