Enhanced VolunteerOur nation’s parks were not always valued as they are today. During the mid-20th century, urban parks suffered from neglect and disrepair. In the face of this epidemic, Louisville’s Olmsted Parks became overgrown, unsafe places that were misused and mistreated by the public. Eventually, the need to secure their future could no longer be ignored.
Inspired by New York City’s Central Park Conservancy, Olmsted Parks Conservancy formed in 1989. Our purpose is to work closely with the city and its citizens to raise needed funds and guide revitalization of Louisville’s seventeen Olmsted-designed parks and six parkways-local government simply could not take this on alone. Crucial to the Conservancy’s foundation was the creation of a Master Plan for the flagship parks (Cherokee, Iroquois and Shawnee). The Master Plan proved to be the first of many, and a catalyst for all future projects to restore, enhance and forever protect Louisville’s Olmsted Parks and Parkways.