Funding in place to plan Beargrass Creek Biking/Walking Trail
Trail will connect Cherokee Park to Waterfront Park
LOUISVILLE, KY (June 18, 2015) – Design work will begin soon on a project to connect Cherokee Park and Waterfront Park via a continuous off-street pathway along Beargrass Creek thanks to donations from the community. Designing a conceptual plan for a walking and biking path connecting two of Louisville’s most significant recreational assets is fully funded. The plan will also evaluate strategies to improve water quality and wildlife habitat along the creek.
“This community-funded project is the next step towards building an activity corridor that will help increase the health and wellness of our citizens and the ecological integrity of our city,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “This path will also serve as a key connector of the Louisville Loop giving people an option to move around more easily and potentially car-free.”
The plan is a joint effort between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the community. USACE identified $75,000 through their Planning Assistance to States Program to start the planning process, contingent on receiving $75,000 in matching funds. Members of the community responded by raising just over $75,000 to solidify the cost-shared planning study.
“This is a project that was identified in the Sustain Louisville plan, and we are delighted to have a true community effort that highlights waterway protection,” said Mary Ellen Wiederwohl, Chief of Louisville Forward. “Beargrass Creek is an important asset that will soon be showcased along with Cherokee Park and Waterfront Park.”
The Beargrass Creek link is included in the Louisville Loop Master Plan, a 100-mile recreation and transportation pathway network in Louisville that improves connectivity between many of Louisville’s most historic and cherished parks and neighborhoods. The project will provide improved safety, convenience and comfort for bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.
USACE anticipates the conceptual plan project to begin this fall with design and construction to follow once funding is secured. Public engagement opportunities will be available throughout the process.
Donors to the program include, but are not limited to:
- $37,500 – David Jones Sr.
- $10,000 – Metro Government
- $5,000 – John and Patti Moore and Steve Poe
- $2,500 — Butchertown Grocery, Metro Council President David Tandy, Councilman Bill Hollander, Councilman Tom Owen, Bicycling for Louisville and Mac and Jessica Thompson
To learn more about the Office of Sustainability, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/sustainability
For a full map of the Louisville Loop, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-loop
