Ballard Park in Louisville set for $1.3 Million transformation in Smoketown neighborhood

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A ground breaking ceremony was held Saturday to mark a new project at a park in Louisville's Smoketown neighborhood.

Ballard Park is located at 525 Caldwell Street near South Jackson Street. The park is set for a $1.3 million transformation project.

According to a news release, Mayor Craig Greenberg allocated $850,000 for the project while $400,000 was raised in private contributions by the Parks Alliance of Louisville.

The reimagined park will have new amenities like a timber playground, picnic pavilion, fitness stations and a new basketball park. According to a news release, Ballard Park is the first park to undergo a full-scale redesign under the Parks For All Action Plan.

"We have incredible momentum going on right now in Louisville and investing in our public parks is essential to building stronger neighborhoods, healthier families, and safer communities," Greenberg said in a news release. "This park has been thoughtfully designed with residents’ needs in mind, so we know it’s going to be a popular spot and help create an even stronger sense of community in the historic Smoketown neighborhood."

Smoketown residents and community partners worked to shape the park's design through dozens of meetings, events and surveys, according to a news release. People who live nearby also received a pre-paid postage survey and can share input at by clicking here until April 21.

The redesign prioritizes green infrastructure and improved stormwater management to mitigate flooding. Around 50 climate-resilient trees will be planted within the acre space.

Ballard Park was established in 1919 as one of the first public parks for Black residents in Louisville.

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