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The Parklands

This Place Makes Memories

This place just makes memories!” a group of exuberant retired bicyclists exclaimed to me as I was out at Brown-Forman Silo Center showing a potential couple our event space at the Hockensmith Barn last weekend.  I couldn’t agree more. Our events team were part of so many wonderful functions in 2016 throughout the spring, summer, fall and winter seasons.

We certainly have seen a myriad of events at our venues and picnic shelters. From simple homespun family picnics, that priceless scene of a teary-eyed Dad giving his daughter away at an elaborate and well-choreographed wedding, 5K fundraising events, productive business meetings, zip lines, dunk tanks and bouncey-houses filled with laughing kids at big company picnics, memorial services and formal celebratory corporate galas. What a whirlwind. Now it’s time to start thinking ahead to the coming year.  January gives us that slower pace to embrace the winter landscape at the Parklands and make plans for 2017.

I hear at just about every event, “I never knew this place existed!” What an introduction. The combination of our serene, natural spaces along Floyds Fork and the groomed, diversely planted greenscapes and trails our 21st Century Parks team have created are a feast for the senses throughout The Parklands, peaking interest in every newcomer to see where that trail leads and then bring the family back to explore a little deeper into the woods.

I am so pleased and proud of the outpouring of interest in our reservable pavilions, the Gheens Foundation Lodge at Beckley Creek Park and the Hockensmith Barn at Turkey Run Park. The variety of events these spaces accommodate even surprises me some days!  They are shining examples of one important way The Parklands have become a hub for memory making.

Photo by Morning Light Artistry


About the Author


Picture of Toni Woodard

Toni Woodard

Toni Woodard came to work at The Parklands in February 2014 after relocating from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. She’s worked in a variety of capacities, including park attendant, event concierge and event coordinator.

In the spring of 2017, Woodard was promoted to Director of Facilities and Hospitality. Years of customer relations experience and her ability to connect well with others make her a perfect leader for The Parklands Facilities team. She spent the bulk of her career as a small business owner in hospitality services, retail and eco lodging. Woodard sat on local community committees in Colorado & headed up parks preservation, tourism and recycling efforts.

She is an enthusiastic outdoorswoman, traveler & motorcyclist.

Contact me about: hosting an event in The Parklands at any of our event facilities.