In November 2025, Olmsted Parks Conservancy announced that a $5 million donation was secured for the full restoration of Chickasaw Park. For Juneteenth 2026, The Conservancy supported Play Cousins Collective’s Sankofa Homecoming: Juneteenth at Chickasaw Park, a celebration of those who have elevated Chickasaw Park’s legacy, and the official opening of Louisville’s first nature-based children’s space rooted in Black history and Pan-African values.
Sankofa Sanctuary in Chickasaw Park is the official programming space for Play Cousins Collective, a nonprofit organization leading community-led programs in caregiver support, youth enrichment, community healing and civic engagement. Play Cousins operates on the belief that Black families have always created their own support systems and aims to connect and strengthen those networks.
Olmsted Parks Conservancy constructed several play features that were designed by Play Cousins Collective Executive Director Kristen Williams. The bell hooks Reading Nook, Willa Brown Zipline, Samuel Plato Playhouse and other elements invite children to experience Black history through play.
The Sankofa Sanctuary was made possible through a collaborative effort with the Louisville Parks & Recreation Natural Areas Division, Metro United Way, MSD, Bernheim Forest and Olmsted Parks Conservancy.
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