Waterfront Park recovers from flooding as volunteers tackle debris removal

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — One of Louisville’s most visited areas, Waterfront Park, is recovering after being impacted by last week’s flooding, which closed streets and event parking garages.

While the floodwaters have receded, the aftermath has left behind a mess of debris, including large 50-foot logs, plastic bottles, and Styrofoam, as volunteers and maintenance crews work together to clean up the park.

“It took some time to get to this point, and it will take some time to get rid of it,” said Kris Duenzel, a volunteer who drove from Bardstown to help out. “I guess it’s ingrained in me from my years in the Army picking up trash.”

Duenzel joined others in an effort to clear the park of debris. The last major flooding at the Great Lawn occurred in 2017, but although this week’s flooding was smaller in scale, it still caused significant damage. Volunteers worked along the Great Lawn and River Road, removing trash and debris from the area.

“It’s very tedious and time-consuming,” said Deborah Bilitski, executive director of Waterfront Park. “It’s a tremendous help to have volunteers come in and assist with the removal of trash.”

Chainsaws could be heard along 3rd Street as crews worked to clear fallen branches and debris. Meanwhile, leaf blowers were used to clear dirt and grass near the Big Four Bridge.

“Waterfront Park was built to be resilient to these types of events,” Bilitski said. “Mother Nature always wins, but we do what we can to keep the park in good condition.”

Duenzel, who spent much of the afternoon cleaning up, said he’s ready to return if needed.

“Unfortunately, not many people do it nowadays,” he said. “You can set the example and show the kids what right looks like. That’s what we need to do.”

Volunteers are still needed for the cleanup at the Great Lawn Tuesday from 1 to 4 p.m.

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