Tourism has been a vital part of the southcentral Kentucky economy for decades. The countless visitors to our many attractions have filled the coffers of not only those sites, but also those of hotels, restaurants and shops.

The latest effort to bring another such attraction to Bowling Green is therefore welcomed news.

Last week, the city commission approved applying for a $3.64 million federal grant. The city would match those funds to build a Barren River whitewater park.

A whitewater park is part of the city’s Riverfront Park master plan calling for a series of projects and renovations, some already underway, on the Barren River.

The projects include new park features, walking and biking trails, a bouldering wall, dog park, fishing piers, new boat ramp, pavilion, event space and more.

The riverfront in Bowling Green has long been under-utilized. The various projects aim to remedy that.

The whitewater park would be a strong addition to the efforts already underway.

The park would feature five drop-off points in the Barren River. The route would begin near the Bowling Green water treatment plant on Chestnut Street before ending at the College Street Pedestrian Bridge.

Currently, the closest such whitewater parks are near Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Dayton, Ohio.

“This is a big one,” City Manager Jeff Meisel said during the meeting. “This one would be really awesome.”

We agree.

The efforts to develop the riverfront area, both by the city and private developers, should provide a great boost to our tourism industry and help better utilize one of our greatest natural assets.