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With its location at 450 Athens Boonesboro Road, Billy Bush Riverside Park is a site that others hope to see as a recreational hot spot. 

Fortunately, some developments continue. 

Several points of interest throughout Billy Bush Riverside Park were recently spoken of. 

“It’s the only riverfront park that we have in Clark County, so it’s an asset to us,” said Kelly Able, a board member of Southwest Clark Neighborhood Association (SCNA). “Recently, we’ve had a lot of people in there working on it.” 

Able acknowledged that the park has much potential, noting that recent developments include collaboration with local groups such as the Clark County Road Department and Clark County Inmate Work Program that’s associated with the Clark County Detention Center. 

While the former has provided fence line clearing, mowing, and infrastructure mitigation, the latter has provided services such as fence painting, general maintenance, and brush clearing to help make the Kentucky River visible. 

Boy Scout Troop #75 has assisted in fall cleanup of SCNA’s rain garden, thus allowing it to operate effectively. 

“[A] rain garden is designed to filter out impurities in surface water,” Able said, listing oil as one such example. “The rain garden is designed to catch that stuff and filter it out before it gets down to the river.” 

In addition to assisting with the rain garden cleanup, the SCNA has donated three commercial picnic tables for installation on existing concrete pads. 

“[We’re] really just trying to make it into a place that’s usable for people,” Able added. 

Magistrate Ernest Pasley of the Clark County Fiscal Court – which currently has ownership of Billy Bush Riverside Park – has been one of many active supporters. 

“[He’s] just been a good advocate for us and representative with the Court,” Able said. “He stays in tune with what we’re working on.” 

The Clark Activity Coalition recently put forth a resolution for a future walking or biking path to be installed. 

In their efforts, Clark County Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Coordinator Stephen Berry has been active. 

“He’s been really helpful to us,” Able said. “He’s really the one spearheading trying to get grant funds for walking or biking paths in that park.”

Asked what future hopes and plans were for Billy Bush Riverside Park, Able responded she would love to see an avenue for different recreational opportunities such as a sand volleyball court, building a playground, and more.