A new overlook in Cherokee Park is now open! Like Baringer Hill, a well-known Cherokee Park landmark, The Campbell Overlook was created in accordance with Frederick Law Olmsted’s design philosophies to emphasize the expansive view. The Campbell Overlook is located in the Chauffeur’s Rest area of the park, one of the most biodiverse natural areas supporting a variety of native plants and pollinators. Improvements are funded by a gift made in memory of Christian L. Campbell, by his family: Heather, Amelia and Colleen.
“We are very thankful to Louisville Parks and Recreation and the Olmsted Parks Conservancy for allowing us to leave a mark upon this earth in memory of Chris that perpetuates his values, improves a beautiful Olmsted designed park, and makes the world a better place. The icing on the cake is the fact that the Campbell Overlook also perpetuates Frederick Law Olmsted’s values, making beautiful “viewsheds” and parks available to all.” – The family of Christian L Campbell – Heather, Amelia and Colleen Campbell.
In 2019, Olmsted Parks Conservancy’s Team for Healthy Parks installed a meadow at Chauffeur’s Rest to provide habitat and food sources for animals and pollinators, reduce mowing areas, and sequester carbon. This work, combined with the team’s ongoing natural areas management, has established Chauffeur’s Rest as one of the most beautiful sections of Cherokee Park. The new Campbell Overlook is situated along a multi-use trail that invites hikers and cyclists into the idyllic space.
The Olmsted plans originally labeled this area of the park as the “Barret Hill Hitching Place.” They sited it strategically, near a connecting road leading down to Beargrass Creek. An ideal place for horses and drivers to take a break, the shady hilltop became known as “Chauffeur’s Rest.”
Today, the Campbell Overlook at Chauffeur’s Rest is a space for perpetual appreciation of Frederick Law Olmsted’s landscape architecture. Thanks to the generosity of the Campbell family, generations will enjoy the view throughout the seasons of life.
