FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 24, 2024
Media Contact: Megan Bibelhauser, Director of Marketing and Communications
919-357-1956 | mbibelhauser@waterfrontgardens.org
WATERFRONT BOTANICAL GARDENS RECEIVES $5 MILLION IN CITY, STATE FUNDING TO ADVANCE ITS MASTER PLAN
Celebrates 5th Anniversary of Public Opening
LOUISVILLE, KY (October 24, 2024) — Waterfront Botanical Gardens is excited to announce $5 million in new funding to accelerate the next phase of its Master Plan. The funding includes $4 million from the Kentucky General Assembly and $1 million from Louisville Metro, coming as the Gardens celebrate five years since opening to the public.
“We are deeply grateful for this unprecedented support from both the Kentucky General Assembly and Louisville Metro,” said Philip Koester, President & CEO of Waterfront Botanical Gardens. “This marks a pivotal moment for the Gardens as we embark on Phase 2 of construction, creating even more opportunities for people to connect with nature in this unique urban oasis. We are thankful for their confidence in our vision for a greener, healthier Kentucky.”
Funding Allocation and Project Details
The $5 million will come from both the state and local governments. The Kentucky General Assembly will provide $2 million in 2024 and another $2 million in 2025, while Louisville Metro’s $1 million contribution will be disbursed by the end of this year. Phase 2 includes the Japanese Garden. The $5 million from city and state will focus on infrastructure for Phase 2A—the Graeser Family Bonsai Garden, Tree Allée, and Beargrass Creek Overlook. Phase 2B will see the completion of the remainder of the Japanese Garden designed by Shiro Nakane of Kyoto, Japan.
Senate President Robert Stivers praised the project’s transformative impact, stating, “Waterfront Botanical Gardens stands for what was once a blight on Louisville’s landscape, transforming it into a beacon of possibility, repurposed with vision into something that inspires and uplifts. In addition to creating a uniquely beautiful green space, Waterfront Botanical Gardens provides environmental education and community events, which mean opportunities for economic development. The $4 million investment in this project is an investment in the quality of life for Kentuckians, and we are proud to showcase Kentucky as a vibrant arts and cultural destination for visitors from the region and around the world.”
Construction Timeline
The Gardens plan to break ground on Phase 2A in early 2025. Initial work will focus on “preloading” the site—a process of compacting soil to ensure stability for future structures. This step is especially critical given the Gardens’ location on the former Ohio Street Dump. The preloading process will take approximately six months, during which time design and construction teams will remobilize. Full construction is expected to commence in the fall of 2025.
In addition to government support, the Gardens are actively working with individual donors and foundations to reach their total fundraising goal of $10.2 million for Phase 2A.
Endorsement from Community, Government Leaders
Senate Caucus Chair Julie Raque Adams also expressed her enthusiasm for the project, noting its importance for the community. “Waterfront Botanical Gardens is a true cultural treasure for Kentucky, offering more than just a beautiful space. It is an opportunity to elevate the quality of life for everyone who visits. We are committed to supporting the Gardens’ continued growth because public green spaces foster connection, education, and well-being. Completing Waterfront Botanical Gardens’ Master Plan will be a huge win for the Commonwealth, and we are proud to invest in that vision.”
During the press conference Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg shared his excitement for what the Gardens have accomplished, and the future ahead. He said, “I know that you all are just getting started, and that’s one of the reasons you have such strong public support. You are already a tremendous asset to our city, to our entire state. The future is so exciting.” He continued, “Taking a landfill and turning it into a botanic garden, it’s also an economic driver for downtown Louisville, and for our entire region, and the Commonwealth.”
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Waterfront Botanical Gardens is developing an urban botanical garden just east of Downtown Louisville by transforming a landfill and creating a place where nature prospers and people thrive through education, entertainment, community, and tourism.
The Gardens opened to the public in October 2019, and have developed approximately five acres of the full 23-acre site. In 2023, the Gardens welcomed over 56,000 visitors. Phase 1 of a 4-Phase Master Plan has been completed. Visit waterfrontgardens.org/news/press-room for the Phase 2 Press Kit.
Waterfront Botanical Gardens is free and open to the public, with a suggested admission of $10. For hours of operation, events and programs, and parking/accessibility information, visit waterfrontgardens.org.