People love distractions.  The ohio.river.project desires to fuel distraction, from the sometimes-menial temperament of everyday life, through recreational attractions related to the Ohio River.  Synchronicity, a complex word for such a simple idea, is at the base of our ideas for changing the face of Louisville.  While the waterfront area of downtown has been consistently improving over the years – now is not the time to become complacent.  At the dawn of completion for the Big 4 Bridge, it seems that (finally) the waterfront is becoming more connected.  Now, citizens will be able to walk and bike across the river safely.  Things are looking up.  Changes are actually being made.  But, let’s take a look at some of the recreation opportunities already available.



Louisville Waterfront Park is at the forefront of our cities recreational amenities – in relation to the Ohio River.  Let’s be honest, it’s a beautiful area - 85 acres that have been carefully sculpted through planning and development.  The park’s master plan summarizes its overall goal:

“In broad philosophic strokes, the Master Plan seeks to pull into the 21st century the cultural waterfront heritage of the 18th and 19th centuries, to interpret and restore the ecology of the river as it was before western civilization, and to extend downtown Louisville to the river--and conversely, magnify the presence of the river and extend the river into downtown.”



An astute position, that’s for sure.  Aside from admiring the physical beauty of the area, what other events/attractions could one partake in?



Well, you can tour the landscape of the park on a 1-hour guided Segway excursion.  That’s cool, right? What if you aren’t interested in riding a Segway for an hour?  Luckily, this isn’t the only thing you can do at Louisville’s Waterfront Park.  In fact, the park has hosted 12 separate events in the month of October alone!  Ranging from Louisville Pagan Pride Day to Waterfront Fashion Week and Louisville’s 20th annual AIDS walk.  Its safe to say the Waterfront isn’t limited to one type of event; it’s a great medium for hosting, well, pretty much anything.



Aside from events that are hosted there, the park boasts numerous field areas for organized sports leagues (ultimate Frisbee, flag football, and etc.) and unorganized friendly competition – its open to anyone.  From 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM you’re free to use the park’s amenities for any type of sporting.  Even if you don’t want to participate in physical activities, the park’s for you.  There are multiple quiet areas perfect for reading a book and taking in an excellent view of the Ohio River.



What if you aren’t interested in sports or literature? Maybe you’re a music lover…well, the waterfront is the place for you in Louisville’s summer months.  Forecastle is an annual, weekend long music festival that has hosted artists from all genres.  Some people just love to have a good time – an attitude that is fully embraced by Waterfront Park.  If you’re someone with a disposition similar to the latter, or not, Thunder Over Louisville is an event for you.  The park hosts’ 350,000 people for the annual fireworks show – a kick-off to Kentucky Derby Festival.

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Overall, Louisville Waterfront Park is a prime example of opportunities for recreation on the Ohio River.  Anyone is welcome and a range of activities is always available to entertain visitors.

Recreation on the Waterfront: Connecting People to the River