Paducah Nears Completion Of Riverfront Park

The city of Paducah, Ky., is nearing completion on its new riverboat excursion pier and a complete reimagining of its riverfront park.

The project is being completed as part of a $10.4 million federal BUILD grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MarAd) and a $3.5 million appropriation from state lawmakers.

“Things have gone very well on this project,” Paducah Mayor George Bray said. “There have been very few delays. Even with the weather, they’ve been able to work through it. Jim Smith Contracting has done a great job so far. People are starting to drive around and look at the landscaping.”

The more than 500-foot-long, 20-foot-wide excursion pier, built by subcontractor C.J. Mahan, will allow an accessible point for river cruises to access Paducah, including the nearby Farmers’ Market, National Quilt Museum and Greenway Hike and Bike Trail, along with multiple downtown shops and restaurants. Both American Cruise Lines and Viking make regular stops and offer organized shore excursions seasonally.

The elevated concrete deck sections for the new pier were pre-cast and arrived by barge. Bray said one of the engineers he spoke with commented on the unique design, which was purpose-built for varying river conditions.

“It’s built in such a way as there will be very few river levels that you will not be able to dock off that pier,” Bray said.

He added that city leaders have met with representatives from both cruise lines over the past six months to negotiate a docking agreement and that the city would love to see additional cruise boat stops in Paducah, taking advantage of the new facilities.

In addition to the excursion pier, the surrounding Schultz Park already features a transient boat dock for recreational boaters. Recent renovations included as part of the grant funding include picnic tables, concrete pavers, irrigation and landscaping, including terraced seating, a decorative compass rose and large lettering spelling out “Port of Paducah” that faces the river.

A historic chain, originally used as a stay-chain in 1861 for river fortifications in Columbus, Ky., and later to secure the Paducah wharfboat until 1930, is also featured, along with an informational marker. The chain was presented to the city by the Dismukes family.

Completed improvements include new bus shelters near the National Quilt Museum and Walker Hall and a reconfigured entrance to the Paducah-McCracken County Convention & Expo Center. Construction on the park’s commons area is wrapping up within days, with the excursion pier and plaza scheduled for completion later this month ahead of a planned September grand opening.

“I think it’s going to make the riverfront much more accessible to people,” Bray said. “I think it’s going to provide many more opportunities for picnics and throwing a blanket down and just enjoying the really nice scenery right there along the riverfront.”

The city will begin work right away planning potential uses for the space in 2027. Bray said he envisions concerts and outdoor events and also thinks it will be in high demand from the public.

He added that the park will be enjoyed not only by those in Paducah but also visitors from surrounding areas.

“This is not just for the city of Paducah and not only McCracken County, but people come for Paducah from 10 counties in western Kentucky, southern Illinois and northwest Tennessee to shop and dine, so this is an investment the city for Paducah is making for all those people to enjoy Paducah as their hub,” he said.

Additionally, he said the hope is for the prominent lettering to attract notice from those traveling up and down the Ohio and Tennessee rivers, which have their confluence in Paducah.

“It’s important that people see that from the river, whether that be a tour boat, a riverboat or just a leisure boat,” Bray said. “It’s like building a new front door to our city from the river. Paducah is a river town, so to make sure that we embrace that and celebrate it is very important.”

Featured photo caption: Lettering spelling out “Port of Paducah” faces the river at the newly renovated Shultz Park in Paducah, Ky. The park was funded in large part by a $10.4 million federal BUILD grant. Construction is expected to wrap up this month. (Photo courtesy of the city of Paducah)