Louisville’s parks are breaking new ground, get updates in 2024

Louisville is home to more than 120 green spaces and parks, some of which are currently being renovated and improved to make them more enjoyable for surrounding neighborhoods.

Many of the spaces are part of Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation, but others are independently owned, including Waterfront Park, which is currently in “Phase IV” of expansion.

Here’s an overview of some renovations of parks and green spaces in the city:

River Road 129

Officials have broken ground on expanding Waterfront Park, known as “Phase IV,” in 2022.

The 22-acre park expansion will connect Louisville’s West End neighborhoods to Waterfront Park and will be located between 10th and 14th streets in the Portland neighborhood, The Courier Journal previously reported.

Ashley C. Smith, director of development for Waterfront Park, said the first part of the “Phase IV” expansion is under construction. “PlayPort at Waterfront Park” covers 3.5 hectares of the total 22 hectares and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

More: What you need to know about Waterfront Park’s new planned expansion to Louisville’s West End

1200 Southwest Parkway

The park’s 3-acre pond is currently being restored with the help of $2.5 million in American Rescue Plan funding, The Courier Journal previously reported.

As part of the project, the pond will have canoe and kayak access, fishing piers, walking trails and even a “large ‘butterfly and bee meadow’ in tribute to Muhammad Ali,” according to the Olmsted Parks Conservancy website.

More: Improvements are coming to Chickasaw Park. But there is no need to fire to achieve maintenance.

2401 Lamborne Blvd.

City officials recently broke ground on a new Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation park at 2401 Lamborne Blvd., The Courier Journal previously reported.

Windsor Park is expected to open in the summer or early fall, said Jason Canuel, director of Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation. He said the park will have a splash pad, seating area and bathrooms.

More: Windsor Park: Louisville is getting a new public park. Here’s what you need to know

1614 Cypress St.

D’Angelo Russell announces the revitalization of Algonquin Park

Louisville native D’Angelo Russell of the Los Angeles Lakers announced that the D’Angelo Russell Foundation will revitalize Algonquin Park.

Algonquin Park is expected to get a new pool next year, which is being redeveloped in part thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, The Courier Journal previously reported.

The pool will have several features, including a family slide, lily pad bridge, zero-depth ramp, climbing wall and whirlpool, according to a press release from Louisville Metro in February.

Katey Cook, spokesperson for Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation, said construction on the Camp Taylor pool is expected to begin in the spring. Along with the Algonquin Park pool, they are both “expected to open for the 2025 swimming season.”

More: Louisville native D’Angelo Russell’s foundation donates $100,000 for Algonquin Park upgrades

Amphitheaterweg 1000

The six tennis courts at Iroquois Park were closed last September for Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation to create four pickleball courts, two new tennis courts and an indoor soccer field, The Courier Journal previously reported.

The project is expected to be completed in the spring, according to a press release from Louisville Metro.

More: Do you like pickle ball? Here are 5 new places to play in Louisville

Oostkastanjestraat

As part of its efforts to revitalize downtown Louisville, the nonprofit Louisville Medical and Education District known as LOUMED is expected to create an urban park concept with green spaces and pedestrian zones, The Courier Journal reported earlier.

The organization hopes to have LOUMED Commons completed by October at the former Community Correctional Center, located on East Chestnut Street, which is expected to be demolished later this year.

More: LOUMED, a new medical and education district, to bring change to the inner city. What we know

630 S 28th St.

Elliott Park in the Russell neighborhood is currently undergoing improvements that are expected to be completed in the fall, Cook said in an email.

According to a press release from the Olmstead Park Conservancy, significant progress had been made in March on the $2.9 million project: the chair walls that will surround the plaza are “taking shape,” workers began painting the fieldhouse and they have already concrete poured for the fender.

More: From playgrounds to event space: what you need to know about 6 West End park projects

Berrytown Park

Heaferweg 1300

Cook told The Courier Journal in an email that Berrytown Park is also undergoing improvements, especially to the walking path, ball field and basketball and tennis courts.

“Berrytown is located in a very residential area and has a community center adjacent to the property,” Cook said. “Improvements to the park will further promote organized youth activities and competitions.”

More: Reopened Libraries to Support Children: How Louisville Plans to Use the Next $87 Million in ARP Funds

The University of Louisville Urban Design Studio is currently working on the Trager MicroForest Project in Founders Square in downtown Louisville.

“This project aims to transform the city center into a healthier and more attractive urban center,” according to the project’s website. “This initiative goes beyond creating a pleasant green space; it will provide a template for future projects, reimagining urban greening, from street trees along city corridors to underutilized spaces between buildings.”

More: Waterfront Park named among the best river walks in USA TODAY’s 10 Best list. Look where it ended up

South 13th Street and Muhammad Ali Boulevard

In 2023, construction began on a new park in Louisville’s Russell neighborhood, at South 13th Street and Muhammad Ali Boulevard.

The park is being built with funding from several organizations, including the Cincinnati Bengals and National Football League Foundation and the American Rescue Plan Act, The Courier Journal previously reported.

The first phase of construction will include basketball and pickleball courts, a playground and a splash park.

More: Louisville is teaming up with the Cincinnati Bengals for a new park near Beecher Terrace

More: Do you want to go outside? Here is a list of Louisville’s major parks