LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Chickasaw Park in West Louisville is undergoing a major transformation.

What You Need To Know

  • Chickasaw Park in West Louisville is undergoing a major revitilaization project

  • The park upgrades are made possible by $2.5 million from American Rescue Plan funding

  • The Olmstead Park Conservancy is also contributing major donation and grant money

  • The park project will rebuild a pond, add a kayaking launch and widen walking paths

At the moment, it’s a little tricky to hold a conversation at Chickasaw Park due to the rumbling of earth movers. 

David Clayton says that’s a good problem to have. The 75-year-old West End native has lived near Chickasaw nearly his entire life, apart from serving in the Vietnam War.

Clayton came to take a look for himself at the transformation underway. “Well, like I said, it’s been a long time coming and I’m glad they finally, you know, started doing the right thing,” Clayton told Spectrum News 1.

The park’s one-acre pond is being completely rebuilt and so is the lodge. In addition, a canoe and kayak launch will be built in the park. Paved paths will also be widened for walkers and bike riders. 

“We’re finally getting some of the things that we’ve deserved for years, enhancements, introducing our children to nature,” Metro Councilwoman Donna Purvis told a group of supporters Monday.

The city is also adding more lighting to the park’s layout and posting more security cameras.

In fact, Mayor Craig Greenberg (D) says the last time he appeared publicly at Chickasaw Park was in April following a mass shooting.

“We’re going to have several new cameras that are installed here at Chickasaw Park, at Shawnee Park and our budget calls for the installation of even more cameras throughout parks around Louisville,” Greenberg said.

Clayton, an avid angler himself, is encouraged by the investment. 

“Parents can bring their kids, little kids and maybe somebody like me can teach little kids what it is to fish instead of doing things that will really, really get them into trouble,” Clayton said.

He adds once the pond is finished and restocked with fish, the neighborhood kids are more than welcome to borrow a fishing pole if they need one.

Renovating the pond at Chickasaw Park has been a top priority for the West Louisville Outdoor Recreation Initiative. The city says the Chickasaw Park rebuild could be completed before the year is out.

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