LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville leaders are hoping a new effort to attract visitors will lead residents to spend more time at local parks.

In November, the city cut the ribbon on the the Alberta O. Jones Park in the city's California neighborhood, named in honor of the attorney and civil rights icon. 

"I am shocked that they built the park, especially how big and nice it is. My kids can't wait to be able to walk up and play," said Shaneice Moore.

Moore lives and works near the west Louisville park, and said she plans on taking her children to visit.

"It looks like there's going to be lots of variety of things for the kids and adults to do," she said.

Like most parks, it has a playground, an outdoor classroom and plenty of picnic space. But the city wants to attract more people to the park, and hopes the addition of free Wi-Fi does the trick.

"So green space and access to Wi-Fi are both essential, so it's awesome that we're able to pair the two together," said Katey Huffman, with Louisville Parks & Recreation. 

Huffman said the park's creation is in collaboration with the city parks department and the Parks Alliance of Louisville, and the first of several in Louisville with free Wi-Fi.

"We hope that people come out here to study — students," said Huffman. "People can work remotely out here since that's you know, ever-growing since the pandemic."

Meanwhile, whether it's for homework or a lunch break, Moore said the free Wi-Fi gives her another reason to use the park.

"I think that's great," she said. "Because I work right across the street from it. So being able to come over here, get some fresh air and still work is even better."

The first phase of the park is already open. Construction is scheduled to start on the second phase sometime next year.

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