For more than a hundred years, the citizens of Owensboro, Kentucky cultivated an impressive array of performing arts organizations. However, deficient facilities encumbered growth: groups were forced to use abandoned churches and hotels, school assembly halls, and other limiting spaces.
Through the years, several efforts to build an arts center fell
short and were abandoned. In 1988, state government awarded Owensboro
a $4.5 million challenge grant. That grant was more than doubled with
$10.7 million in local funds, including a remarkable $9 million from 3,000 individuals
and businesses. Fundraising efforts continue to build endowments for programming
and maintenance.
Construction commenced in early 1991 and RiverPark Center opened in September 1992.
Flexible, Technically-Equipped Facilities
Multi-purpose facilities were designed to accommodate the needs of local
and touring arts organizations. RiverPark is intimate enough to host recitals,
children's programs, community theatre, and small ensemble concerts, yet equipped
technically to accommodate sophisticated touring productions.
Accommodating Civic Use
Theatres, lobbies, and meeting rooms were adaptable to civic, and private events:
RiverPark has proved to be a popular location for seminars, receptions, banquets,
meetings, news conferences, and many more community events.
A Bustling Center
More than 700 events occur at RiverPark Center each year. Performance
events feature local and regional arts organizations, school groups, touring
professionals, church and civic organizations.
National Tours Launched
On several occasions major theatrical productions were assembled, rehearsed,
and national tours launched from RiverPark Center.
Television Production
RiverPark facilities have been used by Kentucky Educational Television to broadcast
our 1992 Gala Opening, 1995 Senate Debates and an Evening at the Governor's
Mansion.
Several dozen appearances of bluegrass music artists were taped at RiverPark for cable television's Reno Brothers Olde Time Music Festival, and RiverPark hosted a special live broadcast of the QVC Channel for a program marketing Kentucky crafts.
Used by Churches
RiverPark regularly hosts gospel music concerts, an annual Easter Pageant production
of First Baptist Church, baccalaureate ceremonies, Christian rock concerts,
ordinations, and church services.
Embraced by the Community
RiverPark Center is a hub of community life. Performing arts, graduations,
awards ceremonies, corporate meetings, festivals, rallies, news conferences,
wedding receptions, and class reunions are examples of events which pull us
together as a community unlike any other place. And a surprising 85% of
our users are non-profit organizations.
RiverPark is our premiere civic landmark on the downtown riverfront. A source of pride, RiverPark is a valuable economic development sales tool. Recruiters of industry, corporate management, and medical specialists use RiverPark as a highlight on the community tour.
RiverPark helps our region attract and retain good people, good families, good companies, overnight visitors, and conventions. It has stimulated millions of dollars in private investment in downtown Owensboro, enhancing the tax base, appearance, and vitality of the central business district and riverfront.