Wednesday May 8, 2024
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Officials from the Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Louisville Parks and Recreation, Mayor Greg Fischer, Council President David James, and many park neighbors celebrated the start of phase two of the Victory Park Revitalization Project at the annual Victory Park Day celebration today.
Olmsted Parks Conservancy and Louisville Parks & Recreation began the project in 2017. Phase two, an $640,000 additional park investment, includes a new playground and sprayground; addition to the lodge to allow a covered picnic area; additional tree planting and new connector walking paths.
After several public meetings with Victory Park neighbors in 2016, Olmsted Parks Conservancy and Louisville Parks and Recreation finalized a Master Plan that outlined work needed for the park. The first phase of the project included relocating the basketball court to the northwest side of the park to create a larger open area for activities; new walking path, more than a quarter mile in length; additional lighting, benches and 35 trees. Phase one was completed this spring.
Financial support for more than $1.1 million revitalization project, came from donors of Olmsted Parks Conservancy’s Campaign for Extraordinary Parks, including Humana Foundation, James Graham Brown Foundation, PNC Foundation and Kosair Charities along with support from City of Louisville, Mayor Greg Fischer, Metro Council President David James and Louisville Parks and Recreation.
“Victory Park is very important part of this neighborhood and Olmsted Parks Conservancy’s wants to complete projects that ensure the surrounding residents can enjoy a beautiful, safe and clean park,” said Layla George, President/CEO, Olmsted Parks Conservancy.
“It has taken the cooperation of a lot of partners, and a lot of hard work to get to phase two of the project in Victory Park,” said Parks and Recreation Director Seve Ghose. “It’s going to be exciting to see it continue and evolve into a true source of pride for the neighborhood.”
“Parks are a community resource, and we have world-class parks because the community comes together to care for them,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “The Olmsted Parks Conservancy is a critical partner in the effort to maintain parks like Victory, and the relationship they have with Metro Government and Parks and Recreation is so important to this city.”
“The Community appreciates all of the changes we have seen in making Victory Park a true neighborhood park and they look forward to their continued partnership with Metro Parks and the Olmsted Conservancy as we move ahead with Phase II. I want to thank everyone for their commitment to improving Victory Park for the people who live here and the people and families who come to use the park for their enjoyment,” said Metro Council President David James, who represents District 6, where Victory Park is located.
Victory Park is a four-acre parcel of land that was set aside as a park space by the Board of Park Commissioners in 1919 with a design drawn in 1923 by the Olmsted Brothers. The area was noted for its magnificent trees, including gum, oak, osage orange and elm. It was originally called Greenwood Park, but its name was changed to Victory Park, in commemoration of World War I.
Victory Park has historically been the site for band concerts, plays, and gathering space for choral groups, as well as a place for active and passive play. Since its inception, this greenspace has been a focal point and a source of community pride for the surrounding neighborhood.
Photo: Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation
Metro Parks & Recreation is offering an affordable family golfing package at its nine golf courses during the Memorial Day Weekend.
For only $25, a family of up to four members can play nine holes at any Metro Parks course. The $25 includes greens and cart fees, and families can take advantage of the deal after 4:30 p.m. on three days: Saturday, May 27, Sunday, May 28 and Monday, May 29.
Families are encouraged to call in advance to book a tee time at the golf course of their choice.
“Our courses are in great shape this spring, and we’re hoping for a lot of play from families this summer,” said Metro Parks and Recreation Director Seve Ghose. “Come out and enjoy a round of golf with the family on a great course at an affordable price!”
Metro Parks golf courses are open from daylight to dark seven days a week.
Councilwoman Barbara Shanklin is encouraging residents of District 2 and the surrounding area to come out and enjoy a free event in Petersburg Park on Sunday, April 30th.
In partnership with Kentucky Shakespeare, the Councilwoman is sponsoring the “Shakespeare in the Parks” production of Julius Caesar. It’s the classic tale of political intrigue, deception, betrayal and the murder of a political leader
“We have enjoyed bringing these productions to our area for the last few years and this is a free weekend event for everyone,” says Shanklin. “Petersburg Park is a great place for this event, so bring a lawn chair and come join us.”
Shanklin and other Metro Council members are sponsoring this year’s free production tour of Kentucky Shakespeare in various parks throughout Metro Louisville. The tour is now in its fourth year.
Kentucky Shakespeare, a not-for-profit charitable organization, professional theatre company, and the oldest free Shakespeare Festival in the United States has been offering free Shakespeare in Central Park in Old Louisville during the summer.
This year, “Shakespeare in the Parks” is bringing an 85 minute, six actor version of Julius Caesar beginning at 6:00pm at Petersburg Park located at 5008 E Indian Trail. The event will be held rain or shine.
“We look forward to performing for the people of Newburg and we thank Councilwoman Shanklin and our other Metro Council partners for their support,” says Matt Wallace of Kentucky Shakespeare.
“Shakespeare in the Parks” is halfway through its touring schedule of 23 locations in the Metro Louisville area that will end on May 19th.
For more information about Sunday’s “Shakespeare in the Parks” at Petersburg Park, contact Councilwoman Shanklin’s office at 574-1102.
Metro Councilmen Stuart Benson (District 20) and Robin Engel (District 22) along with the Louisville Metro Police Department’s 7th Division and the Parklands of Floyds Fork will hold the event, “Crashing the Parklands” on April 30 between Noon and 7pm. This FREE family friendly event will include a performance of Julius Caesar by the actors from Kentucky Shakespeare at 1pm followed by a live concert by the pop rock group The Louisville Crashers at 4pm.
In addition to the FREE play and concert, TARC Shuttles will be available to bring people to the park from Fern Creek High School between the hours of 1pm and 6pm at no charge. Representatives from the public safety community as well as other community groups will host information booths at the event. A number of food vendors have been confirmed for persons interested in purchasing food or drinks.
Those planning to attend are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Alcohol is prohibited at this free family event as well as the Parklands. For more information on this event please contact Angela Webster at 502-574-3465.
Photo: Kentucky Derby Festival
Thunder Over Louisville fans making plans for a place to park their RV, pitch a tent or park their car have an option that’s close to the action. Metro Parks is selling passes for Thunder weekend at Eva Bandman Park, 1701 River Road.
Eva Bandman Park is located along the Ohio River near Frankfort Avenue, less than a 10-minute stroll from the eastern edge of Waterfront Park.
• Recreational Vehicles – RV parking is available beginning Friday, April 21, for $200. All parking spaces can accommodate a 40-foot vehicle with an awning. Additional cars are $15 each for both RV’s & Tents.
• Tents – Campers bringing tents may stay in Eva Bandman Park on Friday and Saturday nights for $50. This includes space for one car, not necessarily next to your tent. Additional cars are $15 each for both RV’s & Tents.
• Parking – On Saturday, April 22, parking spots at Eva Bandman Park will be available as long as space permits, at a cost of $20 per vehicle. Cash only, paid at time of arrival.
Overnight visitors in tents and RVs can stay through Sunday morning. Metro Parks’ staff will be available around the clock. A reservation form can be found here. After staging their site on Friday, those not wishing to camp overnight may exit the park using their extra vehicle and return on Saturday. Previous parking spaces are not guaranteed. Spaces may become limited as Saturday progresses; no other re-entry is authorized.
Advanced registration is highly recommended as the Louisville Police Department will be organizing street closures in the area.
For more information call 502/574-7275 (PARK).
