More than one hundred and twenty years ago, Frederick Law Olmsted had a vision of incredible parks for Louisville. He would shape Nature’s spaces to bring people together. These spaces would inspire communities to thrive as people connected through and with nature.
Today, Louisvillians enjoy 18 Frederick Law Olmsted Parks and travel along six tree-lined parkways…all contributing to the beauty of Louisville. Running clubs, sports teams, school groups, individuals, families all feel it: the parks bring happiness to residents throughout the entire city.
In the late 1980’s a grass-roots organization called Friends of Olmsted Parks started a movement to ensure the historic parks were restored, enhanced and preserved. Then in 1989, the Friends, together with the City, established Olmsted Parks Conservancy. The Conservancy has raised $26 million dollars since its inception. In partnership with Metro Parks, the Conservancy has worked on projects from restoring walking paths, trails, historic structures and the tree canopy to enhancing playgrounds and recreation areas as well as protecting the valuable greenspaces from environmental decline.
One of the Conservancy’s biggest successes is in raising the community’s awareness of the value of urban parks. Awareness is hard to measure, but evidence is there: the fact is hundreds, if not thousands, of people every year volunteer in some fashion to protect our parks and preserve their environmental, economic, personal and community value.
Olmsted Parks Conservancy’s vision is to work until the day when every Olmsted Park is extraordinary…. whatever “extraordinary” might mean to you. Thank you to all the donors, members, volunteers, advocates and board members for your support over the last 25 years. We look forward to continuing the Olmsted legacy so these Frederick Law Olmsted Parks and Parkways are here for you, for your family and for your community …forever!
COME CELEBRATE OUR 25TH ANNIVERSARY
Saturday, June 14
5:00 p.m.
Central Park at 4th & Magnolia
Bring a picnic or visit the local food truck vendors. The first 250 people to arrive receive a free frisbee. Enjoy foot stomping music by Dozens of Dollars and family friendly activities!
Then at 8:00p.m., enjoy Kentucky Shakespeare in the Park’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream performance. A free performance for all family members!
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