Parks and Recreation System Master Plan Update (2016) parks_and_recreation_system_master_plan_update_oct | Page 48

been enclosed in concrete U-shaped channels. There are two regular sampling stations along
the South Fork of Beargrass Creek.
South Fork of Beargrass Creek has several stream segments on the State (303d) list for
aquatic life and recreational impairment. The Kentucky Division of Water (DOW) classifies
streams based upon their potential use, such as whether they may be used for recreational
purposes, whether they support aquatic life, etc. The 303d list identifies streams within
Kentucky that do not meet their designated use or partially fail to meet their designated use.
A very high percentage of this watershed is impervious. In addition, there are combined
sewer overflows (CSOs) and sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) in the area. This combination
results in moderate to high nutrient levels. Fecal coliform populations exceed pollution
standards almost two thirds of the time. Fast moving storm water scours the stream banks,
causing erosion, sedimentation, siltation, and resulting in the decline of water quality and
habitat quality. Physical pressures, high water fluctuations during storm events, and
microbiological effects result in severe impacts on both habitat and the biological communities
in the streams.
Overall impacts to the South Fork of Beargrass Creek watershed area are considered
moderate to severe and are highly variable depending on the flow rate. Better water quality and
quantity management requires the reduction of CSO and SSO discharges, as well as addressing
non-point source pollution issues. Revegetation of stream banks, instream habitat remediation,
and modification of stream channels to produce reaeration zones will help to improve both
habitat and water quality. Weicher Creek, a tributary of the Middle Fork of Beargrass Creek, is
designated as a Class 1 Fish Resource by the Kentucky Rivers Assessment³
Public parks and open spaces located in the Beargrass Creek watershed include the following
parks (all owned or managed by LMPRD except the Zoo and Karen Lynch Park):
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A. B. Sawyer Park and Greenway
Seneca Park
Cherokee Park
Clifton Heights Greenway
Des Pres Park
Louisville Zoological Gardens
Joe Creason Park
Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve
Caperton Swamp Nature Reserve
Twin Park
Thurman-Hutchins Park.
Beargrass Creek Greenway at Irish Hill (owned partly by the Kentucky
Transportation Cabinet and leased by Louisville)
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