Parks and Recreation System Master Plan Update (2016) parks_and_recreation_system_master_plan_update_oct | Page 156

• Football: A low priority should be placed on the development of new football fields.
Metro Parks currently has 135 multi-purpose fields which can accommodate field
sports such as football, soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse.
• Swimming pools: Focus on the adequate maintenance of existing pools in the short
term. In the mid- term, Louisville should construct a major multi-sports complex that
would accommodate swimming as one of its uses (see discussion below). In the long
term, an additional pool should be constructed in eastern Louisville. Operation of most
of the outdoor pools in the Metro Parks’ system has become increasingly less cost-
effective. Cost of pool chemicals and maintenance has risen steeply and numbers of
pool users declined. Since 1995, Metro Parks has closed nine outdoor pools (including
five on JCPS property), leaving four – Camp Taylor/Norton, Algonquin, Sun Valley and
Fairdale. Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center in Crescent Hill Park, which has an indoor
pool and therapy pool, is still in operation.
• Golf: Additional golf courses should be developed only if revenue projections indicate a
minimum of 100 percent cost coverage (including annual operating costs and retirement
of capital costs over time). No additional golf courses have been developed.
• Horseback riding: Development of a trail or trails permitting horseback riding and
possibly a third public stable facility should be considered in the mid to long term for
eastern Louisville if warranted by community demand. Currently there is no public
riding facility within the Metro Parks system. It became increasingly difficult to
identify vendors who could operate a stable in a safe, humane manner while also
earning sufficient income to cover operating expenses. Louisville’s Mounted Police
unit is currently using the Iroquois stable and the McNeely Stable has been closed. The
McNeely Lake Park Master Plan identifies the general area around the closed stable as
a location that could be redeveloped for a future equestrian facility should funding be
identified. There continues to be demand for equestrian trails.
• Recreation /community centers: Consider construction of an indoor recreational facility
as part of a major new multi-sports complex and community center (see discussion
below). This recommendation has not been implemented. In addition, the LMPRD
should phase in the development of six new community recreation centers over the
next 25 years. No new community centers have been added since 1995, however
LMPRD has recently taken over management of the Berrytown YMCA and will be
providing a wide variety of services at that location including Adaptive Inclusive
Recreation programs. Improvements and additions to existing centers should also be
made to optimize their utility. Finally, the LMPRD should coordinate with other entities
including Jefferson County Public Schools to develop joint use agreements for
gymnasium use (including indoor basketball) and recreation programming.
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