LOUISVILLE, Ky. – In the wake of historic flooding along the Ohio River, community volunteers and local businesses joined forces Thursday afternoon for another round of cleanup efforts. This time, their focus was on the newly opened Playport at Waterfront Park.
Organized by the Louisville Downtown Partnership, the cleanup saw volunteers divided into 10 teams, each tasked with cleaning various areas near the riverfront. These included sections of the Riverwalk, the flood wall, and the park itself.
To the relief of many, the condition of the park was better than initially expected. Camille Wright, a volunteer, expressed surprise at the low water levels and the overall state of the park. “I definitely expected to see more trash and I didn’t expect the water to be as low as it is,” Wright said. “So we are definitely able to do more cleanup.”
While the Playport itself appeared mostly undamaged, some areas around the park showed the aftermath of the flood, with debris such as tree branches and scattered trash left behind by the rising waters. Wright, reflecting on the cleanup efforts, noted, “Things come in from the flood — tree branches and trash. Things we don’t want in our community.”
Rebecca Fleischaker, a representative from the Louisville Downtown Partnership, credited the park’s drainage system with mitigating the damage. “The way the parks are built, it drains underneath,” she explained. “So what’s left on top is the big sticks, debris, and the trash. That’s what we’re doing today.”
Typically, the partnership’s spring cleanup efforts focus on planting flowers, spreading mulch, and collecting litter throughout downtown. However, this year’s historic flooding forced a shift in priorities. “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.”
In positive news for the city, no equipment at the Playport was damaged by the flooding. The playground, which held its ribbon-cutting just last month, remained intact, ensuring the city’s newest addition will continue to be a safe and welcoming space for families.
Looking ahead, the Louisville Downtown Partnership is already planning another cleanup event next week, this time focusing on the central downtown area. The continued community efforts highlight the resilience of Louisville’s residents in the face of adversity.
