Our Mission

Louisville Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Inc. was formed in 1989 as a non-profit partner of Louisville and Metro Parks with a mission "to enrich 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." 

In the early 1980’s, as communities across the nation mobilized to restore and preserve urban parks, a group of forward thinking Louisville citizens banded together to raise awareness of the historic parks and parkways and to advocate for their preservation. After reviewing a report on park conditions prepared by these “Friends of Louisville’s Olmsted Parks”, Mayor Jerry Abramson established a task force which, in 1989, recommended creation of Louisville Olmsted Parks Conservancy.

Formed to protect and restore this public resource after decades of neglect, the Conservancy has raised over $25 million to provide planning and funding for park improvements and has invested in projects that would not be possible with current tax dollars. Supplementing public dollars with private donations from corporations, individuals and foundations the Olmsted Parks Conservancy leads the movement to enhance and restore over 2,400 parkland acres and 15 miles of parkways that comprise the historic system.

Louisville’s 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. Each of us has a stake in the future of our Olmsted Parks. Find out how you can help—GET INVOLVED