Case Studies 

Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

*Nominee 

Waterfront Park

Louisville

KY

USA

Contributed by 
CARRIE BETH LASLEY
Project for Public Spaces
 on 
August 18, 2011
December 14, 2017

waterfront park \nURLS:\n http://www.louisvillewaterfront.com/

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

It's a brownfield redevelopment, 85 acres in size that has become the city's front yard. It integrates the river, and includes recreation options, event space and a restaurant among other things. It also serves as a gateway to the River Road Recreation Corridor to the east and downtown to the west.

Access & Linkages

Boats, bikes, cars and pedestrians all use the space. It connects to downtown through the Belvedere and wharf and to eastern parks through a bike trail. It will eventually connect to Indiana through a pedestrian bridge, and to the rest of the city through the Metro Loop.

Comfort & Image

It just looks clean and green. People mill about all the time, and the lighting is safe. The lawn is used for sunbathing when events aren't on. The playgrounds are busy. Benches and swings allow people to look over the river, and parking is tucked away. The expressway nearby is elevated, and while barge traffic is heavy, it's kind of the point.

Uses & Activities

The diversity is maybe it's main draw. Parks in Louisville tend to be white parks or black parks, but not here. Events draw from a wide cross-section of the community, giving everyone some familiarity with the park. The main drawback is the pedestrian bridge area, which is long overdue for completion.

Sociability

People tend to visit in small groups. The central location make it great for meeting up with friends. I'm sure tourists come from downtown, and they definitely come for events. I'd say it is probably 75 % local. There's definitely pride, and this whole city is friendly. I'm from here, but have lived many places, and Louisville's welcoming attitude is it's top quality.

How Light?

How Quick?

How Cheap?

History & Background

Some highlights: chicken art, fountains with bridges, huge theme playground, a amphitheater with a new bend, Tumbleweed restaurant, boat house, my godson loves the construction-themed playground. When I grew up here, the area was all scrapyards.

Related Links & Sources

Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park

*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

NOMINATE A PLACE

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