Press Release
The Parklands

NEXT PHASE OF PARKLANDS PROJECT UNDERWAY – BUSINESS FIRST

Construction is under way on the next phase of The Parklands of Floyds Fork, the nearly 4,000-acre system being developed by 21st Century Parks Inc.

Work began today on a $15 million project to build the southern portion of Beckley Creek Park and the 575-acre Pope Lick Park, according to a news release.

The cost of the entire Parklands project has been pegged at $113 million.

One of the highlights of the latest phase is a nearly half-mile tree-lined walk, which is being called Humana Grand Allee.

Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM), the Humana Foundation and Humana associates contributed more than $8 million to the project.

Humana co-founder David Jones Sr. is treasurer of the 21st Century Parks board of directors. His son Dan Jones is founder and CEO of the nonprofit organization.

The Grand Allee will provide an evolving series of experiences for the park visitor, the release said, connecting to walking paths and trails up to 20 miles long.

The Grand Allee will begin in the Humana Legacy Commons, an area designated to recognize donors who support the Parklands project, the release said. The area will include a permanent donor wall, perennial garden and courtyard large enough to accommodate an outdoor event for 100 guests.

Pope Lick Park is one of four community parks that make up The Parklands of Floyds Fork.

Beckley Creek Park, Turkey Run Park and Broad Run Park are each named for Floyds Fork tributaries.

The $113 million cost of the Parklands project is being funded by a public-private partnership of local private donors and federal, state and city governments.

There are more than $60 million in private donations, the release said. Public funding includes $38 million in federal transportation funds, $10 million in state funding and $1.5 million from Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government.

John R. Karman III Reporter- Business First