LOUISVILLE METRO AWARDS WATERFRONT BOTANICAL GARDENS $250,000 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUNDING
[Louisville, KY]—Waterfront Botanical Gardens has secured an additional $250,000 in funding upon yesterday’s approval of the Louisville city budget for fiscal year 2026-27. The funds will be used for capital repairs and improvements to the Ellen T. Leslie Botanical Classroom building as the Gardens furthers its mission to transform the site of a former landfill into a world class urban botanical garden. This building serves as the central hub for the Gardens’ educational programs.
“We are deeply grateful to the entire Metro Council for their dedication in helping us secure this much needed funding, and to Mayor Greenberg for his continued support,” said Philip Koester, President and CEO of Waterfront Botanical Gardens. “Mediating and developing the site of a former landfill is an ambitious undertaking, and brings unexpected challenges. This funding will allow the Gardens to continue its important mission.”
Waterfront Botanical Gardens welcomes more than 65,000 guests each year, including more than 3,000 students from all over the Metro area for field trips, summer camps, and other youth programming. Built on top of the former Ohio Street Dump, which closed in the 1970s, the site faces ongoing challenges related to landfill settlement. These funds will be used to make vital long-term repairs to the Ellen T. Leslie Botanical classroom, which houses the Gardens’ educational programming and serves as home base for the Gardens’ 300 volunteers.
The Gardens, which first opened to the public in 2019, encompasses 23 acres. Approximately five acres were mediated and developed during Phase One of the Master Plan, which included Graeser Family Education Center, Rounsavall Family Foundation Plaza Fountain, Beargrass Creek Pathway, and Ellen T. Leslie Botanical Classrooms, and was completed in 2021. Phase 2A, which includes the Graeser Family Bonsai Garden, Joe and Debbie Graviss Bonsai House, Tree Allée, Beargrass Creek Overlook, and completed Beargrass Creek Pathway Loop, began in April, and is expected to cost $10.5 million to complete. The grand opening is planned for spring 2027.
For More Information:
Megan Bibelhauser, Vice President of Marketing & Experience – mbibelhauser@waterfrontgardens.org