ARP-Louisville Accelerator Post: Issue 3

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November 9, 2023
Louisville Accelerator Post

Berrytown Park

This issue focuses on the priority area of Healthy Louisville/Healthy Neighborhoods, which received $63.3 million in ARP funding and has, in part, concentrated on library renovations and expansions, park improvements, lead remediation, early learning, and broadband connectivity. The Park's improvements include Berrytown Park, Chickasaw Park, Elliott Park, and Iroquois Park.  The Algonquin and Camp Taylor swimming pools are being renovated, along with the Baxter Community Center and an adjacent replacement park.

Project Spotlight: Parks

Berrytown Park Walking Path

Berrytown Park is a community park serving council District 19. It also includes a community center that is home to Metro’s AIR (Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation) program. The AIR program has provided recreational opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities and has partnered with organizations such as the Special Olympics, Kentucky School for the Blind, and others. ARP is funding $200,000 for improvements at Berrytown.

This project expanded the Berrytown walking path system, which was just completed this fall. These efforts will assist in providing a safe environment for outdoor recreation. Berrytown Walking Pathway

Chickasaw Park Pond

Chickasaw Pond is the only flatwater recreational amenity in West Louisville. This project will restore the pond for use by the community by resolving an environmental justice issue -- years of pollution and toxins. This initiative will advance the goals of the West Louisville Outdoor Recreation Initiative to create nature-based park infrastructure that supports outdoor programming and promotes equitable access to nature in Louisville. Once restored, this pond will be available for passive recreational use by residents and for formal organized programming by Metro Parks, via the Louisville ECHO (Louisville is Engaging Children Outdoors) program. 

ARP is funding $2,500,000 to expand, restore and add amenities that will include: renovations to the pond, an ADA accessible canoe and kayak launch, new walking paths and benches, additional lighting, and renovations to parking areas. As a capital infrastructure improvement, this project will provide West Louisville residents with convenient access to a flat body of water. This removes a community barrier and addresses a programming need for Metro Parks to have a space in West Louisville where residents, particularly youth, can be provided introductory experiences (e.g., water safety, canoeing/kayaking, fishing, etc.). Without this amenity, residents must continue to seek those experiences outside of their neighborhood or not have access at all. The anticipated completion is expected to happen in Summer of 2024.        Chickasaw Park Pond Project

Elliott Park Master Plan

Elliott Park, on the west side of the Russell neighborhood, has not seen significant capital investment since 1998. The park is in need of redevelopment and upgrades in order to maintain its status as a relevant fixture in the community, which has recently seen major investments in residential and commercial properties. Funding for the Elliott Park restoration comes from Olmsted Parks Conservancy ($725,000), city budget allocations ($650,000) and the American Rescue Plan ($1,600,000). 

The focus of the master plan design includes equity, accessibility, and sustainability. Many of these significant park qualities have been lost over the years due to lack of investments. This project will address these issues and bring Elliott Park in line with other parks around Louisville, making it a neighborhood destination and point of civic pride in the Russell Neighborhood. Elliott Park is located two blocks from the new West Louisville Norton Hospital and Goodwill Opportunity Campus. Construction started this fall and the project should be completed by the end of 2024. Elliott Park Restoration

Iroquois Park Sports Courts

Iroquois Park is a major urban park serving council districts 12, 15, and 21, with an estimated population served of over 100,000. The ARP funded $500,000 will provide a free and safe environment for outdoor recreation which will include tennis courts, pickleball courts, and a futsal court. The major urban park classification means the park will be reaching the maximum number of people with a renovated outdoor recreational opportunity.

“We knew from the beginning we wanted to put the future of the tennis courts at Iroquois Park in the community’s hands and are so excited for this project to begin. By upgrading the tennis courts along with adding on pickleball courts and a futsal court, we hope to expand the recreational opportunities for all people who visit the park,” Interim Director Ozzy Gibson said. The project is expected to be completed sometime in 2024. Iroquois Park Sports Courts Plans

The City of Parks-Maps & Information

Project Spotlight: Baxter Community Center

This beloved landmark has served as Beecher’s supportive service, recreational and social epicenter since its construction in 1940 and until its closure in 2019. All existing building components require updates or replacement. A 4,525 sqft wing will be added that allows for an ADA compliant ramp, check-in desk, office, and lounge, as well as a new stairway and elevator. In order to accomplish these changes, ARP is contributing $2,315,000 to the cause.

Louisville Parks and Recreation will manage and provide the programming for the Center. LMG’s Departments of Youth Development and Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods are currently exploring having satellite offices within the building. In addition, The Beech, (an after-school educational center) formerly operated out of a Beecher Terrace apartment building, will also be in the Baxter Community Center. This technology-rich learning lab will feature educational, business, and entrepreneurial programming and supports for youth as well as adults. This project is already underway and expected to be completed by fall of 2024.

You can learn more about the Baxter Community Center, as well as the surrounding Russell Neighborhood, by visiting Vision Russell.

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