Parks and Recreation System Master Plan Update (2016) parks_and_recreation_system_master_plan_update_oct | Page 500

C. Butchertown Greenway (BG) (1.6 ac.)
Managed by: Natural Areas Division
Butchertown Greenway is a narrow corridor along Beargrass Creek between Story Av.
and Eva Banman Park. The bicycle/pedestrian path at 0.5 miles long is actually longer than the
small parcel which defines the property boundary. Louisville Metro, MSD, KYTC, and LG&E
all own parcels along the corridor. The corridor is primarily riparian woodland containing many
very large Eastern Cottonwood and Sycamores. However, there is a heavy infestation of
invasive vegetation throughout.
In 2013, treatment of Bush Honeysuckle along the entire corridor was carried out via a
glyphosate foliar treatment from a utility mounted sprayer from the path. This was very
successful in opening up the understory adjacent to the paved path.
In the past, homeless encampments have been an issue and the debris that is left behind in
the woodlands is unsightly.
Botanica, Louisville’s Waterfront Botanical Garden, has plans to develop the property on
the north end of the corridor between Frankfort Av. and the path. Preliminary indications are
that they are interested in removing invasive plants within that woodland.
The LMPD has a very large auto impoundment lot just west of the path and south of I-71.
This is pretty unsightly from the path and concerns have been raised about runoff from the lot.
i. Desired future condition
The Natural Areas Division plans to carry out woodland restoration on the property but
this has been a lower priority location to this point.
There are plans to complete a bicycle/ pedestrian pathway connection along Beargrass
Creek between BGG and Butchertown Greenway thus connecting Cherokee Park to what will
eventually be the Louisville Loop near the Ohio River.
ii. Goals
1. Restore the woodlands along the path corridor from Spring St. to Eva Banman Park
2. Stay on top of non-permitted activity like homeless camping, quickly addressing
problems before they grow.
iii. Standards
The riparian woodland must be protected. Woodland restoration will involve intense
invasive plant removal work followed by planting with native trees and shrubs.
iv. Concerns
Many entities have land along this corridor. Parks will need to communicate and
coordinate resource management activities. It is advisable to gain management agreements or
ownership of surrounding parcels to better protect larger tracts along this corridor.
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