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Cherokee Park

DESIGNED IN 1891 BY OLMSTED TO BE A PLACE WHERE ONE COULD EXPERIENCE SCENERY AND TAKE IN THE REFRESHMENT OFFERED BY THE LANDSCAPE.

It is characterized by long winding roads opening to beautiful vistas, and large open spaces set in the valley of Beargrass Creek. The gently rolling slopes extending uphill from the creek were shaped from pasture lands to contain individual shade trees and tree groves. Woodland areas were incorporated into the design and edge plantings were added to soften the transition from open space to woodland.

Cherokee Park’s main feature is the 2.4-mile Scenic Loop, with separate lanes for vehicle traffic (one-way) and recreational users. One of the original parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the park provides a pastoral setting amid rolling hills, open meadows and woodlands of the Beargrass Creek valley.

For vehicles on the Scenic Loop (or recreational users moving in the direction of vehicle traffic), the secret to navigating the park is to keep turning left to stay on the Scenic Loop, or turn right to exit.

Key Features & Amenities

  • Archery
  • Ballfield
  • Basketball
  • Biking – Mountain
  • Biking – Road
  • Dog Run
  • Fishing
  • Golf
  • Grill
  • Hiking Trails
  • Historical Property
  • Multi-purpose Field
  • Picnic Shelter
  • Picnic Tables
  • Playground
  • Restrooms
  • Running
  • Sledding
  • Sprayground
  • Walking Path
  • Wedding/Reception Site

PARK DETAILS

Location
745 Cochran Hill Road, 40206
(Willow Ave. and Cherokee Pkwy.)
Size
389.13 acres
Facility Reservations
502-368-5865
Hours
6 am – 11 pm
Fred Facts
Totaling 1200 acres, the parks were designed to offer a complete range of park experiences as defined by Olmsted, from civic gatherings and social interactions to organized athletics and personal recreation.

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