Olmsted Parks Conservancy's mission is to restore, enhance and preserve one of Louisville’s most valued treasures, the historic Olmsted Parks and Parkways.
Louisville's park system is the last designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the "Father of American Landscape Architecture", and one of only four such systems across the country. Known nationally as the defining park system of his career, it stands today as one of his best-preserved works, reflecting the genius of Olmsted's vision.
For Louisvillians, these parks are inexorably tied to our identity. Help keep these treasures for future generations.
2009 Tour de Olmsted success!
Thank you to all the families, professional cyclists, vendors and spectators who came out Saturday for our inaugural event. It was a fun filled day and many winners were named!
To see race results and event photos click here.
Many thanks go to our incredible volunteers who helped throughout the day, including the Fetzer Racing Team who helped with the logistics on the course.
A big thanks to our sponsors: Rainbow Blossom, Candy Rific, Mansbach Foundation, Almost Family, WFPL, Power Creative and Metro Parks.
And for all their hard workÖthank you to our Tour Committee:
Sarah Wolff, Michael Friedberg, Rolf Eisinger, Mike Hewitt, Rob Auerbach, JC
Stites, Susan Ward, Liz DeHart
View a 3 minute online presentation
Sit back and learn about the genius of Frederick Law Olmsted's vision for Louisville's park system. This informative rich media tour provides an insightful historic perspective to why Louisville is now considered the City of Parks.
Massive Tree Devastation in Olmsted Parks
Due to the January ice storm, tree damage in the Olmsted parks will be felt for many years to come. The Conservancy is working hard to assess the damaged and downed trees in order to quickly replant new ones. You can do your part by either Donating Now to the Tree Campaign or Volunteering to clean up. Thank you for your support. Learn more about the Grandfather tree downed by the storm.
Mystery Photo
Our mystery wildflower is Trillium. Tessa Edelen is our lucky winner!
This graceful perennial is one of the most familiar and beloved of the spring woodland wildflowers. Blooming in late March through May, this plant grows to 12 inches high. The leaves and flowers are arranged in groups of three. The flower petals vary in color (maroon to brownish-purple to dark red) and have a musky fragrance.
Take a walk in Wildflower Woods in Cherokee Park and learn more about other wildflowers in the park. Click here for a walking tour. Thanks for playing Mystery Photo. Check back in May for the next mystery and a chance to win t-shirt!
Park Tours-Download Now
Olmsted Parks Conservancy is pleased to bring you the first 'Parkcast' audio tour of Cherokee Park. The MP3 compatible tour is easy to download and will provide exciting information about Frederick Law Olmsted, park history, environmental impacts to the park, and more.
Also available are self-guided tours for both Cherokee and Shawnee Parks. Download the tour of choice then head to the park for a fun and informative park experience.
Help save the Woodlands!
View Online Presentation
Our community is blessed with historic parks of unequalled value. Designed beginning in 1891 by Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr. and his firm, these parks and parkways are the final masterpiece of his famed career. To today's visitor, all may seem well. But beyond their green appearance, Cherokee and Seneca Parks are dying. Invasive plants are choking the life out of century-old trees. Erosion is creating deep gullies, undercutting bridges, and carving out creek banks. Trails have been devastated by inappropriate uses. Today, the Conservancy is undertaking the WOODLANDS RESTORATION to save these vital parklands with your help. Find out more...