LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Millions of dollars in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding will now be used to maintain Louisville's parks and renovate several public libraries across the Metro.
Last week, Metro Council approved $25 million in ARP funds for renovations at four library branches and deferred maintenance projects at various parks and community centers.
"Whether it's Jefferson Memorial Forest, a neighborhood park, or one of our 17 library branches, Louisville's parks and libraries are among the most popular places to visit in the entire city," Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said on Tuesday. He also said a strong parks and libraries system would attract businesses and contribute to "quality of place" near these fixtures.
The money comes from the more than $40 million in ARP funding grant originally meant for a workforce development project led by the Louisville Healthcare CEO Council, but was taken back after an ethics trial found Republican Metro Councilman Anthony Piagentini was guilty of ethics code violations for taking a job with the CEOC non-profit.
"I terminated that contract with the CEO Council," Greenberg said. "That was $40 million that needed to be reallocated."
With the $25 million dollars spent on city projects, that leaves $15 million for non-profits associated with the initial grant—AMPED, Metro United Way, UofL, the Louisville Urban League and Elderserve.
Park maintenance
Greenberg announced $10 million will go to Louisville Parks and Recreation for various projects, which include:
- An additional $2 million for upgrades to the Algonquin and Norton pools
- Parking lot and sport court resurfacing and replacement
- New lighting
- Repairs to shelters and community centers
Officials said $1.2 million will help the city get new equipment for the department's operations and forestry teams, as well as for "desperately needed" upgrades at park maintenance facilities.
"Each of these projects is vitally important to those who use our parks and community centers every single day," Jason Canuel, director of Parks and Recreation, said. " This continued investment will only strengthen our city and we are eager to get to work improving our facilities across Louisville."
Canuel also acknowledged some budget shortcomings Metro Parks faces. He said they still need over $100 million dollars for a backlog of maintenance issues like broken windows, HVAC units and culvert drains.
"Hopefully people can see what good we're doing with the money we've got," he said. "If we're good stewards with this money, maybe that'll convince others down the road to donate more." He also said they rely heavily on partnerships with the Parks Alliance of Louisville and the Olmstead Parks Conservancy.
Library renovations
Four of the Louisville Free Public Library's branches will also receive funding for extensive renovation projects.
The Portland Library, which has not had a major renovation in more than 30 years, will double in size -- from 6,000-square-feet to nearly 12,000. The building will also be made wheelchair accessible and offer "modern library services."
Fern Creek residents will get a brand new library after budget cuts forced the closure of the old Fern Creek Library in 2019. The new building will be 18,000-square-feet and be located on Fern Creek Road next to Fern Creek High School.
The Main Library branch in downtown Louisville is also receiving funding for renovations to "bring it on par with LFPL's three world-class regional libraries opened over the last decade."
The mayor said Metro Council approved nearly $20 million in ARP funding for the three projects and renovations to the Parkland Library back in 2021. Greenberg said this new funding of an additional $15 million, coupled with $5 million raised by the Library Foundation, closes the remaining funding gap for all four projects to $4.7 million.
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