Friday April 26, 2024
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SubscribeFor the first time in more than 25 years, Metro Parks and Recreation will be operating youth baseball and softball leagues at Wyandotte Park in south Louisville for children ages 6-18. Sign-ups are available online now at this link. Tee ball ($20 entry fee) will be available for children ages 6 and under.
Softball and baseball league ($40 entry fee) divisions are as follows: ages 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16 and 17-18. In addition to the cost of joining the league, entry fees cover the cost of the uniform and rental of a glove if necessary.
“We’ve had a successful partnership with Major League Baseball through the RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) program, and offering leagues through our department is the next step in growing the sport in the city of Louisville,” said Metro Parks and Recreation Director Seve Ghose.
Player sign-ups will take place through March 4 online and at three Metro Parks and Recreation Community Centers; Cyril Allegier, Southwick and South Louisville. Practices will begin the week of March 20, and games will begin on Saturday, April 10 at Wyandotte Park. In addition, Metro Parks and Recreation is seeking volunteer coaches for league teams.
Those interested in participating should call Steve Edwards at (502) 744-0498.
“We’re hoping to find enthusiastic role models who will mentor the players, teach them fundamentals and how to be team players,” Ghose said. “We’re hoping an abundance of kids sign up, but the league will only be successful if we have a good number of coaches willing to take on the challenge.” For more information, see the attached flier or click on this link (includes a testimonial from a past volunteer coach). https://louisvilleky.gov/government/parks/louisville-metro-parks-and-rec…
For thousands of local children – and quite a few adults, too – sledding is a highlight of the winter season. Metro Parks wants to remind the public it will open hills in seven parks for sledding from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on days when snow accumulation reaches 2-3 inches.
Metro Parks has selected its best and safest sledding hills in the area. As long as the sledding hills maintain adequate snow coverage, they will remain open. Park users are asked to avoid sledding when hills are closed. Sledding on slopes that lack appropriate snow depth will cause turf damage that must be repaired in the spring.
The rule of thumb for determining if enough snow accumulation has occurred is that if you see blades of grass poking through the snow cover; it’s not deep enough to sled safely. Sledding when parks employees have not posted the “open” sign, and at all other times, comes at your own risk.
DESIGNATED SLEDDING HILLS:
- Cherokee Park (Baringer Hill, intersection of Alexander Road and Scenic Loop)
- George Rogers Clark Park (1024 Thruston Avenue, behind playground, near McKinley Avenue)
- Joe Creason Park (1297 Trevilian Way, behind Metro Parks administration building)
- McNeely Lake Park (6900 Cooper Chapel Road, near Korean War Memorial)
- Tyler Park (1501 Castlewood Avenue, on Tyler Park Drive side of park)
- Charlie Vettiner Park (5550 Charlie Vettiner Park Road, near Easum Road entrance)
- Iroquois Golf Course (1501 Rundill Road)
SLEDDING RULES:
- Sledding is permitted on designated sledding hills when the “Sledding Hill Open” sign is displayed.
- Sledding hills will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. as long as there is adequate snow to protect slopes; all sledding hills will close at 11 p.m.
- Park vehicles only in regular parking areas to protect your car from damage.
- No vehicles are permitted off the pavement in any park.
- No alcoholic beverages are permitted at any time.
- Those who use the designated sledding hills are doing so at their own risk. Bonfires will not be permitted at Metro Parks’ sites, and sledders are urged to carry a cell phone in the event of an emergency.
SLEDDING SAFETY TIPS:
- Only use devices designed for sledding.
- Wear appropriate clothing – loose ends or flaps can easily get caught.
- Sleds should contain a number of riders appropriate for the designated device during each descent.
- Dress in layers, so you can remove one layer without risking frostbite. Several thin layers are warmer than one bulky layer.
- Make sure you’re with someone who knows your name and can contact family in an emergency; parents should remain with their children.
- Don’t drink alcohol before sledding – it impairs your ability to use good judgment and causes the body to lose heat more rapidly.
- Check your path for trees and other objects before starting your descent.
- Don’t sled head-first or standing up. Good visibility is necessary during your descent. Don’t face backwards, and make sure your vision isn’t obscured by hats and scarves.
- When climbing the hill, stay to the sides. Don’t climb in the sledding path. It’s important to remember that slopes can become very crowded during peak times.
For the second year, Metro Parks and Recreation is creating a “Wish Tree” in Joe Creason Park for visitors to share their future hopes and dreams for themselves, their families and the world around them.
Those wishing to participate are encouraged to travel to Creason Park to visit the tree, a Dogwood tree directly in front of the Metro Parks and Recreation Administration Building, located off Trevilian Way across from the Louisvile Zoo.
“Last year we had more than 500 tags attached to the tree by the end of the process,” said Seve Ghose, director of Metro Parks and Recreation. “That inspired us to do it again this year, and we’re looking forward to seeing Louisville residents express their positive vision for the future.”
Tags for the tree and pencils will be provided on site, but those who participate are encouraged to bring anything they wish to create the tags.
Participants can tie them to the tree’s branches from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. beginning today and continuing through Friday, December 30. At the close of that time period, the wishes will be collected and sent to the Imagine Peace Tower in Reykjavik, Iceland, as well as shared on social media.
The Imagine Peace Tower is an outdoor work of art conceived by Yoko Ono in honor of her late husband, the musician John Lennon, and symbolizes her continuing campaign for world peace dedicated to his memory.
Additionally, Metro Parks and Recreation will be hosting an open house at its headquarters, located at 1297 Trevilian Way, on Wednesday, December 14 from 5-7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served, and Metro Parks employees will be on hand to give tours of the Creason Administration Building (Collings House).
5,000 artistically carved pumpkins to light walking trail
In what has become the must-see event of the Halloween season, the Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular is returning for the fourth consecutive year to south Louisville’s Iroquois Park, where 5,000 artistically carved pumpkins will greet visitors from Oct. 13 through Nov. 6.
The pumpkins will illuminate a 1/4-mile trail adjacent to the Iroquois Amphitheater, and Metro Parks officials estimate up to 90,000 people will visit.
The trail is open from dusk until 11 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets range from $9 to $15, with discounts for seniors and children 12 and under. Proceeds from the event benefit the Louisville Parks Foundation.
“The event has grown by leaps and bounds each year, and it’s become one of the city’s signature events during the Halloween season,” said Seve Ghose, Director of Metro Parks and Recreation. “These beautiful pumpkins are a unique way to take advantage of the landscape of one of this city’s most beloved parks. We’re delighted to have the Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular back again for a fourth year.”
The wooded trail begins just outside of Iroquois Amphitheater (1080 Amphitheater Road, Louisville, KY 40214) and weaves its way through the trees with themed vignettes set to music. The carved, lit pumpkins rotate on a weekly basis, creating a different experience each weekend.
“We appreciate the vision of Passion for Pumpkins, which transforms this small section of Iroquois Park into a terrific attraction the whole family can enjoy,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “I encourage all Louisville residents to visit, maybe even more than once. You will see something new each time you walk the trail.”
The event is held rain or shine. Coach drop-off and on-site parking is available.
Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular is produced by Louisville Metro Parks and the Louisville Parks Foundation in conjunction with Passion for Pumpkins, a multimedia production company with more than 25 years’ experience in redefining fall by transforming any landscape into an illuminated organic gallery.
This year’s Sponsors include Papa John’s, Delta Dental, WellCare,LG & E, Republic Bank, Wendy’s, KFC, Muhammad Ali Center , Kentucky Select Properties and Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana.
TICKET INFORMATION
Sunday – Thursday
- Adults $12
- Seniors (62+) $10
- Children (3-12) $9
Friday – Saturday
- Adults $15
- Seniors (62+) $13
- Children (3-12) $12
Individual tickets may be purchased in advance for specific nights at the Iroquois Amphitheater Box Office or online at www.jackolanternlouisville.com. Visitors are also encouraged to use the hashtag #502Pumpkins on social media to share images or experiences they enjoy while touring the show.
Tickets for groups of 25 or more can be purchased in advance by calling 502/368-5063, or in person at the Iroquois Amphitheater Box Office between 9 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday – Friday, and Saturdays from 12 – 4 p.m. The Ticket booths will open at 5 p.m. beginning October 13.
Group tickets are discounted at $10 Sunday through Thursday and $12 on Friday and Saturday.
The event is held rain or shine. No refunds will be given, but advanced purchased tickets may be exchanged for another day.
Parking is available at the Iroquois Amphitheater lot, throughout the park, and at DeSales High School, which is located adjacent to the park on Kenwood Drive (recommended). In addition, TARC Route #4-Fourth Street has a stop in the Iroquois Amphitheater parking lot: regular fares apply.
5K Race, Outdoor Adventure, Guided Hikes, Food Trucks & Music Highlight Event
Families can enjoy fall color at Jefferson Memorial Forest during the Wilderness Louisville Forest Adventure on Saturday, October 15 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Participants can get a pumpkin, take a hay ride, and hike trails of various lengths through the Forest at the height of fall color. The event is free to the public.
Activities include a children’s nature exploration area, Alpine Tower climbs, pumpkin decorating, hayrides, archery, and fishing. The Forest’s volunteer trail team and staff will lead hikes at various skill levels and introduce visitors to the native plant gardens, bird blind and animal exhibits.
The event will also feature a 5K trail run through the forested knobs starting at 9 a.m.
“The annual Forest Adventure is the perfect opportunity for families to discover the natural beauty and recreational opportunities at Jefferson Memorial Forest, which is thirty minutes away, or less, no matter where you live in Louisville,” Park Administrator Bennett Knox said.
With 6,600 acres, Jefferson Memorial Forest offers many opportunities for individuals and families to enjoy and explore the outdoors. The Forest features more than 35 miles of marked hiking trails, fishing, and primitive camping. It is also home to one of Louisville’s most exciting new attractions, the Go Ape treetop adventure course.
Theresa Zawacki, Chair of Wilderness Louisville, the non-profit supporting Jefferson Memorial Forest, stressed the importance of Louisville’s community forest and the general role natural areas contribute to the city’s quality of life.
“All of us, young and old, benefit from being outdoors,”Zawacki said. “Being active in nature benefits us in so many ways from helping us manage stress, to creating opportunities for families to bond, and of course, just plain fun.”
The hiking Saturday will be through the Horine Reservation of the Forest, located at 12304 Holsclaw Hill Road. Nine different trail routes in four sections of the Forest will be featured, providing a range of options for hikers of all abilities. The trails range in length from one-fifth of a mile up to five miles, and have terrain varying from relatively flat to rugged.
The Wilderness Louisville Forest Adventure is presented by Quest Outdoors.
$1.4 million project features new stone seat wall; landscaping updates
After years of planning and months of work, the revamped and freshly-completed North Overlook project in South Louisville’s Iroquois Park was unveiled to the public today by a group that included Mayor Greg Fischer, Councilwoman Marianne Butler and officials from Metro Parks and Recreation and the Louisville Olmsted Parks Conservancy.
“The view from the top at the North Overlook is as spectacular as ever, and once the surrounding native grasses and other plantings have a chance to grow in, the whole experience at the summit will really be enhanced,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “The work cements Iroquois Park’s position as one of the premier tourist destinations in the South Points Scenic Area.”
“The opening of this serene and scenic overlook is a testament to the dedication of the employees at Metro Parks and Recreation and the Olmsted Parks Conservancy. Living in the shadow of the park for over two decades, I understand the draw and the majesty of the park,” said Councilwoman Marianne Butler (D-15). “The park users, my neighbors and future generations will benefit and appreciate this view for years to come.”
Feedback gathered from the public during two public meetings in summer 2014 resulted in many of the improvements. A meandering, wheelchair-accessible path now takes the park user to a spectacular area with improved vistas of downtown Louisville and the Indiana Knobs, where the panorama is widely acknowledged as the best in the area.
Visitors will enjoy sitting on a rustic stone bench or in the grassy picnic areas. Native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants populate the walkway and several stormwater retention basins, which help control erosion. The vegetation likely won’t begin realizing its true potential until next spring, according to officials. Continue reading
Councilman Tom Owen will be meeting’s featured speaker August 29
Metro Parks and Recreation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will host the first in a series of three public meetings on Beargrass Creek restoration efforts from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Monday, August 29 at the Douglass Community Center.
Metro Parks and the Corps are partners in a planning effort entitled: “Beargrass Creek Trail Conceptual Shared Use Path and Ecological Restoration Plan.”
The plan area will extend generally along Beargrass Creek from its confluence with the Ohio River to the area of the Grinstead Drive/Lexington Road intersection.
As part of the planning effort, there will be three public meetings over the next five months to gather public input and to share the planning team’s findings, alternate courses of action, and final recommendations.
The Douglass Community Center is located at 2305 Douglass Blvd, 40205.
The intent of this meeting will be to seek public input on potential shared use path segments in the study area. A highlight of the meeting will be Eighth District Metro Councilman Tom Owen discussing the history of Beargrass Creek.
