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City accepts additional CDBG‑CV funds, awards boardwalk construction for Jennings Creek linear park
Summary
Bowling Green approved an amended CDBG‑CV grant award and awarded a $377,143 contract to build a precast boardwalk and greenway extension along Jennings Creek after bids came in above initial estimates; city identified $58,384 in CARES-era funds to close the gap and complete the project.
The Bowling Green Board of Commissioners approved an amended Kentucky Community Development Block Grant — Coronavirus (CDBG‑CV) award and awarded the Jennings Creek boardwalk construction contract to Apex Design Group on March 17 to complete a greenway extension and educational boardwalk.
Staff told the commission that bids for the linear park came in higher than expected and the project needed roughly $58,384 to reach the required budget. Grant staff located unspent CARES/CRF funds that allowed the city to cover the shortfall and move the project forward. Municipal order 2026‑56 accepted an amended grant award and municipal order 2026‑63 awarded the construction contract (bid number 202629) to Apex Design Group for approximately $377,143.
Project details: staff described a roughly 120‑foot precast boardwalk through wetlands adjacent to Jennings Creek, connections to the existing greenway between Creekwood Drive and Greenhill Street, ADA ramps, drainage work and restoration of disturbed areas. If construction comes in under budget, staff said they hope to add nature‑play features adjacent to the boardwalk.
Why it matters: Commissioners emphasized the community benefit of connecting neighborhoods, schools and parks and highlighted recent community and nonprofit support for the greenway and playground investments. The board noted the project advances long‑standing plans to restore and improve Jennings Creek greenway access.
Quotes: "We were about $58,000 short," a staff member said, and "we were able to get $58,384 which got us to what we needed to build our extended greenway."
Next steps: with the amended grant and construction contract approved by unanimous roll call, staff will proceed with construction procurement and scheduling; staff indicated project work will follow state and federal grant requirements and hoped to proceed within the current construction season.
