About

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Olmsted Parks Conservancy is to enrich the life of everyone in our community by restoring, enhancing and preserving the Frederick Law Olmsted Parks and Parkways — Louisville’s great natural and recreational assets.

HISTORY

The early 20^th century witnessed the flourishing of parks in Louisville, thanks to the grand designs of Frederick Law Olmsted, the Father of American Landscape Architecture, and his sons who followed him.   Eventually 18 parks and 6 parkways were completed under the direction of the Olmsted firm.  Their influence permeated the developing city, including designs for civic institutions (the grounds of the public library and the University of Louisville campus are examples, as well as the landscapes of many private homes).

By the mid-20^th century however, the parks — which are such an integral element of the structure of the city — fell into disrepair.  The construction of an interstate highway through Cherokee and Seneca Parks in the 1960s caused great disruption.  And Force 5 tornadoes in April of 1974 tore through the city, compounding the destruction in the parks, uprooting mature hardwood trees and destroying the environment so carefully planned by Olmsted.

Concerned citizens in the late 1970s launched a grass-roots effort, “The Friends of Olmsted Parks,” to call attention to the worrisome loss of a great city asset.  Louisville took notice.  After reviewing a report on park conditions prepared by the Friends, Mayor Jerry Abramson established a task force which, in 1989, recommended the creation of Louisville’s Olmsted Parks Conservancy to protect and restore this great public resource.

TODAY

Since 1989, Louisville’s Olmsted Parks Conservancy has enriched the life of everyone in our community by restoring, enhancing and preserving the historic Olmsted-designed parks and parkways, Louisville’s great natural and recreational assets.   Our non-profit organization has secured over $25 million from generous donors to provide planning and funding for park improvements.  We focus on three areas of interest:  historic preservation, environmental protection, and advocacy.  Examples of these are: restoration of historic park structures, woodlands and stream restoration, and protection of parkway land from commercial development.  We often work side-by-side with Louisville Metro Parks Department on major projects.

THE FUTURE

Louisville’s Frederick Law Olmsted Parks are our health clubs and art studios, our outdoor classrooms, sports facilities and family retreats.  They play a vital role in protecting the city’s health and well-being and they provide common ground for celebrating cultural diversity.  The parks enhance Louisville’s quality of life.

Without attention and support, the value this great asset will decline.  It takes hard work, funding, and community interest to preserve this resource. Olmsted Parks Conservancy leads the movement to enhance and restore these resources, and invites the community to realize its stake in the future of our Frederick Law Olmsted Parks.  Find out how you can help support us.