Story from www.louisvilleky.gov
Louisville, Ky., – Mayor Greg Fischer and Louisville Metro Council President David Yates were joined by local business owners and civic leaders Monday to unveil the 2017 South Points Scenic Area Map and calendar of events in front of the new American Pharoah exhibit at the Kentucky Derby Museum near Churchill Downs.
“The nice weather we’ve had recently has given people the urge to get out and explore,” Fischer said. “There’s a little of something for everyone in the South Points Scenic Area – restaurants, landmarks, beautiful parks – and attractions like the Kentucky Derby Museum. It’s going to be another great spring, and great year, to visit South and Southwest Louisville.”
The new South Points map features famed attractions such as Churchill Downs, and includes restaurants, libraries, parks, businesses and museums.
It also details the interesting history of the area, including tidbits about the Wet Woods, West Point and Ford Duffield, Mann’s Lick, Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing and The Little Loomhouse.
“I invite everyone in our city to come out and experience the unique character of South Louisville.” said President Yates, who represents District 25 in southwest Louisville. “This map may surprise some people who do not realize all that my end of town has to offer. South Points Scenic is sharing some of our best kept secrets with all of Louisville.”
The South Points Scenic Area initiative is the brainchild of the Southwest Dream Team, an organization featuring business and civic leaders that was formed in 2008 to promote economic development and tourism in South Louisville.
The Southwest Dream Team is responsible for the development, printing and distribution of the 100,000 South Points maps to hotels and other locations throughout Metro Louisville, an effort that’s also supported by the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau. Officials also announced the creation today of a South Points Scenic Area Facebook page (@SPScenicArea) and Twitter feed (@SPScenicArea) to help keep citizens and visitors to the area better informed about activities and events.
The South Points Scenic area attracts 1.4 million visitors annually. The project also includes highway signage to direct visitors to points of interest. Four signs along Kentucky interstates and approximately 50 signs along main thoroughfares with the South Points Scenic Area logo direct visitors to attractions.
More signage is slated to be installed for to draw attention to attractions such as the Stizel-Weller Distillery, the Little Loom House, Sun Valley and Bobby Nichols golf courses and the Go Ape! Treetop Adventure course at Jefferson Memorial Forest. New sponsors of the map include the Altitude Trampoline Park on Dixie Highway and the South Points Farmer’s Market, located at Taylor Boulevard in the Save-A-Lot parking lot on Taylor Boulevard.
“The Southwest Dream Team is proud to be leading this initiative to increase economic development in South and Southwest Louisville by focusing on the areas great potential for tourism,” said Vince Jarboe, President of the Southwest Dream Team. “Support from Metro Council and Mayor Fischer has been very critical and we look forward to continuing to work together to increase investment in the area that improves quality of life, attracts visitors and spurs redevelopment and new business growth. We’d like to thank all of our sponsors and everyone else who has made this endeavor possible.”
Area Metro Council members agreed.
“South Louisville has many activities going on from enjoying shows at Iroquois Amphitheater to music in the Jefferson Memorial Forest. Come out and see what we have to offer – you may not want to leave,” said Marianne Butler (15th District).
“This is especially important to me since I have been part of the Southwest Dream Team from its inception in 2008,” said Vicki Aubrey Welch (13th District). “It is wonderful to see our labor coming to fruition with the South Points Scenic Area initiative. I am proud to represent the Jefferson Memorial Forest and have seen the benefit from this joint effort of Metro Council and community leaders.”
“I am so happy to be able to feature our south points of interest to the broader public including many visitors from out of state. This map is a great opportunity to show off the gems of southwest Jefferson County,” said Cindi Fowler (14th District).
“We all can recognize the rich history and character of this area,” said Councilman Rick Blackwell (12th District). “From Riverview Park with its scenic and unique views of the Ohio River to the historic Iroquois Amphitheater which is one of the premier concert venues in all of Louisville, South Louisville has something for everyone to enjoy.”
“The people of South Louisville are ready to welcome visitors our city with hospitality and a smile,” said Councilman Dan Johnson (21st District). “This map is a way to explore the fun and history of an area with many attractions and amenities. Come join us!”
