Dear Gardens Supporters,
In the history of Waterfront Botanical Gardens, there have been many exceptional moments that propelled us forward. From the first opening of the Gardens with the completion of the Graeser Family Education Center in 2019, to the construction of the Ellen T. Leslie Botanical Classrooms in 2021, and surpassing 62,000 annual attendees and 14,000 guests at Gardens Aglimmer just last year. These moments do not just signal progress, but significant momentum. Today, I am thrilled to share a significant milestone that reflects just how much is happening at Waterfront Botanical Gardens.
I am honored to announce that we have been awarded a $4 million EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant. This is a transformational investment that will allow us to remediate even more acreage for expanded green space, garden plantings, meadows, walking paths, and an event lawn. This grant moves our Master Plan forward in a remarkable way, allowing us to continue transforming a former landfill into a place where nature prospers and people thrive.
This announcement comes at an especially exciting time. Since April, construction crews have been making steady progress on Phase 2A of our Master Plan. Each week brings visible changes as the Graeser Family Bonsai Garden, Joe and Debbie Graviss Bonsai House, Tree Allée, Beargrass Creek Overlook, and completed Beargrass Creek Pathway Loop begin to take shape. Seeing these long-envisioned spaces begin to emerge has created a palpable energy among our visitors, volunteers, members, donors, and staff. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has believed in this vision from the beginning.
I am also pleased to share another important investment in the Gardens. Louisville Metro recently approved $250,000 in capital improvement funding to support the long-term integrity of the Ellen T. Leslie Botanical Classrooms, the heart of our educational programming. We are deeply thankful to Mayor Greenberg and the Louisville Metro Council for recognizing the value of the Gardens as a community resource that will serve generations of students and visitors.
Together, these investments tell a powerful story. They demonstrate confidence in our mission, in our Master Plan, and in our ability to create something truly extraordinary for Louisville and the Commonwealth. They also reinforce that this is more than a project. It is an investment in environmental restoration, education, tourism, recreation, and quality of life.
Since the Gardens’ beginning we have taken on a bold vision. Today, with construction advancing, transformative public investment accelerating our Master Plan, and growing community support, we’re entering one of the most exciting periods in the organization’s history.
None of this would be possible without you.
Whether you have visited the Gardens, volunteered your time, attended an event, become a Member, or made a philanthropic gift, you have helped to carry us forward. Thank you for believing in this vision and for helping transform an overlooked piece of Louisville into a destination that will inspire, educate, and connect people with nature for generations to come.
I look forward to sharing many more milestones with you as we continue this incredible journey together.
With gratitude,
Philip Koester, President & CEO
Waterfront Botanical Gardens
