The Olmsted Network is pleased to celebrate exciting news from our partners at the Olmsted Parks Conservancy: a $5 million anonymous gift will fund the largest full-scale park restoration in the Conservancy’s history—at Louisville’s historic Chickasaw Park.
Designed by the Olmsted firm in 1923, Chickasaw Park is believed to be the only Olmsted-designed park created specifically for a Black community during segregation. For generations, it has served as a place of recreation, cultural gathering, and community pride in Louisville’s West End. It was a favorite training spot for a young Muhammad Ali and remains home to the long-standing West Louisville Tennis Club.
Restoring an Olmsted Landmark—With Community at the Center
The restoration will deliver transformative improvements, including:
- A new and improved playground and sprayground
- Enhanced river views
- Extensive landscaping and tree restoration
- Infrastructure upgrades to sustain the park for decades
Guided by robust community engagement, the project will reflect the vision and priorities of West End residents. A newly formed Chickasaw Park Restoration Community Steering Committee—made up of respected neighborhood leaders—will help oversee this work, and a new project ambassador will be hired to support ongoing engagement.
A Model for Olmsted Parks Nationwide
This investment reinforces the Conservancy’s commitment to restoring, enhancing, and protecting Louisville’s exceptional Olmsted park system. It also stands as a powerful example of the role Olmsted parks play—as democratic, inclusive public spaces that honor local history and strengthen communities.
Restoration is expected to begin in 2026, following continued design development with neighborhood partners. As the project progresses, the Olmsted Network looks forward to sharing updates on this meaningful effort to restore a nationally significant Olmsted landscape.
