A planned 20-mile riverfront trail connecting communities across Northern Kentucky is coming closer to reality.
The City of Dayton is one of eight communities helping build the regional Riverfront Commons, a riverwalk that will one day connect Bromley to Silver Grove. Dayton City leaders recently approved nearly $2.3 million to construct an additional 1.5 miles of the path; 80% of those costs are being paid for through federal grants, according to the City of Dayton.
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“This day has been a long time coming for the City of Dayton,” said Dayton Mayor Ben Baker. “The City has been working on this project for nearly 10 years, and we had to overcome some major obstacles to get to this point where completion of this portion of the project will finally be a reality next year.”
The riverwalk project is 25 years in the making and is being led by the Southbank Partners, a non-profit regional economic development organization. Development experts estimate $80 million has been invested in the project over the years.
The City of Newport announced this week it’s moving forward with major improvements to James Taylor Park, which will connect the trail along the riverfront.
“This project isn’t just about a Riverwalk, it’s bringing Riverfront Commons to life as Northern Kentucky’s riverfront district – an unbridled destination for every season of life,” said Will Weber, Southbank Partners president and CEO.
The trail will feature a series of parks, overlooks, kayak launches, art installations, business and historical neighborhoods once it’s fully connected.
“You cannot overstate the potential long-term economic impact of the riverfront Commons project,” said Brent Cooper, president and CEO of the NKY Chamber of Commerce.
Cooper says it will boost tourism and help attract top talent on both sides of the Ohio River.
“Folks from around the region don’t have to look far to see the impact biking and walking paths have had on our collective quality of life,” Cooper said. “The Miami Whitewater and Loveland Bike Trail are two quick examples. In Northern Kentucky, we are hopeful that the Riverfront Commons project will have the same kind of impact.”
Weber said if all goes well, a majority of the Riverfront Commons could be connected by 2030.
The trail will extend through Bromley, Ludlow, Covington, Newport, Bellevue, Dayton, Ft. Thomas and Silver Grove. Costs, along with other major construction projects like the Brent Spence Corridor and 4th Street Bridge replacement, could delay that.
WLWT Giacomo Luca
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