LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Researchers at the University of Louisville are looking for ways to battle the heat in downtown Louisville through natural science. They have discovered the lack of trees and other greenery makes the area much warmer than usual.
A generous donation of $1 million to the university from the Trager family sparked efforts on how they can change that.
The Trager MicroForest Project is taking place at Founder Square on the intersections of Muhammad Ali Boulevard and 5th Street. This is where researchers are calling the center of the climate issue for the downtown area.
As of Wednesday, construction is underway as UofL looks to convert the area into an inviting public space. This is where they will research human health and the native plants that will call this place home.
Dr. Aruni Bhatnagar, director of the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute at UofL, said the project will be a nearly $2 million investment. He also said this could change the future of downtown's ecosystem.
"This whole idea that we should collectively do something to improve downtown and bring people to downtown is very critical," Bhatnagar said. "But what would be even more gratifying would be to see if people who come here feel better, less stressed and more welcomed to be in this space."
Throughout the past year the university has been gathering data and working with a controlled group to see how founders square mentally and physically impacts them.
"After we plant the MicroForest here we are going to reevaluate all the environmental perimeters looking at humidity, temperature and pollution and then bring people back here," Bhatnagar said.
UofL has released rendering of what the renovations will look like. They plan to plant a variety of native greenery and will continue to monitor the ecosystem along with participants of the project.
Dr. Bhatnagar and Patrick Piuma, the director of Urban Design Studio at UofL, have both been following this project closely.
"A lot going on right now and there will be lighting," Piuma said. "A lot of the phase one pieces are going to come together in the next month."
Crews expect to start planting greenery in the park during this coming October or November.
"It is very critical in Louisville because Louisville has one of the biggest problems with the heat island effect," Bhatnagar said.
Bhatnagar went on to mention the lack of nature downtown and sprawling concrete buildings has a significant impact on the area.
"The center of the city is hotter than the suburbs for most parts of the summer," Bhatnagar said. "So we need to be able to be prepared on how we are going to sort of deal with this change in the climate."
This innovative project from the university hopes to aid the environment in becoming a healthier downtown for Louisvillians.
Founders Square isn't the only location UofL hopes to change and study. Researchers are already seeking out and working with the city to determine where else they can expand this project. But first, they want to complete this area and continue their research before moving on to other destinations.
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