Louisville, KY Skatepark Update

Louisville, KY Skatepark Update

by Sean Faubush

Publication Date: December 2000

Well, things are moving along, despite what some are thinking and saying. A few weeks ago, the skatepark commission had a meeting at the Highlands' branch of the Louisville Free Public Library to discuss the status of the park. There are a few new problems that some of you may have already heard about...

The first is that there is a LG&E gas line that runs through the property where the park is planned to be built. The gas line would be under a portion of the building housing the indoor part of the park. This isn't really that big of a problem but it may affect the time-frame a little, but not much.

The second problem is the future construction of the interstate area by the park (known as Spaghetti Junction). According to all the preliminary studies, future plans call for an overpass ramp to be built over the park. This is bad, but could end up being good thing in the end. How you ask? Well, the city estimates it will take anywhere from five to ten years to actually begin construction on the interstate ramp. What that means is the city can go ahead and build the park, and when it's actually time to build the interstate ramps, they will build a new skatepark.

Another option is that an adjacent piece of property is in the process of being bought, or long-term leased by the city. The skatepark building could be moved to the opposite side of the skatepark property. Then the ramp or LG&E gas line wouldn't be a problem.

I know you're all wondering when this park is scheduled to open? It was supposed to be July, or possibly August. Now, it might be a little later around September or October. Just a little later...so relax. The park is getting there, and an actual ground-breaking ceremony is on the way. More information will be known by the next meeting, or you can e-mail the city at PARKS@LOUKY.org.