Jefferson County is home to over 150 parks — from our mighty flagships like Cherokee and Iroquois Parks to tiny neighborhood parks — and that number is growing.
Over the next few years, Derby City will add at least five new parks to that number. Here’s a look at what’s to come.
Alberta Jones Park, California Neighborhood
After a devastating flood in 2009, 20+ acres of land along Maple Street between Dr. W. J. Hodge and 25th Street was permanently conserved as greenspace. Now, the unused area is being transformed into a music-themed park that will encourage natural, non-prescriptive play. The first phase of construction began in March 2023. No official opening date has been set — but we can’t wait to see the giant music notes.
The park is part of the Choice Neighborhoods revitalization efforts in the Russell neighborhood and is a partnership between Louisville Parks and Recreation and Louisville Metro Housing Authority.
Rendering provided by Vision Russell
13th Street and Muhammad Ali Boulevard, Russell neighborhood
This yet-to-be-named, 6.74-acre park will replace the former Old Walnut Street Park in the area that was used in the Beecher Terrace Apartments development. Residents are helping to name the future park — which is expected to open in 2024. A football field, playground, splash park, and pavilion are all part of the plan.
Waterfront Park Phase IV, 10th and 15th Streets
Waterfront Park broke ground on its fourth expansion last October. The 22-acre expansion will connect West Louisville to the downtown area by solidifying the Riverwalk and Louisville Loop. A giant playground with three play zones dubbed PlayWorks is also a main feature of the project. A completion date has not been announced.
Beargrass Preserve, Cherokee Park
Thanks to the largest financial gift in Olmsted Park Conservancy history, 25 more acres are being added to Cherokee Park. Construction on the expansion is still in the distant future, but Olmsted Park selected Taylor Siefker Williams Design Group to create the master plan back in February.
All this park news got you buzzing to head outside? Check out our guide to parks in LOU.
