Revitalization Of Victory Park Begins

Photo: Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation

Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation, Councilman David James, and many park neighbors celebrated the start of the much-anticipated revitalization of Victory Park.

After several public meetings with Victory Park neighbors in 2016, Olmsted Parks Conservancy and Louisville Metro Parks & Recreation finalized a Master Plan that outlined work needed for the park. The first phase of the project has started and includes relocating the basketball court to the northwest side of the park to create a larger open area for activities in the center of the park. A new walking path, more than a quarter mile in length, will surround the open area and will be ADA accessible as well as the installation of additional lighting, benches and trees will be part of phase one. Expected completion is early summer 2017.

“I’m very excited to see the construction begin at Victory Park. I’m thankful to Olmsted Parks Conservancy for all the hard work and financing they have put into this project. I know the citizens are excited to see their ideas come to fruition,” commented Councilman David James.

Donors to Olmsted Parks Conservancy’s recent Campaign for Extraordinary Parks, including the Humana Foundation, James Graham Brown Foundation, and PNC Foundation, makes this $467,000 project possible.

“Olmsted Parks Conservancy is excited to celebrate this project, in partnership with Metro Parks and Recreation, Mayor Fischer, Councilman David James, and the California neighborhood. Along with our donors, we are thrilled to be part of preserving this historic park, while providing modern amenities for this much loved greenspace,” said Rachel Kennedy, President/CEO Olmsted Parks Conservancy.

“The upcoming improvements to Victory Park is a testament to the need to adapt to the times and welcome change to make the site more welcoming while allowing for better and greater access. The near-thirty-year partnership with Olmsted Parks Conservancy continues to thrive,” stated Seve Ghose, Director Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation.

Later this summer, as part of the second phase, construction will begin to install a new playground, splash pad, picnic shelter and arbor.

Victory Park is located in the historic California neighborhood and was designed by the nationally significant Olmsted firm between 1919 and 1923. The park, which was originally named Greenwood Park, due to the presence of its magnificent trees, received its current name, Victory Park, six months after the end of World War I.

Olmsted Parks Conservancy and Louisville Metro Parks & Recreation will oversee the project.