Parks & Recreation - Parks And Recreation
One thing visitors to the Derby City—at least those who’ve had some time to get out and explore a bit—always comment on is the wealth of green space and parks available to its residents. As far as the number and quality of its parks is concerned, Louisville is a city that can compete with any other in the nation. In addition to large urban parks with hiking paths and beautiful landscaping, there are also landscaped parkways designed to connect different parts of the city. Wherever you go in Louisville, it seems that a park is close by. One of the reasons for this is a city government that values the parks and recreation programs offered to its citizens. And in Louisville they know how to do it right: Make the rounds of the parks here and you’ll discover breathtaking scenic vistas, historic homes, nature centers, sports leagues, swimming pools, golf courses, community centers, campgrounds, conference centers, and more. Louisville parks have something for every taste, so get off the beaten path and lose yourself in one of the city’s green spaces; you’ll experience a side of the city that’s normally reserved for the locals.
1. Cherokee Park
City: Louisville, KY
Category: Parks & Recreation
Description: Arguably the most beautiful of Louisville’s city parks, this is one of the area’s first spaces designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Visitors to Cherokee Park enjoy a pastoral setting amid rolling hills and the open meadows and woodlands surrounding Beargrass Creek. The main feature of Cherokee Park is the 2.4-mile Scenic Loop, which has separate lanes for vehicle traffic (one-way) and recreational users such as bikers, in-line skaters, joggers, and walkers. A tip for vehicles on the Scenic Loop: The secret to navigating the park is to remember to always turn left to stay in the park, or turn right to exit the park.
2. Iroquois Park
City: Louisville, KY
Category: Parks & Recreation
Description: Planned by Olmsted as a scenic reservation of breathtaking vistas and forested hillsides, Iroquois Park is the pride of Louisville’s South End. Aside from the many hiking trails and bike paths, the park features a 1930s WPA amphitheater that hosts regular concerts and summer musical theater. Wonderful views of Louisville and the environs are visible from a lookout at the top of the hill, and pedestrians and bikers can use the road to get there daily; it’s only open to motorists from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from April through October.
3. Shawnee Park
City: Louisville, KY
Category: Parks & Recreation
Description: Olmsted designed Shawnee Park, the jewel of the West End, as the greatest public space of the city. He envisioned its grand expanses as the place for parades, picnics, sports, concerts, and large public gatherings. At 230 Southwestern Parkway you’ll find a state-of-the-art outdoor athletic complex, and the park also boasts access to the RiverWalk. With nearly 300 acres of land, this is also home to one of the city’s public golf greens, the Shawnee Golf Course, which includes the three-hole BellSouth Youth Golf Academy.
City: Louisville, KY
Category: Parks & Recreation
5. Waterfront Park
City: Louisville, KY
Category: Parks & Recreation
Description: Administered by the Waterfront Development Corporation, Louisville’s Waterfront Park is a showcase for the downtown area, the emerald heart, as some call it. Waterfront Park is the front door to Kentucky for those crossing the bridges from Indiana, but it’s also a playground for folks of all ages, and a gathering place for individuals from all over the community. In addition to grand views of the river, this park offers space for concerts and festivals, picnic areas, quiet places to read, and lots of walkways for strolling. The park also hosts a crowd of 350,000 every year for Thunder Over Louisville. Get more information online at www.louisvillewaterfront.com/park.
6. Cherokee Golf Course
City: Louisville, KY
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (502) 458-9450
Address: 2501 Alexander Rd.
7. Lake Forest Country Club
City: Louisville, KY
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (502) 245-6184
Address: 14700 Landmark Dr.
8. Seneca Golf Course
City: Louisville, KY
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (502) 458-9298
Address: 2300 Pee Wee Reese Rd.
9. Valhalla Golf Club
City: Louisville, KY
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (502) 245-4475
Address: 15503 Shelbyville Rd.
City: Louisville, KY
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 2404 Greentree North
City: Louisville, KY
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 2800 South Floyd St.
12. Churchill Downs
City: Louisville, KY
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (502) 636-4400
Address: 700 Central Ave.
Description: The spring and fall meets allow spectators to enjoy “the sport of kings” during the city’s most spectacular seasons, so plan early for your visit to America’s most legendary racetrack. Contact Churchill Downs above for information. Organized tours of the facility, barns, and backside area are offered through the Kentucky Derby Museum. To schedule a tour, call (502) 637-1111. Casual tours—they’re shorter in duration and do not begin until after Race 2—can be arranged for your party during a race day through a guest services representative. Stop by a guest services booth near admission gates 10 or 17 for more information.