We're the ones working in that weird building next to Joe's.

Since the completion of the first portions of Waterfront Park in the mid 1990's, the Waterfront Development Corporation's role has evolved into a three-part mission: park planning and construction; park maintenance; and event production and coordination. WDC also manages the Belle of Louisville on behalf of Louisville Metro, has design review authority in the Waterfront District, and is developing the master plan for Riverview Park in Southwest Jefferson County. 

Park planning and construction shifted into high gear with the creation of the Louisville Waterfront Master Plan, which was approved in 1991, and continues today with design and construction of Phase III, the final phase of the park. An office staff of eight oversees planning, project oversight, Waterfront District design review, event production and coordination, fundraising, and other administrative functions. One very important role is fulfilled every day by Gracie Cox (right), our official Waterfront Greeter.

Waterfront Park has its own maintenance crew, which is in the park 364 days per year to help ensure that a clean and well-functioning venue is ready to greet the public. Maintenance includes mowing, hedging, tree cutting, planting, aeration and a number of other landscaping tasks, and keeping litter picked up. The Waterfront crew also repairs park furnishings (benches, trash cans), lighting, and playground equipment. Staff serve as park ambassadors, frequently answering questions and providing information to park visitors.

Finally, Waterfront Park hosts more than 120 events every year, everything from concerts, festivals and our own Fifth Third Waterfront Independence Festival, to charity walks, volleyball tournaments, weddings, and corporate picnics. With the exception of the Independence Fest and our annual Waterfront Wednesdays concert series, WDC brokers park venue space to outside event producers. You'll find an organized event going on every weekend, Spring through late Fall, and a number of events all week long during the Summer.

Waterfront Design Review

When businesses in the Waterfront District decide to build new structures, renovate existing structures, change their signage or landscaping, or undertake any other exterior changes, those projects must gain approval through the Waterfront Review Overlay District (WRO) design review process. The WRO Guide outlines the Design Review process and includes a section on "Getting Your Project Approved." Finally, a list is available here that shows the information that is needed to process an application for a WRO permit.

Waterfront Economic Impact

Check out our Economic Impact Report to see the effect of Waterfront Park on the Waterfront District and surrounding areas of downtown Louisville.

Waterfront Park's 2008 Kindred Clean Team

Part of Waterfront Park's 2008 Kindred Clean Team with Park Manager Gary Pepper (back row, second from right)

The Waterfront Park Clean Team returns in 2008 for the third year. Kindred Healthcare sponsored the first Clean Team in 2006, and they are back as the 2008 sponsor. The Kindred Clean Team is a summer job program for high school and college students, who help Waterfront Park's permanent staff keep the park clean and welcoming during the busiest months of the year, June to mid-September. This year's clean team has twelve members, three of which were hired through Project One, a community job training program.