LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Major changes are coming to public parks in Louisville to address some safety challenges the recreational spaces are facing.

Louisville Metro Police increased patrols at Cherokee Park after reports of men exposing themselves and groping women at the park as Mayor Craig Greenberg and city officials are working to improve safety around the parks.

"I believe our parks are an incredibly important resource for the people all across our city," Greenberg said Monday. 

Frank Frick visits Iroquois Park around once a week for exercise.

"I park at the amphitheater and walk up in North Overlook and walk all the way back so I can get a nice walk in," Frick said.

But Frick doesn't walk at Iroquois Park or any other park after dark because of safety concerns.

On Monday, Greenberg shared what is being done to address safety concerns at parks across the city.

"Last fall my administration applied for the Bloomberg Harvard cross boundary collaboration program. I know that's a mouthful, but it's an amazing program," he said.

The program was created to help city leaders address concerns and improve the quality of life.

"And the area that we chose to focus on in Louisville with Bloomberg and with Harvard was our parks," Greenberg said.

For the last several months, a team led by deputy Mayor David James has talked to residents and problem solved.

"We saw that the two top reasons that people said they hesitated to go to parks were concerns about safety and security," Greenberg said.

Although there are signs posted throughout the parks, people don't always follow those rules. The city is adding police officers to make sure the parks are not being used after hours. 

"These parks are for the people, and if you don't feel safe coming, they're not going to be utilized," Frick said.

Frick appreciates what is being done and that city officials asked for public input.

"Because we're the ones that use it," Frick said. 

The mayor said the goal is to make improvements at every park in the city.

Anyone who may have information about potential suspects in the Cherokee Park incidents is asked to call LMPD's anonymous Crime Tip Line at (502) 574-LMPD (5673). Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the department's Crime Tip Portal by clicking here.

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