Olmsted Parks - Restore. Enhance. Preserve.

 

Spring 2008

Conservancy Leads Woodlands Restoration

Frederick Law Olmsted's original design for Cherokee Park, begun in 1891, focused on the sinuous Beargrass Creek Valley and neighboring hills and ridges where Olmsted envisioned open vistas to view Beargrass Creek from the ridges through the woodlands. Unfortunately, many years of neglect and the devastating tornado of 1974 have resulted in a deterioration of this original Olmsted vision.

For a variety of reasons, a number of non-native plants have flourished in Cherokee Park, out-competing native flora for light, water and nutrients. By 2004, one such species, Bush Honeysuckle (Loniceramaackii) was covering 80% of Cherokee and Seneca Parks. The other significant non-native vegetation in the park consists mostly of familiar- but invasive - vines such as English Ivy, Creeping Charlie, Bittersweet, and Porcelain Berry. In a natural area, these plants can wreak havoc by creating vine shrouds that block out sunlight preventing trees from photosynthesizing. The trees die by starvation. Adding insult to injury, the weight of the vine shroud then breaks off limbs until all that is left of a once beautiful tree is a stump.

In 2004, Olmsted Parks Conservancy, whose mission is to restore, enhance and preserve our Olmsted parks, embarked on a major project to address this deterioration problem of Cherokee and Seneca Parks. Our objective is to restore healthy woodlands utilizing today's knowledge of ecosystems blended with Olmsted's original vision. Led by David Fothergill, Restoration Manager, the campaign is supported by highly qualified field staff outfitted with the necessary equipment to remove invasive plants, replace them with native species, and mitigate erosion issues.

Progress made to date:

  • Removed approximately 50% of the Bush Honeysuckle
  • Planted approximately 1600 trees and shrubs
  • Planted over 2000 native flowers
  • Constructed 4 miles of new sustainable park trails
  • Logged 7000 volunteer hours

To fund this effort, the Board of Trustees approved and launched a $5 million campaign to save the woodlands area in Cherokee and Seneca Parks. To date the campaign, co-chaired by Heather and Marshall Farrer, has raised nearly $3.2 million. While much of the invasive removal work will continue through 2012, it is anticipated that the campaign goal will be reached by first quarter 2009. Please contact Kate Chandler, Director of Development, for more information on how you can help.

Shelby Park: A Sixteen-Acre Jewel

Shelby Park has been a cornerstone of the Smoketown neighborhood since 1907, when the Olmsted firm completed the initial design for the park. The original Master Plan for this 16-acre jewel is an excellent example of Beaux Art design and demonstrates the emergence of active recreation in early 20th century park design. Controversy surrounded this park when, in 2000, a public school was proposed for the site. Olmsted Parks Conservancy worked with neighbors and park advocates to preserve Shelby Park and since then has been a partner in its restoration and enhancement.

Since 2002, the Conservancy has partnered with Metro Parks in creating an up-to-date Master Plan and completing the first phase of improvements. Shelby Park is widely used by the neighborhood and park users were instrumental in informing the direction for the plan completed by Bentley Koepke Inc. Landscape Architecture firm. The first phase of work, funded by Olmsted Parks Conservancy,

Louisville Metro, and grants from the National Parks Service, is nearly complete. Completed improvements include:

  • New curbing and bollards along the perimeter to eliminate vehicles inside the park
  • New walkways were installed: asphalt for the perimeter exercise walk and an historic concrete mix down the central axis.
  • New basketball and tennis courts
  • New bandstand, historically located and reminiscent of a historic design
  • New trees line the walkways while lighting and benches are still to come

Come see the improvements at this Olmsted park located on Oak Street between Jackson and Clay Streets. In addition, enjoy music in the park with the Louisville Orchestra: April 26 at 1 p.m., May 9 at 6 p.m., and September 7 at 3 p.m.

Wild Ginger

The native plants found within our parks endow the landscape with a variety of heights, shapes and textures. These native plants also have historical and cultural value, providing us with a physical link to the past. Over the last few years, Olmsted Parks Conservancy has worked hard to remove invasive plants, which have smothered native plants, so this spring when you walk in the parks you may be able to find more of these treasures coming back. Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense) historically was used for medicinal and culinary purposes.

This subtle native plant may be found in rich moderately moist woods in April through May. At the end of a short stalk, the solitary maroon flower may be found below the fuzzy heartshaped leaves of wild ginger. This unassuming plant can be used as a native alternative for ground cover in shaded landscaped areas with rich and slightly acidic soils.

St. Edwards School Study Olmsted

"Fun" is the watchword for learning in Mrs. Pat Voor's classes at St. Edwards School. Over the years she has engaged her students in interesting, enjoyable projects creating an effective learning environment. When Mrs. Voor suggested to the Olmsted Parks Conservancy that Frederick Law Olmsted could be used as a great teaching tool for her fourth-graders, the Conservancy was eager to help. We met the class at Big Rock in Cherokee Park, where John Swintosky of Metro Parks delivered an on-site history lesson on Mr. Olmsted and our Olmsted Parks. The students were most attentive, and were thrilled to later tour all three flagship parks-Cherokee, Iroquois and Shawnee-to learn about the woodlands, rocks and water in each.

Back in the classroom, the students created plans for their ideal parks, a few of which are shown in the photos. It seems we have future landscape architects in our community!

Vandalized Hert Bridge Update

Great news! The historic Hert Bridge in Cherokee Park, damaged by vandals last year, will again takes its rightful place in the pantheon of beautiful bridges spanning Beargrass Creek. A recent study commissioned by Olmsted Parks Conservancy determined how today's required safety standards can be incorporated into the historical design. Now through the leadership of Mike Heitz, Metro Parks Director, and the approval of Mayor Jerry Abramson the restoration project will start this Spring. John Swintosky of Metro Parks will oversee the restoration of the bridge.