Parks and Recreation System Master Plan Update (2016) parks_and_recreation_system_master_plan_update_oct | Page 540

S. Shawnee Park (284.9 ac.)
Managed by: Operations Division,Olmstead Parks Conservancy
Shawnee Park features a mix of recreational activities including ball fields, basketball
courts, and walking paths. The Louisville Loop traverses the park along the upper terrace of the
Ohio River for a distance of over one mile. This is perhaps one of the nicest sections of the
Louisville Loop within the northwest corridor being entirely under forest canopy with nice views
of the Ohio River. A very well established riparian forest exists along this corridor providing
nice wildlife habitat and protection for the riverbank.
The “Shawnee Park Uplands Master Plan” (2015) has been developed to address future
natural resource planning in the park. It provides a thorough description of planned amenities
and resource management and protection. Some items addressed include MSD’s plan to install a
CSO basin on the southeast corner of the park, treatments for Paddy’s Run, expansion of tree
groves around the perimeter of the park, management of view sheds for the Ohio River, invasive
plant management and pollinator garden installation. The “Louisville Olmstead Parks and
Parkways Master Plan” (1994) also covers most of the natural resource issues important to
Shawnee Park.
The “West Louisville Outdoor Recreational Initiative” describes plans for an outdoor
learning center as a hub for environmental education and outdoor recreation for the area.
i. Desired future condition
More fully developed tree groves around the perimeter as natural screening should be
installed. The park should receive additions of diverse woodland plantings and pollinator
gardens. All woodlands should be free from non-native woody invasive plant species.
ii. Goals
1. Carry out work to remove non-native woody invasive plant species from all woodlands
and carry out annual monitoring visits and foliar treatments where necessary to prevent
re-infestation.
2. Install additional plantings in the perimeter woodland groves, re-establish a diverse
planting around Paddy’s Run, and install pollinator gardens.
iii. Standards
Follow established practices for woodland restoration work and installation of diverse
planting zones
iv. Concerns
Protection and regular maintenance of the above mentioned practices will be the main
key to long term success. The park is well used by visitors and protection measures for
installations must be made.
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