One of the keys to a successful, unique riverfront is adding high quality features to the riverfront. What does this mean? A picture is worth a thousand words, so here are a few of the many examples of high quality construction or components we have discovered in other cities. The City of Paducah is not considering using these exact components, but wants to achieve the level of quality, detail, and uniqueness on our riverfront in whatever finishes or components are chosen.

Click the pictures above for more information

Greenway

Paducah’s 5.3 mile first phase of the greenway system is starting to become a reality. Once completed, it will tie together the Riverfront and Schultz Park, Noble Park, Stuart Nelson Park, and Perkins Creek Nature Preserve. The section from Perkins Creek Nature Preserve at County Park Road to Noble Park has been completed. A section from the Expo and Convention Center to the Brookport Bridge on top of the earthen floodwall is slated for completion in the Fall of 2009. The remaining section from the bridge to Noble Park is planned, but is waiting on funding.

What is a Greenway? In general, it is a trail that is separated from automobile traffic used to move people from one destination to another. It is provided as an alternative to the automobile and can be used for transportation or recreation. Any non-motorized activity such as bicycles, pedestrians, runners, roller blades, skateboards, non-motorized scooters, etc. can utilize this facility. In Paducah, the trail will be at least 10 feet wide and be paved in some areas and finish grade gravel in wetland or low-lying areas. For more information please contact the Paducah Parks Department at 270-444-8508.

River Discovery Center

Paducah’s River Discovery Center has plans for a major expansion in the near future. Their mission and idea of creating a cultural icon fits in perfectly with the vision of the riverfront improvements outlined in Paducah’s Riverfront Master Plan. The city and the museum are working together on their planned expansion to bring both an indoor and outdoor educational experience to the riverfront.

Please visit their site at
http://riverdiscoverycenter.org
for more information.

The Plans

Below are some facts about the Paducah Riverfront Plan. The entire plan can be downloaded by clicking here

Floodwall Murals / Floodwall.

The floodwall murals will stay in tact in their present form and location. It is true that during the planning process the possibility of replacing the present concrete floodwall with a new "invisible" technology was discussed. The new floodwall would only be present when the city would need it during a flood, thus providing a clear view of the river except for the once every 5-7 years when it would be needed. When it became apparent that the community as a whole did not favor this option, removal of the floodwall was removed from consideration. The plan does call for exploration of this option in the future to coincide with possible redevelopment of the Executive Inn. At no time was removal of the floodwall and leaving the city unprotected an option.

Automobile Access

Automobile access is maintained and even enhanced in the riverfront plan. The current configuration of "dragging the gut" from Broadway to Kentucky will no longer exist. The new configuration will be to drive through the Jefferson Street opening by the Irvin Cobb / Alben Barkley mural, through a redeveloped Schultz Park, and exit on Madison Street at the edge of the Executive Inn parking lot. Remember that with the new boat launch and the marina, the best 'riverfront viewing' will be from the Shultz Park area. Schultz Park improvements will include additional parking, improved landscaping, and overall better automobile access. Additionally, the new boat ramp at North 6th Street and Burnett Street will be automobile accessible with more natural views of the river.

Marina

The riverfront plan does estimate demand for a marina on the Ohio/Tennessee Rivers at Paducah for 250-300 boat slips. These slips are a combination of slips and facilities for passing through transient boats as well home-based boaters. The plan is to build half of what the estimate is (100-150 slips) and measure any additional demand. It is proposed to be a full service marina with fuel, restrooms, showers, and possibly convenience items and a restaurant. It would be a publicly owned, but privately operated facility.

Parking / Parking Lots

Parking has always been a key to the success of downtowns. The plan addresses parking by illustrating the need to provide new parking prior to completion of any element of the plan that proposes to eliminate any existing parking. For example, the plan calls for the downtown public parking lot to be converted to a green, open plaza for gatherings or festivals. The parking would be replaced by either a parking structure underneath the plaza or a new above ground parking structure within a couple of blocks of the development. Keep in mind that when the large festivals are taking place downtown, those parking lots are typically closed and used as festival grounds. All other elements of the plan will require parking to be incorporated into the development.

Boat Ramp

A new boat ramp is proposed at North 6th Street and Burnett Street. This ramp will have 24 hour access just like the foot of Broadway. It will be a five-lane launch with approximately 100 parking spaces. The ramp will be elevated so it is usable more times of the year than the current ramp. Also, there will be an auxiliary emergency ramp off of Washington Street should the new ramp need to be closed. Security lighting and cameras are being put at this location. The launch site is also located on the greenway trail which will be patrolled. This new location will help expand Paducah's ability to host major fishing tournaments.

Plan Funding / Phasing

The entire plan is expected to identify riverfront improvements in the neighborhood of $50 million. It is unrealistic for the city to expect to either receive funding for the entire plan or pay for all of these items at once. The plan prioritizes projects in a logical order to be phased in as funding becomes available. Senator McConnell has been fortunate enough to secure $5.3 million for Paducah to start on the riverfront improvements. Senator McConnell has also pledged his support to the project for additional funding. The plan is such that is can be phased and implemented to coincide with funding as it is obtained.

Riverfront Development Corporation (RDC).

This board has been formed. It is part of the Paducah Renaissance Alliance. More information about the PRA can be found by clicking here

Design Guidelines.

The plan calls for design guidelines in order to maintain the downtown's character and to ensure quality sustainable developments along the riverfront. The proposed guidelines are for new construction only.

Maintenance

Each new public element of the plan will have a maintenance requirement. As these new facilities are built, additional maintenance staff will be considered in order to keep the downtown clean and to help maintain the community pride of this area.

riverfrontpaducah.com