Leaders are taking input on what the future of the Chickasaw Park should look like. Here’s what they say have already been recommended.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Chickasaw Park, the historically Black park in Louisville, will get a full restoration thanks to a $5 million anonymous donation.
The park has gotten some attention in the last few years with a newly renovated pond, a play area, walking spaces, lights, and added free WiFi.
“We’ve focused on safety by improving the lighting,” Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said. “We’ve improved the walking parts that make the park more safe and welcoming for everybody.”
Also on Saturday, the city joined the West Louisville Tennis Club in celebrating newly renovated tennis courts.
“Without this park, it’s a hole in the community,” said president of West Louisville Tennis Club, Dr. Aretha Fuqua. “This is our little bitty piece of paradise.”
Chickasaw Park has a rich history in the community and has been a staple meeting area for generations. It was designated as the park for the Black community during segregation. Notable people from the community have loved the park, like Muhammad Ali, who trained there.
“This was the park that gave birth to Muhammad Ali, Cassius Clay and then Muhammad Ali,” said Ali’s wife, Lonnie Ali. “So, this park is about greatness.”
With the major, multi-million dollar investment in the park, the hope is the community’s pride in the park will continue.
“Today’s announcement marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, one that builds on the park’s rich legacy, but also creates an even more vibrant future for this public space for everyone to enjoy,” said executive director of Louisville Parks and Recreation, Michelle King.
People had a chance to start sending in their input on what should happen with the restoration of the park. President and CEO of Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Mary Grissom said they’ve already received feedback on the many needs in the park.
“The outdated playground and spray-ground are very first amongst the list,” Grissom said. “There’s a pavilion and playground in the front that’s outdated. Folks have told us that they really love and value this greenspace but they want that river view that was intended by the Olmsted Firm. We will partner with the community for the next three years to ensure the full restoration of this beautiful park.”
Olmsted Parks Conservancy has appointed three women to the steering committee for the restoration project: Dr. Fuqua; community leader and neighbor, Ramona Dallum; and executive director or Play Cousins Collective, Kristen Williams.
The project is expected to begin in 2026 after community engagement and design input. Grissom said the project will take three years.
Olmsted Parks Conservancy also announced a new position that has been created and is open to hire. This is for what is called a Project Ambassador. The organizations details the full-time position is meant to ‘foster relationships and ensure that perspectives from Louisville’s West End continue to guide the Conservancy’s work in the years to come.’.
Click this link to submit your input on the restoration of the park and to learn more about the new position.
