Olmsted Parks Conservancy And Louisville Parks And Recreation Break Ground On Restoration Park In Tyler Park

Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Louisville Parks and Recreation, Mayor Greg Fischer, Councilman Brandon Coan, and Tyler Park Neighborhood Association will kick off construction for the $1.1 million restoration project in Tyler Park on Tuesday, May 7. The groundbreaking ceremony will be held on the east side of the bridge, in front of the historic tennis courts at 10am.

The conservancy and its donors have funded $842,000 of the project with Louisville Metro Government and TPNA coming up with the rest.

“We are all pleased to see the start of this project as it will greatly improve the park for the neighborhood and its visitors,” stated Layla George, President and CEO of Olmsted Parks Conservancy. “This project is made possible because of the generous support from donors through our Campaign for Extraordinary Parks, Mayor Greg Fischer, and Councilman Brandon Coan.”

Tyler Park, established in 1910, is a 13-acre Olmsted-designed park unique with its irregular shape and sloping terrain. The park’s centerpiece is an historic bridge which adds character to this beloved neighborhood greenspace. In Summer 2018, Olmsted Parks Conservancy, working with Louisville Parks and Recreation and Tyler Park Neighborhood Association, developed a plan for restoration that combines the park’s unique historic features with offerings that meet the needs of today’s park visitors.

The Tyler Park Neighborhood Association has helped fund park improvements over the last few years, including a new walkway on the northeast side, installation of more than 10 park benches and planting of many trees and shrubs. Feedback from the Association was essential to the development of the restoration plan.

“The Tyler Park Neighborhood Association is thrilled that renovations are beginning on our beloved, historic park,” said Kristen Millwood, President of the Tyler Park Neighborhood Association, when asked about the project. “These renovations will help keep our park a vibrant space for generations to come with some much-needed updates that respect the unique character of Tyler Park.”

Construction will start on the east side of the bridge, where the two historic tennis courts are being repaired, resurfaced and re-fenced. This section of the project is set to be completed this June.

Scheduled to be completed this fall, construction on the west side of the bridge will include:

• Moving the existing playground and sprayground areas and equipping with modern features:
• Constructing a new restroom building;
• Adding a natural area playground;
• Installing new picnic tables and benches;
• And adding parking spaces to improve accessibility.

In the last phase of the project, improvements will be made on the east side of the bridge to:

• Repurpose the four-tennis court set to feature two tennis courts, one half-court basketball court and two pickleball courts;
• Install a rain garden and infiltration basin to address drainage issues;
• Add new picnic tables and benches;
• And improve existing walking paths.

“Tyler Park is the namesake and crown jewel of our neighborhood,” said District 8 Councilman Brandon Coan. “The master plan implementation, coupled with the Barret/Castlewood project and nearby street resurfacing soon to be completed, will transform the area over the next several months.  I can’t thank Olmsted Parks Conservancy donors enough for their vision and generosity.”

“For 30 years, the Olmsted Parks Conservancy has served as an invaluable passionate and dedicated advocacy group that supports Louisville’s collection of Olmsted-designed parks,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “Their work, in conjunction with Louisville Parks and Recreation, will transform Tyler Park for the enjoyment of generations of Louisville residents.”

Future improvements to Tyler Park, outside of the restoration project, include the installation of a wheelchair ramp connecting the east and west side of the park, making it easier and safer to get from one side of the park to the other. The ramp is currently included in the Mayor’s recommended budget for the 2019-2020 fiscal year and could be added later this year if approved. The Tyler Park Master Plan also includes a 25-person pavilion which is not funded at this time.