LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Louisville Metro Police officer killed in the line of duty in 2017 now has a park named in his honor in southwest Louisville.
The grand opening of the Nick Rodman Legacy Park happened Tuesday morning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that was attended by Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey and other city leaders.
It was built in honor of Officer Rodman, who died after a crash on March 29, 2017. He was pursuing Wathaniel Woods in Louisville's Portland neighborhood when Woods crashed into Rodman's police cruiser. Rodman, who was 30 years old, died the next day. He left behind a wife and two children.
Woods was convicted in 2018 of murder and other charges in Rodman's death. He was sentenced to 35 years as part of a plea agreement.
The park is located at 8709 3rd Street Road, along a portion of the Louisville Loop near Pond Creek in south Louisville. That's at the intersection of Lamborne Boulevard and Scarborough Avenue.
"We are here to celebrate the opening of this great new park here in southwest Jefferson County, an area that for too long has not had -- not even any park, much less a world-class park in memory -- in honor -- of a world-class Louisvillian," Greenberg said.
He continued by saying: "Nick Rodman is a hero. A hero whose courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten. And I am so honored to be here today with his wife Ashley, his father, son ... and the rest of the family. Nick's memory has certainly lived on every year."
Members of the Nick Rodman Legacy Foundation wanted to honor his memory by dedicating the park as a peaceful place where children can find joy -- which they did on Tuesday while playing in the new splash pad at the park. Other features include a playground and scenic walking trails.
Phase 1 was completed in 2024, which included a $1.3 million investment. $500,000 from the investment came from the American Rescue Plan.
According to a news release, the Windsor Forest neighborhood residents originally gifted the 11-acre property to Jefferson County for use as a public school or park. The land was transferred to MSD and then transferred to Louisville Metro Government in 2022 to build a park.
MSD announced Tuesday they are gifting an additional 28-acre parcel north of Nick Rodman Legacy Park, which will transform the space into a new 39-acre community park. The land transfer is expected to be finalized this summer.
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