LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Community volunteers and downtown Louisville businesses teamed up Thursday afternoon for another round of flood cleanup, this time focusing on the newly opened Playport at Waterfront Park.
The cleanup effort was organized by the Louisville Downtown Partnership. Volunteers were divided into 10 teams assigned to various areas near the riverfront, including along the Riverwalk, across the flood wall, and within the park itself.
To the surprise of many, the park’s condition was better than expected.
“I definitely expected to see more trash and I didn't expect the water to be as low as it is,” said volunteer Camille Wright. “So we are definitely able to do more cleanup.”
Despite the Playport remaining mostly clear of damage, some areas near the park still contained debris, including tree branches and trash carried in by floodwaters.
“Things come in from the flood — tree branches and trash. Things we don’t want in our community,” Wright said.
Louisville Downtown Partnership representative Rebecca Fleischaker said the park’s drainage system helped mitigate flood damage.
“The way the parks are built, it drains underneath,” she said. “So what's left on top is the big sticks, debris and the trash. That’s what we’re doing today.”
Normally, the organization’s spring cleanup efforts include picking up litter, planting flowers, and spreading mulch across downtown. However, this year’s historic flooding along the Ohio River shifted their focus.
“We’re showing our love for our community,” Fleischaker said. “It’s always in times of need when bad things happen that people come together. It’s really heartwarming to see people come out who want to help.”
No equipment at the Playport was damaged by the flood, which is good news for the city — the new playground held its ribbon-cutting just last month.
Louisville Downtown Partnership plans another cleanup event next week, shifting its focus to the central downtown area.
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