November 2008

Just like new!

The pavilion in Shawnee Park was built almost a century ago, but with an extreme makeover the historical building looks like it did the day it was originally dedicated!

Olmsted Parks Conservancy and Metro Parks joined forces to totally restore the beautiful structure which had long suffered from serious vandalism and general wear and tear. This undertaking, a $768,000 investment, required analysis of the historically correct materials and colors, and hours of very careful removal of layers of lead paint by qualified contractors. The painstaking restoration was important to the historic value of this park but also to the community.

The result of this Extreme Makeover? An absolutely gorgeous pavilion, true to its original design. In 1894, a plan to construct Shawnee Park was completed by Frederick Law Olmsted as part of the overall park system for Louisville. The plan included reference to a pavilion to be built adjacent to the Great Lawn, the gathering place for picnickers at the park.

Built around 1920, the building was constructed of stucco and a red tile roof. The openness of the building was a reflection of the Olmstedian principle of “structure is subservient to nature” – that is, the building itself never interrupts one’s view of the beautiful natural surroundings. Nearby are new, fully-accessible restrooms designed to match the pavilion. Together, the pavilion, restrooms and adjoining playground comprises a great family destination spot in Shawnee Park.

A generous donation from Brown-Forman Corporation for $100,000 helped off set the expense of the renovation. “One of Brown-Forman’s key objectives in its philanthropic activities is to enhance the quality of our neighborhoods,” said Lee Tatum, vice president and chief of staff for Brown-Forman. “Shawnee Park is a magnificent place for families to meet and enjoy themselves and their community. We are proud to have been part of the pavilion restoration.”

Take a stroll at Shawnee Park and enjoy a picnic at the newly restored pavilion.

“Tree-Placement” After Ike Begins

The biggest weather story in recent memory has long been the tornadoes of 1974, but the Wind Storm of 2008, a result of Hurricane Ike, now has taken its place. The impact of this incredible windstorm on September 14 was felt by all Louisvillians and surrounding areas. Many homes suffered damage, as did our beloved parks.

Hurricane Ike’s 90 mph winds pummeled virtually every Olmsted park and parkway. Metro Parks estimates several hundred trees were lost or damaged in the Olmsted parks and parkways.

Olmsted Parks Conservancy and Metro Parks have worked diligently this last year planting nearly 4000 trees in the parks and parkways. Now more than ever replacing trees is critical. We are committed to replacing trees lost in this storm, and have already ordered many trees to be delivered for planting before the end of this year.

How can you help? Volunteer to help plant or donate toward Olmsted Parks Conservancy’s “Tree-Placement Fund”. All donations (which are tax-deductible) will go directly to the replenishment of trees in our Olmsted parks and parkways. Please call 456-8125 for more information.

Wallpaper

I have a friend who says “a park is like wallpaper. It’s there. You don’t take notice of it, really, until it starts to deteriorate.” Folks tend to take parks for granted, thinking that Nature put them there, and
Nature will take care of the. Not true! It’s only through the dedicated work of Metro Parks, Olmsted
Parks Conservancy, and citizens throughout the city who volunteer their time and donate their money that we’re able to do the extensive work necessary to restore, enhance and preserve our parks.

As you give thanks this holiday season, think of the things you take for granted, the “wallpaper” of your life that you pay little attention to until it isn’t there anymore. As the song goes: “You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone”. Take a moment to think of the benefits you get from living in the City of
Parks, and then take a moment to think about the resources—hard work, money, tender loving care, and okay maybe luck—it takes to care for those parks.

I ask you to support your parks! Please consider donating money and/or time to preserve Louisville’s world-class natural and recreational asset, our Olmsted parks and parkways. To find out how, please contact our office at 456-8125.
Mimi Zinniel, Olmsted Parks
Conservancy President/CEO

New Additions

With great enthusiasm, we welcome our new Director of Development and two new members to our Board of Trustees:

Meredith Erickson has stepped in strongly to the Director of Development position and has made great headway already working on the Woodlands Restoration campaign. Meredith is a Louisville native but her career took her to Washington DC where she conducted regulatory and legislative advocacy for the American Chemistry Council. In 2001, she returned to Louisville to work at The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts where she was the Vice President of Development. She resides in St. Matthews with her husband Michael and dogs Molly and Leo. We are excited about Meredith’s arrival and wish her well.

Rudolph Davidson is retired, after 37-year career, from Louisville Metro Government where he held several leadership positions including the Cabinet Secretary of Public Works and Services. Currently Rudy serves as the president of the Shawnee Neighborhood Association and is a board member of the
Louisville Central Community Center, Weed and Seed Steering Committee, S.P.O.T Inc. Fontaine Estates Homeowners Association and Metro Solid Waste Advisory Board. Rudy and his wife Jean live right along side Shawnee Park.

Michael S. Mays is co-owner of Heine Brothers’ Coffee. In 1993 he returned to Kentucky after having lived in California’s wine country where he got hooked on great coffee. Frustrated with the lack of good coffee and coffee houses in Louisville, he teamed with Gary Heine to open Heine Brothers’ Coffee. Today there are seven locations serving Louisville, keeping coffee lovers happy. Mike lives in Crescent Hill with his wife Elizabeth and four children.

Native Plant Returns to Park

The eradication of invasive species is paying off! Late this summer wildflower enthusiasts Chris Bidwell and Susan Wilson were hiking through Cherokee Park when they spotted the Spiked Crested Coralroot. This rare native wildflower had never before been seen in that area. Olmsted Parks
Conservancy and friends have documented the return of many wildflowers that haven’t been seen in 35 years... if ever. Keep a look out for wildflowers as you walk in the park; you might discover the next one!

Big Rock Gets Better!

With its distinctive red tile roof, the Gaulbert Pavilion has for years been a beloved landmark near Big Rock in Cherokee Park. This area, with the creek, the trails and indeed, the BIG rock, is a distinctive and well-loved part of Cherokee Park.

The pavilion has welcomed Louisvillians to the Big Rock area for about a century. In 1920 Mrs. Gaulbert, who provided funds for the original construction, complained that there was too much noisy dancing in the pavilion on Friday nights!

There have been many changes in the Big Rock area in recent years. As part of the Master Plan implementation, Olmsted Parks Conservancy and Metro Parks planted new trees, installed a new playground and benches, and reworked the parking lot with pervious materials to reduce erosion.

The next project at the Big Rock area is the restoration of the historic pavilion’s red tile roof to stop the damaging leaks. The cost estimate for repairing and replacing the clay tiles and the damaged wood beneath them is about $80,000 once the roof is fixed, the building itself will undergo a major facelift, restoring it to its 1908 beauty. The Highlands-Douglass Neighborhood Association and other neighbors have joined with Olmsted Parks Conservancy and Metro Parks to raise funds for this project. 

Volunteers Celebrated!

There is much to celebrate at the Olmsted Parks Conservancy. This year, over 1,000 volunteers have given more than 5000 hours of their time to restore, enhance and preserve the Olmsted parks!

To thank the volunteers for their time and effort, the Conservancy’s annual volunteer recognition dinner was September 25 at Hogan’s Fountain. Our many volunteers in attendance enjoyed delicious food, perfect weather, and each other’s company. Volunteers enjoy gift cards from local retailers including the Trail Store and Plant Kingdom.

Gary Heine and Mike Mays, co-founders of Heine Brothers’ Coffee, graciously spoke about their experience creating a community of sustainability through their business practices. They applauded the audience for their volunteer efforts to preserve Louisville’s Olmsted parks.

Thanks again to all our volunteers for their efforts, and we hope to see YOU at next year’s dinner!

Crawl, Walk, Hike and Stroll

We covered a lot of ground this fall with our park walks; from creeks to hills and open fields.
The adventurous groups included people of all ages, from a six-month old to our champion 78 year old. We looked at twisted trees, sun rays and shadows dancing, colorful flowers, bright full berries, squirmy larvae and grabby crawfish. Our walkers learned more about parks history, Olmsted design, Conservancy projects, tree species and native and invasive plants.

Thanks to all that came out and to our leaders Ben Wolff, David Fothergill, Dennis Crowley and Sarah Wolff. Check the Conservancy website for a schedule of spring events.
We look forward to seeing you in the park!