Parks and Recreation System Master Plan Update (2016) parks_and_recreation_system_master_plan_update_oct | Page 32

landscapes, cemeteries and other sites of historic or cultural importance.
Waterfront Park consists of 85 acres
of public parkland on the Ohio River in
downtown Louisville. The park is managed
by the Waterfront Development
Corporation (WDC). WDC was created by an
interlocal agreement between Jefferson
County and the City of Louisville (now
Louisville Metro Government), and the
Commonwealth of Kentucky to oversee
redevelopment of Louisville’s waterfront
from a blighted and underutilized area into
a vibrant, active park.
The Louisville Zoo, an agency of Louisville Metro Government, is also associated with
the Louisville Zoological Gardens a non-profit
organization. Opened in 1969, the Zoo is the state
zoo of Kentucky. The Zoo currently exhibits more
than 1,500 animals on 134 acres of natural settings
representing zoogeographical areas, specific
habitat types or special education areas. The Zoo’s
collections also include botanical gardens.
Programs include conservation of endangered animal species and provision of stimulating
environments for Zoo animals. One of the region’s most popular family attractions, the Zoo also
features educational programs, several playgrounds, rides and attractions and special events.
Louisville Metro Government also owns approximately 1,636 acres of land
purchased in the 1960s and 1970s for flood protection in
the Mill Creek and Pond Creek watersheds and in the Ohio
River Valley mostly in the southwest part of Louisville.
Some parts of the Louisville Loop shared-use path and
several parks are located on or adjacent to this land, but
most of the land is not actively managed for recreational
use. The land is nevertheless used informally by many
residents for hiking, horseback riding, fishing, bird-
Community Improvement District (CID)
watching and in some areas for illegal hunting and ATV use.
This land was purchased with bonds and is often referred to as Community Improvement
District (CID) land. The Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) also owns some of the CID land as
well as other properties associated with flood plains and drainage areas. Most of this land is
restricted by deed and must remain undeveloped so that it can continue to provide areas for
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