West Louisville Outdoor Recreation Initiative Louisville, Kentucky
Services Provided
Parks Master Plans
Community Engagement
People Involved
Andy Knight
Awards
2016 KYASLA Honor Award, Planning & Analysis
Master Plans for nature-based recreation and education parks along the Ohio River
Rooted in Louisville Metro Parks’ recent efforts to respond to inequities related to access to nature in Louisville, the West Louisville Outdoor Recreation Initiative envisions that all children and their families in West Louisville have hope for a better future through connections to the outdoors and recreational opportunities. Leading a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and architects, the initiative included planning of three historic parks located along the Ohio River: Shawnee Park, Chickasaw Park, and Portland Wharf Park. Master Plans considered historic context, existing comprehensive park plans, community engagement, and the goals of Louisville Metro Parks in creating specific recommendations outlined in a Master Plan for each park.
The planning process included public engagement and consensus building to help determine the most popular and desired recreation opportunities for the community.
The plans for each park designed unique and accessible spaces that encourage nature-based activity for all ages:
Chickasaw Pond improvements including perimeter walking paths, observation areas, fishing piers, and a hovering boardwalk
Aviary garden and trail and bird blind structure ADA-accessible
Woodland Play Area playscape
Extreme Play Forest and woodland bike trail
“Ghost Streets” trails mimicking historic street patterns
Art Garden Trail
Several primitive camping areas for large groups
Shawnee Outdoor Learning Center in the renovated Ball House in Shawnee Park
Shawnee Park Master Plan
Shawnee Park Extreme Play Forest
Shawnee Playscape
Chickasaw Park Master Plan
Chickasaw Pond
Portland Wharf Art Garden Trail