Olmsted Parks - Restore. Enhance. Preserve.

 

Fall 2004

Conservancy gets additional $2 million for capital projects

The Conservancy was delighted to learn that just over $2 million in federal funds will be directed to capital projects in Louisville’s Olmsted Parks thanks to the efforts of Congresswoman Anne Northup. The Environmental Protection Agency will make funds available beginning in 2005 to assist the Conservancy and Metro Parks in correcting severely eroded areas in Chickasaw, Iroquois and Cherokee Parks. Adding that to the $5.3 million raised during the recently completed capital campaign allows the Conservancy to enter another phase of projects identified in the 1994 Master Plan.

The Master Plan for Renewing the Olmsted Parks and Parkways mapped out $55 million in projects vital to the longevity of our treasured park system. The plan was developed cooperatively with citizens, key public agencies and elected officials and is the basis for decisions affecting the Olmsted Parks. It shows how we can rebuild a working infrastructure, restore natural areas and recapture historic character.

While the Master Plan focused on the original parkways and parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted- Shawnee, Iroquois and Cherokee- the guiding design principles are carried over for treatment of all our Olmsted Parks. Today, additional chapters to the Master Plan exist for Chickasaw, Shelby, and Willow Parks. Master planning is currently ongoing for Central and Algonquin Parks in part from money raised in the capital campaign.

Federal funding will sustain the long term projects that are key to improving the parks’ infrastructure and will be the springboard for many other projects that will be undertaken in the next several years. Plans are already underway for a variety of improvements across the historic system.

The massive job of cataloging and documenting the deteriorated conditions in Cherokee and Seneca’s woodlands is an undertaking of not only Conservancy and Metro Parks’ staff but is also calling on ecologists, microbiologists and outside contractors. Developing a prioritized plan for restoring the health to this urban forest is the crucial first step and funding from both the capital campaign and recent federal appropriations are needed to carry it forward.

Many of the historic structures in our parks have fallen into such disrepair that they are no longer useable. The Conservancy and Metro Parks are undertaking a full restoration of the Reform Era Rest Shelter at Shawnee Park which will also include redesigned handicapped access and parking. A new restroom building and fully accessible playground round out the plan for improving the area and returning it to use as a family gathering spot.

Similarly, the Sunnyhill shelter in Iroquois Park will receive an historically based make-over and will become an integral part of the park’s recreation area that fronts New Cut Road. The shelter’s location between the forest themed adventure playground, slated for construction beginning in 2005, and the now operational Amphitheater will return it to its status as a highly sought out picnicking facility.

Renewing our public spaces requires blending recreational opportunities into the park landscape. An exciting spot for children’s play and recreation activities will soon be available with the completion of the playground at Big Rock in Cherokee Park. This is the final piece of recent upgrades to the area which have reconfigured parking areas and lighting, planted tree groves, and stabilized the creek banks. Jointly funded by the Conservancy and Metro Parks, the new playground will provide unique opportunities for children to experience the natural features of the area on recreational equipment their own size. A “Big Rock” climbing structure which will be set into a blue safety surface visually recreating the creek, and a balancing circuit consisting of a balance beam, steeping stones and a fallen log will provide children with similar experiences that adults might encounter when utilizing that area of the park.

System-wide projects will include planning for multi-use paths along the Olmsted Parkways, and continuing to install Olmsted standard lighting and signage. Environmental restoration of Willow Pond will continue and funding is in place for enlarging the pond at Iroquois Park creating a wet meadow area complete with boardwalks to the adjacent Amphitheater parking lot.

One hundred percent of money raised through the Conservancy’s capital campaigns goes into the parks, increasing their value to our community. Working to plan and fund the renewal of our historic legacy is a mission for a lifetime, with many projects spanning years from concept to completion. Guided by the master plan and enthused by the overwhelming support of our donors, the future for our parks shines bright.

Halloween Gala educates about park’s critical needs

Honoring Minx Auerbach with the Frederick Law Olmsted Award for Distinguished Leadership made this year’s annual fundraising event one of the most memorable on record. Crowned as Queen of the Wild Things and escorted by her prince of a husband, Dr. Sy Auerbach, the presentation ceremony included a video featuring Bill Samuels, Jr., Ed Perry and Bill Juckett, who in addition to Minx, have all served at the helm during the Conservancy’s 15 year history. Thanking Minx for her commitment to the Conservancy and her tireless service to the community highlighted an evening of fun and camaraderie. Conservancy Trustee Gwen Tilton and fundraising chair Barbara Sexton Smith enlisted an impressive group of corporate sponsors and community leaders to reach this year’s goal.

“We have been fortunate this year in raising awareness in the community of the work we do, as evidenced by the wonderful response we had during the final months of our capital campaign. Providing the oversight necessary to complete the newly funded projects is critical to our mission and this event is one of the ways in which we do that” noted Bill Juckett, Conservancy Chairman.

The party had a dual purpose this year, educating guests about the serious problem that invasive plants are creating in Cherokee and Seneca Parks. Guests viewed a specially created video highlighting the need for a comprehensive plan to eradicate the unwanted invaders. The theme carried out through the décor with freshly harvested vines twisting along the entrance way and on the tables tying in with the overall party theme, Where the Wild Things Party.

“Party co-chairs, Kelley Bright and Denise DiLoreto did an outstanding job again this year” said Kate Chandler, Executive Vice President. “Thanks go to the volunteers who work year round to make this event a success. We wouldn’t be here tonight without their commitment and creative energy.”

National Association for Olmsted Parks recognizes successful 15 year partnership

Louisville Olmsted Parks Conservancy and Louisville Metro Government were honored for their roles in the partnership that has contributed to the preservation of Louisville’s system of Olmsted Parks and Parkways. Members of the National Association for Olmsted Parks, in town during the National Preservation Conference held this fall, took the occasion to recognize the successful public-private partnership at an October 1 st reception at the Iroquois Amphitheater. Celebrating the spirit of cooperation that has existed between the two entities since the Conservancy’s formation in 1989, the national organization issued a proclamation recognizing the strength of the partnership and noted that it serves as a model for other organizations across the nation.

“Holding the reception at the newly renovated Amphitheater gave us the opportunity to showcase one of our newest endeavors, one that not only shows how well we work together, but also shows the careful way we undertake park enhancements” said Susan Rademacher, Conservancy President. “The visitors reminded us how lucky we are to have this historic park system and that our long term vision for its restoration is invaluable for the community.”

Park Conservators find the beauty in the parks

Two beautiful homes with scenic overlooks into Cherokee Park served as sites for Park Conservators events held during October. Special presentations made by Susan Rademacher, Conservancy President and noted Olmsted historian, highlighted the influence that Olmsted’s landscape designs had on neighboring residential developments around the city.

Nearly seventy five guests were treated to a magnificent evening on the terrace overlooking the park at Terry and Anne Fonville Sams’ renovated home on Lexington Road. The home was built by local brewer Frank Fehr in the early 1900s and he later developed the surrounding land as the Braeview Subdivision from plans drawn up by Olmsted’s firm.

The lovely evening at Dorothy Cherry’s home on Sulgrave Road harkened back to the days of Olmsted with entertainment and gorgeous surroundings. Filled with magnificent artwork and opening to a draped portico, the home’s location takes advantage of one of Cherokee Park’s most panoramic views.

The Park Conservators program encompasses planned gifts or annual donations of $500 or more. Conservators support our major programs and sustain the Conservancy’s ability to protect and enhance the parks. Launched in late 2000, the program to date has raised over $100,000 and helps provide the operational funds necessary to carry out our mission.

It was over 100 years ago that leading citizens of the community led the drive to bring Louisville into the ranks of the nation’s great cities. Their wisdom and foresight in creating our system of parks is nearly unequalled. Thanks to the continued support and commitment of Park Conservators, their work will carry on for generations. If you are interested in learning more about the Park Conservators program, call Kate Chandler at 456-8125.