1:00 PM

Regional Greenways

This breakout session will explore the planning and development of regional greenways, including looking at The City of Bowling Green’s riverfront walkway plan. Participants will discuss strategies for integrating green spaces into broader recreation master plans to enhance community engagement and environmental resilience.


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How Session Aligns with CEDS and Local Strategic Plans

Each breakout session featured is thoughtfully aligned with the key goals and objectives outlined in both the regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and the Local Strategic Plans developed for each of BRADD’s 10 counties. These sessions were designed to support the implementation of locally driven priorities and regional strategies that move our communities forward.

Relevant strategic plan objectives being covered by this session:

Presenters:

Director of Parks and recreation, City of Bowling Green

Brent Belcher

About me

Brent Belcher began working at Bowling Green Parks and Recreation in 1993 as an intern, and his first full-time job was as the Special Populations Coordinator. He worked 14 years in this position until he was promoted to the Recreation Division Manager in 2008. In 2012, he was selected as the department’s 4th Director.

Brent has attained both his Bachelor’s (Recreation major and Business Administration minor in 1993) and his Masters of Science (Recreation Administration) from WKU.

He is a Certified Parks and Recreation Executive (first in the state of Kentucky in 2012).

Brent’s wife, Angie, and 2 children love Bowling Green and are proud to make this great city their home.



Director of Neighborhood & Community Services, City of Bowling Green

Brent Childers

About me

Brent oversees a diverse portfolio for the City, including Building Permits and Inspections, Code Compliance, Section 8 Housing, Animal Protection, Neighborhood Services, Downtown Development, and Grants. He manages federal and state funding initiatives such as CDBG, CARES Act, and Disaster Recovery programs, while also leading economic development and strategic planning efforts. A Bowling Green native and former student athlete, Brent brings experience in public safety, policy, and grants, and is known for building strong community partnerships across diverse groups. He holds degrees from The University of the South and WKU, was named a VIP Magazine 40 Under 40 honoree, and serves as founding chair of the BG-WC Long Term Recovery Group. He lives in Bowling Green with his wife and son and still makes time for podcasts, movie quotes, and pickup basketball.



Regional Transportation Planner, BRADD

Ethan Bates

About me

Ethan Bates has been with the BRADD for over three years, and has served as the Regional Transportation Planner since August of 2024. In this role, he serves a regional contact for all things transportation, whether it be through coordinating the Regional Transportation Committee, assisting with the development of grant applications, operating the BRADD Transit Brokerage, or facilitating the SHIFT process to put roadway projects in the state Highway Plan. Ethan also administers a variety of regional grant projects, such as the Bowling Green to Mammoth Cave Trail study, the BRADD Safe Streets for All Action plan, and more







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CEDS Summit 2025