On the banks of the Ohio

Wharf - Belle of Louisville - Louisville, KY as seen from Southern Indiana

The American Society of Landscape Architects awarded a design award to Waterfront Park in Louisville, KY in 2001. The site must withstand the frequent wave action due to the wake from barges passing on the Ohio River. The complete site is in the 100 year flood plain and has been inundated multiple times. After each inundation the park must be cleaned before it can be opened to the community. Turnaround after inundation has gone well. The site is a popular location.  It is now a signature part of the city.



Big Tree

Big Tree, Summit, Iroquois,  Olmsted Parks and Parkways

In 1891 Frederick Law Olmsted collaborated with the City of Louisville to establish the city park system.  Eighteen city parks and six parkways were created.  A rail transportation system brought passengers out to the Iroquois Park using one of the parkways.  This tree has a branch that exceeds many of the park's tree trunks.  The size you see is the size of the branch; it's diameter exceeds two feet.  The rope has been added to make climbing to the branch easier. 

The landscape of Iroquois Park continues although we take it's presence for granted.

In print advertisements there is a simple statement about Louisville: It's possible here.

The City that grew because of the Falls of the Ohio

A tow passes under the Big Four Bridge, heading North

A view of the Louisville central business district
 with twin spires of Churhill Downs in the foreground

The beauty of the architecture of St. Louis Bertrand Church
in the morning light



The Big Four Bridge connects the Louisville waterfront with a historic neighborhood in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Walkers are rewarded with the views of the moving river, the barges and river boats.  At one time citizens could take the train over the Big Four Bridge to visit over the Ohio River.  Now citizens can walk or bike and enjoy a similar journey.  The central business area of Louisville is highlighted by the Aegon Center, the tallest building in the city. The Kentucky Derby Museum is on the property of the Churchill Downs facility at Taylor Boulevard and Central Avenue. The architecture of St. Louis Bertrand Church on Sixth Street south of Broadway attracts one's eyes.  Banners along the Louisville streets describe the city as Possibility City.  

Beauty for the common man

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some people write that honoring the great scenes like the waterfalls of the Sierras in California is to raise up the places that wealthy people have the means to see. Low income people could struggle to see some of the land's great public places. Low income people could struggle to experience what these places have to offer. This is one of the great debates of our day. I understand it and I would like to hear what others think about it. I agree with getting out whatever the opportunity.

See what you can, first locally and then regionally. Plan to see more.

Theodore Roosevelt said, "The Grand Canyon fills me with awe. It is beyond comparison—beyond description; absolutely unparalleled throughout the wide world... Let this great wonder of nature remain as it now is. Do nothing to mar its grandeur, sublimity and loveliness. You cannot improve on it. But what you can do is to keep it for your children, your children's children, and all who come after you, as the one great sight which every American should see."

See what you can. See this land. Begin as soon as you can.