We love our major Louisville parks like Cherokee and Iroquois — which combined account for 1,000+ acres of parkland. We’re also proud to host the nation’s largest municipal forest, Jefferson Memorial Forest, which spans 6,191 acres.
Today, however, we’re bringing a few small, but mighty parks into the LOUtoday limelight. And by small, we’re talking four acres or less, which is around four American football fields.
This little round-up of four tiny parks might seem minuscule, but we’re here to share their larger-than-life characteristics — from hosting Louisville’s historic baseball team to strange rules about what size foods can be consumed in them.
Gnadinger Park, 1031 Ellison Ave.
Size: Less than one acre
On the way: Bean coffee + Four Pegs smokehouse and bar
Acquired in 1974 by the city from the Gnadinger family who built a house on the property in 1923, this park is the smallest public park in the 502 coming in at a mere .03 acres — or 1,300 sqft.
The Germantown park sits at the end of a block of houses between Ellison and Reutlinger Avenues. At one point in time archaic signs in the area claimed that foods longer than 6.5 inches could not be consumed within park limits. If you know why, we’d love to know, too.
Elliott Park, 630 S. 28th St.
Size: 3.98 acres
On the way: The Coffee Boxx
Part of the Olmsted Parks Conservancy, this little park was once called Eclipse Park and hosted Louisville’s historic Major League Baseball team, The Colonels, until 1892 when the park was destroyed by fire.
Today, the Russel neighborhood park features a playground, sprayground, ballfield + picnic tables and shelters.
Ginny Reichard Park, 1001 Franklin St.
Size: Less than one acre
On the way: Ten20 Brewery + Hi-Five Doughnuts
Located in the heart of Butchertown, this little park, consisting of a playground + basketball court, is named after Virginia Anne “Ginny” Reichard. Ginny was an activist in the Butchertown neighborhood and also helped purchase the Thomas Edison House nearby. The park was officially dedicated to her in 1981.
Boone Square, 1935 Rowan St.
Size: 4.02 acres
On the way: Lucretia’s Kitchen
Acquired by the Olmsted Parks Conservancy in 1891, this park was one of the first designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in Louisville. It’s also the site of the first organized baseball game to be played in Louisville in 1865.
There are two basketball courts and playgrounds, a sprayground, picnic shelter + open field for outdoor activities.
