Parks and Recreation System Master Plan Update (2016) parks_and_recreation_system_master_plan_update_oct | Page 40

C. Natural and Cultural Resources
Louisville possesses an abundance of natural and cultural resources which are an
integral part of the fabric of the community. Gaining an understanding of these resources is
essential to developing a comprehensive parks and open space plan which addresses:
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protection and restoration of important natural and cultural features within parks and
public lands;
design of a future public parks and open space system integrating preservation of
natural and cultural resources; and
strategies for promoting the protection of sensitive resources on private lands as part of
Louisville’s open space system.
C1. Physiography and Soils
The landscape of Louisville consists of five general physiographic regions which correspond to
soil associations mapped by the U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation Service.¹ These regions are:
Physiographic Regions of Jefferson County
A- Ohio River Valley
B- Knob Hills
C- Slack-Water Flats
D- Limestone Bel t
E- Floyds Fork Drainage Area
The Ohio River Valley is characterized by level to sloping
alluvial soils on terraces and bottoms along the Ohio River. A large
portion of Louisville is located in this region. Shawnee, Chickasaw,
Champions, and Hays Kennedy Parks displays the tiered
arrangement of alternating terraces and slopes which is
characteristic of the Ohio River edge.
The Knob Hills are steep ridges and hills (or “knobs”)
adjoining the Ohio River Valley in the southwestern part of
Louisville. This region includes the Jefferson Memorial Forest and
extends northward where it encompasses Iroquois Park,
formerly known as Burnt Knob and Waverly Park.
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