Olmsted Parks - Restore. Enhance. Preserve.

 

Summer 2004

Christensen Fountain flows again

Exciting days have arrived at Cherokee Park’s Christensen Fountain. Contractors began working at the site in early July to excavate and remove the deteriorated dragon boat. In early August the new sculpture by Albert T. Nelson was placed and fitted into the opening, bringing to reality the memorial’s long-awaited restoration.

Initial historical research done by Nancy Needham found that the wall fountain set in the steep bank near the park’s Lexington Road entrance, was given in 1901 by Margarethe Christensen in memory of her mother, Paulina, who had died suddenly in the spring of 1899. Using Miss Christensen’s $1,000 donation, the Board of Park Comissioners sought advice from the Olmsted firm on appropriate design and placement for such a monument. Although it served for many years as a watering trough for horses, the unique sculpture suffered from vandalism and decay in the 1970s and ‘80s. Attempts to repair the dragon boat using concrete and other materials were unfaithful to the original design, and many stones were missing or had fallen from their initial positions.

Led by Suzanne Warner and Bill Warner, park neighbors began their quest for funds to revitalize the diminishing landmark in Spring 2000. Careful consideration was given to repairing the existing dragon boat, but following advice from sculpture conservator Virgina Naude of Philadelphia, the Conservancy decided to commission Nelson, a renowned local sculptor, to create a new boat based on historic photographs. Nelson completed most of his work on the carving early last year and has been on site to finish the final carving necessary to fit the boat into the hillside, meshin it with the stone wall. Later in September Nelson will bring groups of schoolchildren to the fountain for some hands-on sculpting. Thanks to Ed Perry and the firm of Greenebaum Doll & McDonald the remainder of the funds were raised so construction begin.

The first steps in restoring the sunburst were to excavate behind the sculpture and temporarily shore up the stone arch. Project Designer Mike Smiley of Environs/Inc. and Metro Parks’ John Swintosky have been on hand to oversee every step of the restoration. A supply line and drain have been installed to keep a small stream of water flowing into the shallow basin during warm weather.

An important aspect of restoring the original proportions of the total sculpture has been lowering the level of the gravel terrace in front to its correct elevation. The contractor, Brasch Barry, will be moving stone from areas within Cherokee Park to create curbing for the terrace area. Landscaping on the hill behind the fountain will take place later in the year.

Governor’s Scholars study Olmsted in Louisville

Established in 1893, the popular Governor’s Scholars program provides outstanding Kentucky students completing their junior year in high school with a challenging, non-traditional experience. This year, Bellarmine University was one of three locations offering the five week residential summer program. Twenty students from all parts of the state participated in the Architecture and Design class taught this summer by Bryan Orthel, University of Kentucky College of Design. Orthel contacted the Conservancy in early June seeking assistance to incorporate Louisville’s Olmsted legacy into his curriculum.

“As a class, we spent the summer looking at how the city of Louisville had developed, including how parks, churches, and residential areas reveal the values of the city and its citizens. The Olmsted Park system, coupled with the recent riverfront park developments in downtown, show the continued commitment of Louisville to its public spaces” said Orthel.

Working with under the field supervision and direction of Katie Moss, Environmental Planner for the Conservancy, the students put in several hours to assist the Conservancy’s Park Champions program. The volunteers worked to remove invasives and spread mulch at the base of Seneca Park’s Cedar Hill. “ Their enthusiasm and excitement were contagious and it was a great opportunity for us to build on the project started by Metro Parks in that area,” said Moss. “Spreading the mulch helps protect the ground from erosion and inhibits the return of the recently removed invasives. It will also prevent sedimentation of the stream that runs along the foot of the hill.”

“The restoration work was a related aspect of looking at the city's development.It provided the scholars with an opportunity to see Seneca Park and to give a small thank you to Louisville for everyone's hospitality to the Governor's Scholars Program.” Orthel noted. “The scholars truly enjoyed the opportunity to work in the park and frequently mentioned it as one of their top three experiences during our class.”

“We look forward to an ongoing relationship with the Governor’s Scholars Program,” said Moss, “and hope they will want to include the Olmsted Parks and Parkways in their curriculum each year.”

Halloween 2004 off to an outrageous start

Mark your calendars, make your reservations, and dig out your costume as the sixth year of Outrageous Halloween fun returns. We’re pulling out all the stops to make this our most successful fundraising event ever to honor Minx M. Auerbach, recipient of the 2004 Frederick Law Olmsted Award for Distinguished Leadership. Barbara Sexton Smith, one of the event’s original organizers, has energetically taken on the role of Fund-raising Chairman and Trustee Gwen Tilton is serving as board liaison. Mary Griffith, close friend of Minx, has rallied a host of supporters to be on hand for the ceremonial highlight of the evening. “Minx has been such an active leader and strong advocate for this organization and for the community” notes Bill Juckett, Board Chairman, “ It’s truly our honor to serve at her side.”

Party planning co-chairs, Kelley Bright and Denise DiLoreto are also back for a return engagement. The duo teamed up last year to lead the creative party committee on a “very strange journey” as they produced one of the zaniest Halloween parties on record. This year’s party is “following a different path”, twisting and turning through the woodlands to the spot “Where the Wild Things Party”. Highlighting the serious impact that rampant invasive plant growth has on our historic parks, the committee has designed a spectacular décor that will educate patrons and encourage commitment to saving our treasured parks. It’s always a great night of fun, but with the leadership of this year’s group, October 30 th promises to be a Halloween you won’t soon forget. Call the Conservancy Office at 456-8125 to make reservations.