Louisville, Ky., – Mayor Greg Fischer and the Louisville Metro Parks Foundation dedicated a new, inclusive playground today in California Park, located at 16th and St. Catherine. Inclusive playgrounds grant every child the opportunity to enjoy playground features, regardless of physical limitations. This is the fifth inclusive playground in the Metro Parks & Recreation system.
Funds for the $270,000 project were raised entirely by the foundation and include proceeds from the Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular (the pumpkin display at Iroquois Park). The DREAM Foundation, Herman Nettelroth Foundation, CE&S Foundation and private donations also made the project possible.
“This playground improvement is a strong example of the impact private support can have on the quality of life in our neighborhoods and city,” Fischer said. “This addition to the California community will provide new opportunities to improve the physical and social health of our youngest citizens.”
The foundation works with Metro Parks & Recreation to raise funds and resources to preserve, protect, promote and improve Louisville’s recreational opportunities, and support the mission of Metro Parks. California playground is the completion of the first phase of a capital campaign to raise over $1.4 million to replace playgrounds and spraygrounds throughout the Parks system.
“We are so excited to be able to provide this new amenity for children to enjoy,” foundation Vice-Chair Brooke Pardue said. “This is what the Parks Foundation is about – giving back and ensuring Louisville continues to have one of the best park systems in the country.”
Students from Phillis Wheatley Elementary donated just over $300 to the park project as part of their “Change for a Change” program.
“This is what compassion is all about,” Fischer said. “These young citizens are setting a great example for all of us. Do what you can to help. Whether it’s keeping the park and new playground clean or donating to a cause you believe in, every act of kindness goes a long way.”
California Park, acquired in 1967, is a 7.5-acre park located on S. 16th Street. The California Community Center and Phillis Wheatley Elementary School are located nearby. The park contains ball fields, basketball courts, a multi-purpose field, tennis & volleyball courts, a playground and sprayground.
