A public survey and open house in October will allow Louisville community members to weigh in on new plans that will guide the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department for the next 10 years.
An announcement on the city of Louisville’s website says a new PROS department guidebook will include two related plans: The Long-Range Plan for parks, open spaces, the Louisville Recreation & Senior Center, and Coal Creek Golf Course; and the Trails Master Plan for trails and trail connections. Together, those plans will replace the current Parks and Recreation Master Plan, last updated in 2012, according to the city’s website; create the city’s first Trails Master Plan, as identified by the City Charter; complement previous plans, including the City Comprehensive Plan; and “inform future studies, plans, and priorities.”
All households in Louisville were sent a postcard last week inviting them to participate in a survey, the city’s announcement says, and residents should have started receiving the postcards on Saturday. The city is planning to launch an open-link survey Oct. 9, available to anyone interested, including those who do not live in Louisville but visit, work or spend time in the city. Open-link responses will be analyzed separately from the statistically valid sample, the announcement adds, but “they will still provide valuable feedback” to guide the city’s planning.
Responses are confidential and collected by independent research firm RRC Associates. Louisville residents who don’t receive a postcard can email support@rrcassociates.com.
Public discussion with staff and consultants will also be facilitated at an open house from 12:30 to 2 p.m. or 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 29 at the Louisville Recreation & Senior Center, at 900 W. Via Appia Way.
The city is encouraging community members to address the following topics through the survey and at the open house: trails and trail connections; pickleball and tennis courts; mowing and land management; golf course facilities; preschool and youth programs; playgrounds and park shelters; outdoor recreation amenities; native plants and noxious weeds; recreation and senior programs; the Memory Square Outdoor Pool; education and volunteer opportunities; dog parks; sports fields; golf course maintenance; public land acquisition; youth and adult sports; pools and aquatics amenities; sustainable practices; “or anything else PROS related.”
The process to create the parks and recreation plans will happen in phases and is expected to be finalized and adopted by winter 2026.
