Construction to start in 2025 on next phase of Waterfront Botanical Gardens master plan

An infusion of funding is enabling the next phase of development at the Waterfront Botanical Gardens .

Construction on a bonsai garden, scenic overlook, and tree-lined, paved pathway is set to begin early next year, the organization announced Thursday.

Having secured $4 million in funding from the Kentucky General Assembly in the past two legislative sessions, along with a $1 million commitment from the Louisville Metro Government, the gardens can proceed with the next step in its 23-acre master plan .

"As we embark on Phase 2 of construction, we are excited to create even more opportunities for people to connect with nature and enjoy this unique urban oasis," said Philip Koester, president and CEO of Waterfront Botanical Gardens, in a release.

The gardens opened in 2019 after years of planning. Its phased development follows a 2014 master plan that lays out a sweeping vision for the site, nestled between the interstate and River Road.

Opening with the Graeser Family Education Center , the gardens added outdoor pathways and an edible garden, followed by the 6,000-square-foot Ellen T. Leslie Botanical Classrooms in 2021, which are the hub for its adult and youth education programs.

Now completed with phase one of the four-phase master plan, the organization is turning to the first part of its second phase of development.

Included in construction plans for next year are the Graeser Family Bonsai Garden, Tree Allée, and Beargrass Creek Overlook.

The bonsai garden will be home to the organization's 40-plus bonsai trees and provide dedicated space for their curation. Within this garden space, visitors will be able to explore multiple outdoor "rooms," each differently designed to represent earthly elements.

An overlook point will give visitors elevated views of the nearby Beargrass Creek and surrounding wetlands.

The Tree Allée will be a paved pathway lined with 24 White Oak trees and benches that lead to the overlook.

In total, $10.2 million is needed for this first part of phase two, a goal towards which the nonprofit organization is still actively fundraising.

Initial construction work early next year will focus on stabilizing the soil — the gardens sit on a former landfill site — for structures. This work is anticipated to last six months, meaning full construction should begin in fall 2025, according to the organization.

The remaining element of phase two, not part of the upcoming construction, is a two-acre Japanese garden. Future phases include a visitor's center, numerous gardens, and a conservatory.

Reach growth and development reporter Matthew Glowicki at mglowicki@courier-journal.com or 502-582-4000 .

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Construction to start in 2025 on next phase of Waterfront Botanical Gardens master plan