PARKLANDS OF FLOYDS FORK TO OFFER NEW SPACE FOR WALKING, HIKING, CYCLING, WATER SPORTS – WDRB
LOUISVILLE, KY. (WDRB) – It’s the start of what some call the next great chapter in Louisville’s history.
Dan Jones, the CEO of 21st Century Parks, says of the Parklands of Floyds Fork, “It’s also about creating what I call the finest urban edge in the country. There is no other project like this anywhere in the world.”
The work at Beckley Creek Park marks the first of a four-year, four-park construction project that will bring 4,000 acres of new recreational land to the city. Leaders say all four sites will offer new space for walking, hiking, cycling, and even water sports.
David Jones, best known for his work with Humana, spearheaded the movement for more than a decade, “to envision something that would have a 100-year impact,” he says.
When it’s complete, all four parks will wrap around the 27 miles of creek and preserve 80 percent of the natural land for generations to come. Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer explains, “It allows a city to show how you can balance the environment, development, and jobs all at the same time.”
The four sites are a $113 million project. $106 million has already been raised. Senator Mitch McConnell secured $38 million in federal transportation money: “It guarantees Louisville will have the most fabulous park system for the next century.”
And resident Andy Blieden says, “It’s going to have a huge impact, and I wanted my son to see, because he’s going to be able to tell his kids and his grandkids that he was here at the beginning of this emerald necklace around the city of Louisville.”
The four sites that will see construction are Beckley Creek Park, Pope Lick Park, Turkey Run Park, and Broad Run Park.
The first phase at Beckley Creek park is a $16 million project that will open in phases beginning sometime next year.