Press Release
The Parklands

The Parklands of Floyds Fork Approaches Grand Opening of Final Park

Just five years after its initial groundbreaking, one of the nation’s largest and most ambitious park-development projects is about to cross the finish line. The Parklands of Floyds Fork will open Broad Run Park—the final major component of the new nearly 4,000-acre donor-supported park system located in Louisville—on April 15, 2016.

Broad Run Park combines the amenities of a traditional urban park such as a playground, sprayground and an open lawn, with 600-acres of dramatic views, cliffs, waterfalls, towering hardwood trees and fields of wildflowers, along with ample trails for hiking, biking and paddling. The new park stretches from Broad Run Road near Turkey Run Park to Bardstown Road in Fern Creek, with entrances at both locations.

Broad Run joins the already open Beckley Creek Park, Pope Lick Park and Turkey Run Park, which comprise the $125 million park system, connected by about 19 miles of the Louisville Loop walking and cycling path and 20 miles of paddling trail along Floyds Fork stream.

“We set out five years ago to build upon our City of Parks and the Olmsted-inspired legacy of creating amazing green spaces for the public to enjoy,” said Dan Jones, Chairman and CEO, 21st Century Parks. “Paired with the support Louisville has shown us by quickly adopting The Parklands into their lifestyle, having this carefully-planned green infrastructure in place will ensure access to nature and outdoor recreation in our city for the next 100 years.”

The opening of Broad Run Park will be celebrated with a weekend full of activities from Friday, April 15 to Sunday, April 17. The grand opening activities are all free and open to the public, including:

Friday, April 15

  • Riparian Ramble Hike – 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Highland Crossing Hike – 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 16

  • Greensward Drop-In Hike – 1-2 p.m.
  • Paddle with the Park Director (Bring Your Own Boat) – 1-3 p.m.
  • Riparian Ramble Drop-In Hike – 2-4 p.m.
  • Karst Climb Preview Hike – 3-5 p.m.
  • Riparian Ramble Night Hike – 6-8 p.m.
  • Night Sky Over Broad Run Park stargazing event – 7:30-10 p.m.

Sunday, April 17

  • Kentucky Shakespeare presents Romeo and Juliet – 1-2:30 p.m.

For more details and a full list of opening weekend events, visit www.theparklands.org/events.

Blue Moon Canoe & Kayak of Kentucky will be set up in Broad Run Park at Cliffside Paddling Access throughout the weekend allowing visitors to rent canoes, kayaks or paddleboards to explore the new stretch of Floyds Fork. Blue Moon will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday to Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Pedal The Parklands bicycle rentals will be set up at The Midway in Broad Run Park from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday. Paddling and bicycling are two great ways to explore our newest park.

About The Parklands of Floyds Fork

The Parklands of Floyds Fork is a nearly 4,000-acre donor-supported public park system within the Floyds Fork watershed in eastern and southeastern Louisville. The $125 million project was funded through more than $70 million in private donations, combined with almost $50 million from federal, state and local government sources. Ongoing operations and maintenance are funded solely through private donations and an endowment fund. Community members may contribute to the annual fund by becoming a Parklands Member. Learn more at www.theparklands.org/member.

One of the largest and most ambitious metropolitan park projects in the nation, The Parklands is a dream realized by 21st Century Parks, a private, nonprofit organization established to create and preserve new unexcelled parks that serve as city-shaping infrastructure. 21st Century Parks is responsible for fundraising, land acquisition, construction, and long-term operations of the new park system. 

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