Louisville, Kentucky Park Systems

Louisville, Kentucky has one of the best park systems in the country; many were created by Frederick Law Olmstead, the world-renown landscape architect most famous for creating Central Park in New York City. There are over 120 parks in the metro area, each one beautiful and beloved by their surrounding neighbors and visitors. Most people know the attractions and amenities of Louisville’s popular parks – Cherokee, Seneca, and Central, but there are many other lovely parks that you may not know much about!

McNeely Lake Park is one of Louisville’s largest parks and offers a 46-acre fishing lake with an accessible pier and a boat ramp owned by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. The park also has ball fields, grills, playgrounds, tennis courts, and a volleyball court. The Korean War Memorial is located at McNeely Lake Park and was dedicated on November 7, 1993. There is also a model airplane flying field that is very popular for flying enthusiasts. Horseback riding is offered at the park 7 days a week with an appointment and a great walking trail around the lake is a beautiful walk any time of the year. McNeely Lake Park is located on Cooper Chapel Road off Preston Highway.

E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park is located in the East End of Louisville in the Freys Hill area on the former land of Kentucky’s Central State Hospital. This park is named after Republican Judge “Tom” Sawyer, who is most notable as being the father of journalist Diane Sawyer. This park offers one of the best BMX tracks in the country that has hosted the BMX Grand National Races and is very popular for those interested in the sport. There is also a 400 x 35 foot paved runway for model airplanes and cars. A great feature of the park is an Activities Center with indoor basketball and badminton courts. The Olympic-sized outdoor swimming pool is a great place to be in the hot summer months and is the largest pool in the Kentucky state parks system. An archery field, baseball diamonds, six soccer fields, twelve tennis courts, picnic areas, and a fitness trail are also amenities featured at “Tom” Sawyer Park.

Shawnee Park is located in Louisville’s West End and was developed by famed architect Frederick Law Olmstead. There are over 200 acres of beautiful space with ball fields, biking trails, grills and picnic areas, soccer fields, tennis courts, and playgrounds. The first completed section of Louisville’s RiverWalk runs through Shawnee Park and Lannan Park in Portland. This 6.9 mile trail runs along the Ohio River from the Belvedere to Chickasaw Park. Shawnee was the slowest of the Louisville parks to develop because much of the land was owned by investors who thought they could increase the sales price by holding out. The Great Lawn at Shawnee Park is a beautiful circular drive lined with trees, a beautiful spot for picnics or some quiet time. There is also an 18-hole golf course with the only complete driving range complex in Metro Parks. Shawnee Golf Course offers the BellSouth Youth Golf Academy free of charge for players 18 and under.

These are just three of the wonderful parks Louisville has to offer. With over 120 parks, nearly every neighborhood has one nearby – so get out and explore your local park, you’ll be glad you did! For more information about events and activities around the area, please visit Louisville Real Estate.