Cumberland Trace Elementary Students Draw Future Ideas For Riverfront Park

Students at Cumberland Trace Elementary School recently lent their imaginations to the City of Bowling Green’s plans for an expanded and renovated Riverfront Park. Invited to envision what the park could look like, the students were encouraged to express their ideas through drawings, giving city planners a youthful perspective on features they’d love to see in the revitalized space.

Students Shape the Future of Riverfront Park with Imagination and Art

Among the students, fourth-grader Aubrey Cook eagerly shared her vision for the park. Her illustration included features like a rock climbing wall and fill-in trampolines, reflecting her hope for a space where kids can play and explore in an active, engaging environment. “I drew what I think the Riverfront Park should have in it,” said Aubrey, adding, “It was a special opportunity to draw and give my ideas.” Aubrey’s concept is just one example of the creative input city officials have collected from elementary students. These ideas, expressed through colorful sketches and imaginative details, provide insight into how the community’s youngest members envision a space tailored for recreation and adventure.

Young Visionaries Sketch the Future of Bowling Green’s Riverfront Park

The Riverfront Park project is designed not only to improve an essential community space but also to engage residents of all ages in the planning process. By involving local students, city planners hope to incorporate elements that cater to the interests and activities of children, ensuring that the park is a welcoming place for families and youth to enjoy. This collaborative approach gives kids a rare chance to impact a city project, fostering a sense of pride and ownership in their community’s development.

The initiative at Cumberland Trace Elementary is part of a larger effort across multiple schools, giving students an early role in community planning. Through their drawings, students have proposed a wide range of features, from nature-inspired play zones to adventurous sports areas, providing city officials with a wealth of ideas to consider in the park’s design.

Elementary to Middle School: A Collaborative Creative Project

The project is set to grow even further as middle school students take inspiration from the elementary students’ artwork to write stories about Riverfront Park. These stories, paired with the original drawings, will eventually be compiled into a book, celebrating the creative contributions of the local youth and documenting their shared vision for the park.

This cross-grade collaboration helps strengthen community bonds among students while teaching them the importance of creativity, storytelling, and civic engagement. The resulting book will serve not only as a keepsake for the students but as a testament to Bowling Green’s commitment to inclusivity in its community projects.

Through this unique blend of art and storytelling, students in Bowling Green are leaving a lasting mark on a cherished local landmark. By contributing their ideas and visions, they’re helping shape the future of Riverfront Park as a place that reflects the dreams of its youngest residents.