Olmsted Parks - Restore. Enhance. Preserve.

 

Winter 2007

Further Improvements to the Olmsted Parks

Avidly pursuing our mission to restore, enhance and preserve, the Olmsted Parks Conservancy has been working on several major projects this year. None of these would be possible without ongoing contributions to the Conservancy from individuals, foundations, corporations, and Federal grants. From this strong and vigorous platform of support, we are able to fund an incredible array of projects that fulfill Olmsted's vision for our great park system.

Take a quick look at the current project list and see how every donation makes a big difference! Thank you for helping us fulfill our mission.

Cherokee Park
Project: Historic Bridges Study
Description: Evaluation of the structural and historic architectural integrity of the nine bridges in Cherokee Park as well as stream bank conditions upstream and downstream of each bridge.
Conservancy Investment: $130,000
Completion Date: Fall 2008

Cherokee Park
Project: Master Plan
Description: Plan for redevelopment of the Bonnycastle/Hogan’sFountain recreation area
Conservancy Investment: $25,000
Completion Date: Fall 2008

Cherokee and Seneca Parks
Project: Woodlands Restoration
Description: Restoration of woodland areas including removal of invasive vegetation, replanting of native plantings, and soil loss mitigation.
Conservancy Investment: $5 million
Completion Date: Ongoing

Chickasaw Park
Project: Riverbank Stabilization Project
Description: Demonstrate various innovative methods of riverbank stabilization techniques along the shores of the Ohio River fronting Chickasaw Park.
Conservancy Investment: $1 million
Completion Date: Winter 2011

Iroquois Park
Project: Sunny Hill Pavilion
Description: Restoration of the historic pavilion
Conservancy Investment: $198,000
Completion Date: Spring 2009

Iroquois Park
Project: Play-All Playground
Description: A playground for children of all abilities including a water-spray feature; working in partnership with DREAM Foundation and Metro Parks
Conservancy Investment: $352,000
Completed: July 2007

Iroquois Park
Project: Trail and Slope Stabilization Demonstration Project
Description: Develop and demonstrate several innovative techniques for stabilizing the historic Corbly Trail and the adjacent slopes surrounding the Iroquois North Overlook.
Conservancy Investment: $544,600
Completion Date: Winter 2011

Iroquois and Cherokee Parks
Project: Watershed Demonstration Project at Iroquois and Willow Ponds
Description: Demonstrate an array of best management practices for the collection and treatment of storm water runoff at both locations.
Conservancy Investment: $1.4 million
Completion Date: Winter 2011

Shawnee Park
Project: Rest Shelter Restoration
Description: Complete restoration of the historic structure and separate restroom facilities
Conservancy Investment: $390,000
Completion Date: Spring 2008

Blazing New Trails

Located just beyond the shade trees crowning the Scenic Loop at Hogan's Fountain, the new trail is an improvement that park workers and volunteers hope can help the Park's severe erosion problem. One of the newly designated multiuse trails built in Cherokee Park, this trail features a sustainable design that follows the earth's natural contours rather than heading straight down the hillside: a simple change designed to prevent heavy rains from washing away the trail's soil.

By designating the trail for use by hikers, runners and mountain bikers - and setting aside additional trails for hikers and runners only- park workers hope to provide peaceful, enjoyable experience feral and provide sustainable trails for years to come. Sustainable trails are characterized by:

  • Gentle grades that follow the contours of the hillside
  • Tread that tilts slightly toward the outer edge
  • Natural geographic features, such as mounds and rock ledges

Trails built to these standards minimize erosion by allowing rainwater to flow in sheets across the trail, so soil stays on the trail rather than washing away to leave tree roots exposed. Erosion has become a significant concern in Cherokee and Seneca Parks over the last few decades, resulting from the stress of increased use, surrounding urbanization and the lasting effects of the 1974 tornado which destroyed thousands of large canopy trees and provided an opportunity for invasive, non-native plants to become established. The Woodlands Restoration project is an ongoing initiative by the Conservancy to correct those problems.

The first of the new multiuse trails in Cherokee Park was completed in late September, with several more planned for the rest of the Park within the next two-and-half years. Volunteers, including members of the Kentucky Mountain Bike Association (KyMBA), worked side-by-side with Olmsted Parks Conservancy and Metro Parks employees to build this trail.

We are seeking more volunteers for continued trail-building work and maintenance.

New signs will indicate if a trail is for multiple users - hikers, bikers and walkers - while other signs will indicate if it is for walkers and hikers only. With its head at Hogan's Fountain, the multiuse trail provides access to Baringer Hill and the nearby rugby fields.

To help preserve the trails- and the users' experience - signs on each trail will indicate their rules of use. On multiuse trails, pedestrians always have the right of way, because they move more slowly than bikers. On all trails, people should avoid hiking or biking in wet conditions because that can lead to further erosion.

No motorized vehicles will be allowed on any of the trails and any unauthorized trail works prohibited. By staying on the designated paths, and using themes intended, users can help protect the Park's delicate ecosystem, as well as one important facet of many Louisvillians' quality of life.

Generous Grant Provides for New Truck

Thanks to a grant from the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels we have a new, at least to us, truck to house and move our tools and other needs for working in the parks. The $25,000 grant was awarded earlier this year and helped offset most of the cost to purchase a used truck. Our woodlands crew, who works in the parks everyday, is happy to have larger, more reliable truck than our previous vehicle! Look for the "Olmsted Park Nut" truck, and say hi tour crew!

Boo La-La. What a Success!

What a spectacular evening of beautiful gowns, handsome tuxedos and creative costumes. The ninth annual Halloween Ball, our largest fundraiser, was quite a success at this year's venue, The Henry Clay. This year's Ball raised nearly $135,000 for the restoration, volunteer and educational programs which support the Olmsted parks and parkways of Louisville. Our appreciation to all that helped put this beautiful evening together:

  • Kate Chandler, Executive Vice President, Director of Development
  • Ronda Schell, Party Co-Chair
  • Kirk Stone, Party Co-Chair
  • LouAnn Atlas, Fundraising Co-Chair
  • John W. Shaver, Fundraising Co-Chair
  • Beth Gruber Wilkerson, Board Party Chair
  • And all the committee members:
  • Theresa Beames
  • Kim McCastle
  • Kelley Bright
  • Holly Rudolph
  • Ron Darnell
  • Mary Jo Zipperle
  • Denise DiLoreto

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor Humana, Inc., and Major Sponsor PharMerica with additional support coming from University of Louisville, Brown-Forman Corporation, Power Creative, Focal Point, The Event Company and Preferred Marketing Solutions.

Volunteerism Celebrated

There is much to be thankful for and celebrate this year at the Olmsted Parks Conservancy. Over 200 volunteers, including individuals and members of a dozen groups, have given close to 2000 hours of their time to restore, enhance and preserve the Olmsted parks!

To thank the volunteers for their time and effort, the Conservancy's annual volunteer recognition dinner was September 24 at Hogan's Fountain. Our many volunteers in attendance enjoyed delicious food, perfect weather, and each other's company. Several students from Assumption High School provided entertainment for the evening, telling jokes and acting in an improvised play about the volunteer experience.

Thanks again to all our volunteers for their efforts, and we hope to see YOU at next year's dinner! For more information about volunteering, call Sarah Wolff at (502) 432-2677 or e-mail sarah.wolff@olmstedparks.org.

2007 Jug Band Jubilee

Feet were tappin', hands were clappin'and many people were dancin'at the 2007 Jug Band Jubilee in Iroquois Amphitheater October12-13, presented by Olmsted Parks Conservancy. Six bands played for several hundred people in the beautiful amphitheater with plenty of burgoo and cheer for all. We were lucky and had two magnificent fall days to listen to a collection of the nation's best jug bands, performing in the city that started it all! Rod Wenz, President of the Jug Band Jubilee, brought in several bands from out of town and Louisville's own Juggernaut Jug Band played multiple times over the weekend. Patrons Tim and Mary Beth Maudlin brought their two boys who thoroughly enjoyed the bands and obtained autographs from several band members. The Maudlin's, who stayed all day

Saturday, stated "It was a great opportunity to expose our boys to different types of music and have fun too."

For sound clips on this year's events go to www.jugbandjubilee.com.