LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded the city of Louisville more than $1 million to expand a park in the California neighborhood. It's a project officials said could help solve some environmental issues in the area.
Alberta O. Jones Park opened less than a year ago, but there is still a lot of empty land around it. For many residents in the neighborhood, the land holds a lot of potential.
In 2009, a historic flood washed out the area and forced people out. More than a decade later, a large part of it has been transformed into the public park.
"It's exciting moves and changes," said Kalia Atchley-Collett. "Obviously, my little girl is enjoying it. So it's a great, great addition to the community."
Atchley-Collett lives in the Clifton neighborhood, but took her daughter to the Alberta O. Jones Park on Wednesday.
"It's very exciting," she said. "I mean, the kids in this area, in this community, deserve nice equipment, updated equipment."
On Wednesday, the EPA announced a $1,500,500 investment to fund two projects in Louisville. Officials said the EPA chose the projects in "disadvantaged communities that have historically suffered from underinvestment" to ensure they have access to clean air and water and "climate resilience solutions."
City leaders joined officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, to announce $1.5 million in funding from the EPA for two environmental projects in west Louisville, specifically in the California and Rubbertown neighborhoods. (WDRB photo)
One project is the expansion of the Alberta O. Jones Park in the California neighborhood, and another project is in the city's Rubbertown neighborhood.
"We are working to make our city a safer, stronger and healthier place," Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said in a news release "I am grateful to everyone who helped make this funding a reality for Louisville."
The goal is to help improve the quality of life for those living in west Louisville.
"I really, truly believe it's gonna combat a lot of crime that's happening. Because, like I said before, kids don't have anywhere to go. They don't have an outlet. They don't know what to do and people are afraid to talk to them. Lets get in here and love on them," said Eneitra Beattie, who grew up in the California neighborhood.
According to the Parks Alliance of Louisville, 1% of land is currently dedicated to parks and greenspace in the city's California neighborhood.
"When you can't even breathe, even if the smells coming into your pores when your windows are sealing everything, that's not OK," said Beattie, who is also a professional chef. "So the change is going to bring a lot of smiling faces, a lot of happy people."
The goal: repurpose several acres, reduce air pollution, and serve underserved communities to create a stronger, healthier city.
"It's wonderful news that they're going to be expanding," Atchley-Collett said.
The city is still working to finalize the timeline of the expansion. Some residents said they would like to see a splashpad, or even a skate park, next.
Congressman Morgan McGarvey, Jeaneanne Gettle with the EPA, Amanda LeFevre with the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection, and Rachael Hamilton with the Metro Air Pollution Control District were all in attendance at Wednesday's press conference.
For more information about Alberta O. Jones Park, click here.
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- First phase of Alberta Jones Park opens in California neighborhood
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