Welcome

Olmsted Parks Conservancy's mission is to restore, enhance and preserve one of Louisville’s most valued treasures, the historic Olmsted Parks and Parkways.

Louisville's park system is the last designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the "Father of American Landscape Architecture", and one of only five such systems across the country. Known nationally as the defining park system of his career, it stands today as one of his best-preserved works, reflecting the genius of Olmsted's vision.

For Louisvillians, these parks are inexorably tied to our identity. Help keep these treasures for future generations.

Saturday, May 17 • 8:30am

Be wonder-struck with nature. Grab your family and friends for a FREE fun-filled, discovery-oriented morning of walks in our historic Olmsted park! Join us for two nature walks starting at 8:30 a.m. in the beautiful Shawnee Park!

Loop Walk – 1 Mile
Short, shaded walk takes you around the Great Lawn—a trademark of Olmsted design.

River Walk – 2 Miles
Take an easy stroll through the beautiful park and down to the river side.

For more information, call 502-456-8125 or email info@olmstedparks.org

Special thanks to: Heine Brothers Coffee, Nancy’s Bagel Grounds, The Trail Store, Rainbow Blossom, Louisville Bicycle Club and Louisville Orienteering.

Volunteer Today

Spend one day a year or a few hours each day, week or month volunteering as an Olmsted Park Champion. Do it single-handedly, or get a group of friends together.  Even if you’ve never volunteered before, or you’ve never planted a tree, you can protect the future of Louisville’s Olmsted Parks! Check out upcoming volunteer dates.

Upcoming Park Explorations

Olmsted Parks Conservancy invites you to come to the park and enjoy a beautiful and educational FREE walk in one of our historic parks. Space is limited so register early with Sarah Wolff at sarah.wolff@olmstedparks.org or 456-8125. Click here for a schedule.

Help save the Woodlands!

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Our community is blessed with historic parks of unequalled value. Designed beginning in 1891 by Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr. and his firm, these parks and parkways are the final masterpiece of his famed career. To today's visitor, all may seem well. But beyond their green appearance, Cherokee and Seneca Parks are dying. Invasive plants are choking the life out of century-old trees. Erosion is creating deep gullies, undercutting bridges, and carving out creek banks. Trails have been devastated by inappropriate uses. Today, the Conservancy is undertaking the WOODLANDS RESTORATION to save these vital parklands with your help. Find out more...