The Park
Schultz Park was selected as the first phase for implementation of the Riverfront Plan. Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2008 and be completed by the fall of 2010. Phase I includes the construction of the landmass for the Schultz Park enhancements, construction of a portion of the transient dock, and construction of the ship’s store.
The first year of construction will likely consist of dumping dirt, rocks, and sand into the river to create a new landform that the improvements will be based upon. This new landmass is expected to settle (sink) as much as 7-10 feet over 9-12 months before stabilizing enough to make the proposed improvements. What this equates to is that we as a community will have to stare at a pile of dirt in the river for the first year of construction. While not being the most attractive step in the construction process, it is a necessary one that will allow us to accomplish the great engineering feat of providing protection for the transient dock and marina from the mighty confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers.
Landmass
The landmass will constitute the first component of the riverfront improvements. A peninsula shaped landform will be created that accomplishes two goals: 1) the addition of important recreational real estate to the limited river bank; and 2) the landmass will act as a protective barrier for the transient dock and future marina from floating debris and rapid high water dangers.
The upper peninsula (labeled Grand Lawn & Overlook) will be approximately at the same elevation level as the roadway and floodwall base, making this new park space usable year round except during extreme flood events. What this means is that the landmass and the transient dock/marina will be usable at all water levels except when the floodwall gates are put in during very high water events. This occurs on average of about once every 5 years.
The existing roadway from Jefferson Street to Madison Street will remain open to one-way traffic, but be enhanced with additional parking, a new surface, a separate bicycle/pedestrian trail, and several new landscape amenities.
The area labeled Grand Lawn and Sculpture Park is planned as an open green space that can serve a variety of uses. Public art sculptures were a high priority in the planning process and will be incorporated into this area. The “lawn” itself will remain largely an open space for activities such as frisbee, kites, or other passive recreation. It is anticipated that this area may become a desired location for some of the many festivals Paducah is fortunate to have. The Overlook will also remain an open space that will provide the best view of the Ohio & Tennessee Rivers.
There are two terraced areas flanking the grand stairs leading down to the water’s edge. The area labeled Terraced Lawn & Seating is a passive recreation area for similar activities listed above or simply relaxing and having a picnic on a blanket. The area labeled Terraced Gardens is envisioned as an area for ornamental plantings and relaxation. Handicapped accessible pedestrian sidewalks will wind their way around the upper peninsula, and terraced areas leading to the water’s edge.
Transient Dock
A gangway will be constructed from the upper peninsula to the transient dock and marina building. The gangway will be a floating structure that will rise and fall with the water level. This will allow for the facilities to be usable at all water levels except when the flood gates have to be installed in the flood wall during extreme flood events. The transient dock is anticipated to be 20 feet wide with a handrail down the middle, lined with benches and decorative lighting. The facility will serve as a dock for larger vessels visiting Paducah. It will also serve as a river walk out into the river, accessible to the public at all times.
Phase I construction is anticipated to include construction of the gangway and approximately 400’ of the transient dock structure. The dock will include cleats to tie off boats, and power stations for the boats that include wastewater pump out, electricity, and drinking water. A marina store or ship’s store that includes a fueling station and necessities such as bathrooms, showers, laundry, and typical consumables is also included.
Marina
The marina facility that includes the boat slips shown on the drawings is dependant on future funding. This would be a traditional marina with year round boat slips that are private and secure. The main walkway around the slips would remain open to the public. Our market analysis indicates that Paducah could support up to 300 boat slips now and more in the future. The idea is that the city would construct, when funding comes available, 75 to 100 slips to test the market and then expand the facility as demand merits the cost. It is anticipated that the marina will be constructed with public funds and owned by the city, but be managed privately.