OUR HISTORY
The Louisville Metro Parks Foundation was formed in December 2005 as a 501(c) non-profit and later decided to do business as Louisville Parks Foundation (LPF). The initial focus of the Foundation was as the fiscal agent for land acquisitions for Jefferson Memorial Forest and the Louisville Loop. The group decided to take on a larger role in our public parks, and in the spring of 2015, LPF installed a playground in California Park. Concurrently, the organization became public-facing for the first time in its history. In 2017, the Foundation installed two more playgrounds in Lannan Park and Russell Lee Park. By Fall 2017, it became clear the Foundation needed full-time leadership. A President/CEO was hired in November 2017.
In 2018 and 2019, LPF completed several major park projects, including five artificial turf soccer fields in three South Louisville Parks, a nature play area in West Louisville, an expansion of the Cochran Hill Dog Run, and a Skate Spot and shade structure at Breslin Park.
The year 2020 brought on new challenges and new opportunities. As our community responded to the public health crises of racial injustice and COVID-19, we stood firm in our belief that parks and greenspaces must be considered vital civic infrastructure in long-term recovery efforts to foster a more resilient city. Yet, in low-income communities where their benefits are most needed, park amenities are often the most limited. To help Louisville thrive, we must invest equitably in parks and recreational facilities and create public greenspaces that help all people heal and flourish.
Given our expanded focus, we decided it was time for our name, mission, and vision, to truly reflect the work we were doing. Therefore, in August 2021, we changed our name to the Parks Alliance of Louisville, with a mission to drive equitable investment in our public parks to elevate the well-being of the ENTIRE community.
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Our Vision is Great Parks for All!