New South Points Scenic Area map, calendar unveiled
Tourism initiative welcomes new businesses, landmarks
LOUISVILLE (March 25, 2016) — Mayor Greg Fischer and Louisville Metro Council President David Yates were joined by local business owners and civic leaders today to unveil the 2016 South Points Scenic Area Map and calendar of events.
“The South Points Scenic Area initiative is part of our effort to encourage visitors to experience all of Louisville,” Fischer said, during a news conference at the Bulleit Bourbon experience at Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Shively. “This new map and calendar listing trumpets what we all know – south Louisville is a happening place!” The new South Points map features famed attractions such as Churchill Downs, and includes restaurants, libraries, parks, and places to fish, ride bicycles and more. 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.
“South Louisville has a unique character that we want all of the city to see,” said Yates, who represents District 25 in southwest Louisville. “This map highlights some of the best kept secrets that distinctly represent south Louisville. I encourage you and your family to come out this weekend and see what our part of town has to offer.”
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 20,000 South Points maps to hotels and other locations throughout Metro Louisville, an effort that’s also supported by the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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 52 signs along main thoroughfares with the South Points Scenic Area logo direct visitors to attractions.
“This effort has taken a lot of hard work from a lot of people, including Mayor Fischer and the Metro Council members who represent south and southwest Louisville,” said Vince Jarboe, president of the Southwest Dream Team. “People are now seeing the result of that effort, that this is an area of Louisville that’s on the move but also remembers its rich and storied history.”
Area Metro Council members agreed.
“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 the southwest Metro Council and community leaders.”
“We are proud of what we have to offer here in southwest Louisville,” agreed Cindi Fowler (14th District), “and this is a great opportunity to show everyone some of the great places to enjoy in our area.”
“Highlighting our strengths is important so that everyone can recognize and celebrate the rich history and character of south Louisville,” said Councilman Rick Blackwell (12th District). “Riverview Park in District 12 has some of the most scenic and unique views of the Ohio River, and we have seen attendance at the park skyrocket because of its redevelopment. We need to continue to work together to bring awareness and positive momentum to the entire southwest community.”
“South Louisville has a lot to offer for both residents and visitors to our city,” said Councilman Dan Johnson (21st District). “I am thrilled that south Louisville’s many attractions and amenities are finally getting the attention that is deserved.”
South Points is also welcoming several new businesses into its promotional fold, including the Go Ape! Treetop Adventure at Jefferson Memorial Forest, which opened last weekend; the Rock Gem Climbing Center on Blue Lick Road; Swag’s Sports Shoes on Old 3rd Street Road, the Fairdale Dairy Queen and Christie’s Café on Dixie Highway.
ABOUT SOUTH POINTS SCENIC AREA: South Points Scenic Area is a collaborative project initiated in 2009 by the Southwest Dream Team and community leaders as a way to highlight points of interest and promote economic development in southwest Louisville. The South Points Scenic Area possesses some of the most beautiful scenery and popular attractions in the region, and its attractions draw approximately 1.4 million visitors annually. Southwest Louisville is home to 10,000 acres of public park lands, 12 miles of existing Louisville Loop trails and additional miles of publicly accessible riverfront. For more information and to see a map of restaurants, landmarks and other attractions, visit southpoints.org/.
