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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

Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Louisville Parks and Recreation, Councilman David James, and volunteers and park neighbors will celebrate completion of phase one of the Victory Park revitalization project on Saturday, November 18, 2017.

Phase one of a $1 million revitalization to Victory Park included relocation of the basketball court to create a larger open area for activities; a new walking path; installation of additional lighting, benches and 35 new trees.

Phase two of the revitalization project is expected to start in early 2018 and will include a new playground and sprayground.

Financial support came from Olmsted Parks Conservancy’s recent Campaign for Extraordinary Parks, including Humana Foundation, James Graham Brown Foundation, PNC Foundation, Kosair Charities along with support from Louisville Metro Government, Mayor Greg Fischer and Louisville Parks and Recreation.

“Olmsted Parks Conservancy is thrilled to preserve this historic park and see the neighborhood enjoy the new features, especially since they have been part of the whole revitalization process,” said Earl Jones, Board Chair, Olmsted Parks Conservancy.

“The improvements to Victory Park have the opportunity to transform the surrounding neighborhood and bring nearby residents together,” said Seve Ghose, Director, Louisville Parks and Recreation. “I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds and cherish the partnership between Louisville Metro and the Olmsted Parks Conservancy.”

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

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.

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