ABOUT BALLARD PARK
Ballard Park was acquired in 1919. At less than an acre large (.95 acres), the park offers amenities such as three basketball courts and kids playground. Prior to our Parks For All Equitable Investment Initiative, the park hadn't received any capital improvements in more than 2 decades.
Now, in partnership with Smoketown residents, Louisville Parks and Recreation, and our donors, we are poised to reimagine this historic park.
HOW THE PARK BECAME OUR #1 PRIORITY
To determine the highest needs communities, Parks For All collected data on population density, historic inequities, environmental injustices, and health and wellness. By correlating the extensive data, our experts created a community need score and mapped the locations shown on this map, from the highest to the lowest need areas.
Smoketown Anti-Violence Coalition Partnership
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A Smoketown Anti-violence Coalition has been formed following a deadly shooting in Ballard Park, meeting once a month at Meyzeek Middle School. The priorities for the coalition are improving Ballard Park and Smoketown's need for a community center. Youthbuild is building the community center, and PAL will be renovating the park. In addition to renovations, there are plans for a Dejuan Coward memorial within the park
To date, we’ve raised $1M+ toward our Ballard Park project! Through grants, councilmembers, individuals, and reallocations of funds.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Ballard Park Engagement
REIMAGINED BALLARD PARK
Early conceptual designs shown above. Images are a representation of the design intent, and may not reflect the final built condition.
WE NEED YOUR HELP
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO DONATE! THERE ARE SEVERAL ITEMS WE HAD TO CUT FROM THE BUDGET IN THE FINAL DESIGN. ANY ADDITIONAL FUNDS WILL ALLOW US TO ADD THEM BACK IN.
NEIGHBORHOOD DEMOGRAPHICS
Our mission is to dedicate more financial resources to deliver fundamental park and recreation services to underserved neighborhoods to drive equitable investment and elevate the well-being of our community.
218 or 23%
Households with no access to a vehicle
$40,268
Median household income (in 2020 dollars) of residents
492 RESIDENTS OR 45%
Number of multi-family housing units in area
420 RESIDENTS OR 44%
With either no internet access, or cell phone only internet
740 RESIDENTS OR 28%
Families that are below the federal poverty line
298 RESIDENTS OR 31%
Households receiving SNAP or PA benefits
Statistics provided by Metro United Way. Smoketown Neighborhood Profile as of June 2022.
WHERE IS BALLARD PARK?
525 E Caldwell St, Louisville, KY 40203