I'm a big fan of Central Park! It's conveniently located in Old Louisville. So, I find myself coming here when I'm looking for a CENTRALly located park. It has great paths for walking, tennis courts, a playground, picnic tables, and more. It is also home to the Old Louisville Visitors Central, and every summer you can check out Kentucky Shakespeare. I also enjoy walking around Old Louisville before/after a walk here. It's a lovely park in a lovely area! read more

Central Park - Central Park - Parks Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Great for a walk year round, but especially beautiful in the snow with the perimeter of old victorian homes surrounding it. I really enjoyed my winter walks here. In summer, definitely check out Shakespeare in the Park-free theater, some food trucks for snacking, and a chill community vibe. When the amphitheater isn't in use, it's kinda fun to hop on the stage for a second and look around. Just because. The park also has tennis courts. Everytime I pass, I think, "I should pick this sport up," and then happily move on, nary a plan to actually do that made. There is also a playground and a visitor center. Overall a very nice park, but not big enough to be lost in for an afternoon without having an activity. read more

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We stopped by here after seeing a cool looking tree. If you know you know. Anyway my son of course wanted to come because there's a playground! I took some nice pictures and let him play. Nice little park plus amusing to find another central park :P read more

I had a nice walk and adventure while I was in Central Park. They don't really have a lot of landmarks and things to see but they do have a nice walking path and a playground and it was just a nice day filled with lots of big trees and beautiful scenery. read more

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We have visited here several times over the years, most recently for Shakespeare in the Park, a community music showcase, and an Old Louisville garden tour. It is a pleasant surprise to see all of the updates with the playground and the amphitheater. Very modernized and a significant improvement. The stage construction is substantial with steel beams and an impressive installation of sound and lighting equipment. The rickety wooden benches have been replaced with permanently installed metal benches with a nice green powder coat paint and endowment plaques. Mulch and decorative rock line the pathways to access concrete sidewalks, all part of the Ampitheater area, which is an island among a huge grassy lawn beneath enormous mature shade trees. Food and beverage facilities are at the top of the hill in the central building, as well as restrooms. Food trucks are often on site as a supplement. Tennis courts are in great condition. An LMPD police substation is located nearby. We have seen policemen on horseback patrolling the park on several occasions. Parking can be a challenge on the streets bordering the park, but it is possible. read more

Looooove Central Park. It's not New York but I'll take it! They've updated their playground equipment recently and it's a lot bigger and generally a lot nicer! They also have the amphitheater, some tennis courts, and the visitors center. Their currently doing renovations on the covered walkway, I'm excited to see what comes of it! read more

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We attend Jazz in Central Park every year. Thanks to the Councilman for sponsoring this yearly event. The music this year consisted of performances by Carly Johnson; the Jerry Tolson Orchestra; Peter Lamb; the Urban Jazz Coalition and Ruben Studdard. Central Park was PACKED; so many tents, wonderful vibes, everyone getting along and the smell of pot shifting through the air. Once again Dawn G acted as Emcee. Lots of local vendors, food trucks and lots of hard work to find a parking spot. If you've never attended you are missing a great opportunity to listen to the best music in a beautiful setting with a diverse group of attendees. Make it a point to attend next year. read more

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Central Park is a very large, spacious and scenic park located in the old Lousiville neighborhood in the city of louisvilel Kentucky. The park is probably most known for being the host of Shakespeare in the park. An annual show series that as of this year (2021) is now in its 61st season. The park also os very beautiful with several large and old oak trees. The park also has a nice playground area and spray ground. which just got approved for a 750k upgrade. So even more fun to come in the future. Me and my family visited this park while checking out the Shakespeare In love play for the festival. The kids enjoyed the playground a lot and walked the scenic grounds around town. One of my favorite hidden gems in the city the witches tree is directly across the 6th street entrance to this park. So we checked that out as well. Overall great park with lots of history and tradition. We had a good and fun visit here and they make a great host for the outdoor Shakespeare in the park shows. read more

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This park is big. It is 16 acres and dates back to 1903. It is located in the Old Louisville neighborhood and has lots of free parking on the park's adjacent streets. I did not see designated parking lot. The park has a lot of green space. It is wide open. The park is well shaded and has a lot of tree coverage. There are picnic tables scattered around the park. The green space looks suitable for maybe a picnic, but would be difficult to play sports like soccer or football. Given all the beautiful tress, there are beautiful leafs, which fall during the fall season and cover the park. The trees also attract many squirrels to the park. In the center of the park you will find the C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheater. It is a very nice outdoor amphitheater that has tons of seating. The Kentucky Shakespeare Festival is held there every year. The Old Louisville Visitors Center is also located at this park. It is used to educate visitors about the area and serves as a community meeting space. Right behind the amphitheater you will find a very picturesque pergola that you can walk though and is perfect for photos. The park has an ok, but small, playground area that is on a bed of wood chips. There is a traditional/toddler swing set there and 2 medium sized jungle gyms with slides and monkey bars. Right next to the playground is a plain old splash pad that is a cement slab with a big water sprayer in the center and drains on the perimeter. It is probably the safest playground in Louisville, as it borders the Louisville Metro PD parking lot. The park has a decent paved trail that goes through it suitable for people walking their dogs, joggers and hikers alike. The park's tennis courts are decent. They are lighted and well maintained. My main gripe with them is that one side of the fence is low and they seem a little too close to each other. This is a decent historic park that has all the basics. It has a historic and nature feel to it and you could easily spend a half a day or more here. read more

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I stayed at an Inn down the street and took a stroll through Central Park while I was waiting to check in. Back home in Michigan we still had snow on the ground so it was so wonderful to walk around and enjoy the budding trees, fresh air, and the coming springtime season. There's a great welcome center, stage/amphitheater, playground, tennis courts, and more. It's not a huge park but a lovely green oasis in this historic part of Louisville! read more

Central Park - Parks Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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I appreciate Central Park for the events that it offers, hosting Shakespeare in the Park and a segment of St James Art Fair. It offers matured trees with shaded coverage and sporadic benches. A splash park is perfect for kids in the hot weather. Bike rentals are nearby. Being here for Shakespeare, I noticed the lighting in or around the park is non-existent. read more

Central Park is great! It's a good park to visit for a walk, or to see a show or attend an event. The amphitheater in the park hosts Shakespeare in the Park performances throughout the summer for free! Plus, during events at this park there are always food trucks and beer and merchandise vendors set up, which makes the experiences so fun! We've attended the Old Lou Brew Craft Beer Festival in this park, and it is awesome! This park also has a really cool pergola that I like to go and walk through. It's really unique to the area, and very beautiful. There are also picnic areas, and there's a playground and sprayground, so it's definitely a great family friendly spot to visit. If you're looking for a nice park to check out, I definitely recommend Central Park! read more

Loving the sprinklers. The playground was updated and safe. Plenty of bathroom stalls make it a great place for groups.

Super nice park! I love all the picnic tables and shaded areas. I visited the park for Old Lou Brew which was delightful. Lots of grassy areas, lots of a seating, and a great amphitheater with grassy/cement steps and green benches. Dog friendly! Woof. read more

Central Park - Parks Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Central Park used to be one of my go to walking/running spots when I lived by U of L's campus. It's cute, including necessities like tennis courts, a playground, and outdoor theatre for Shakespeare in the Park. Right in the center is also an Old Louisville visitor's center. It's a very, very small park, it takes about 15-20 minutes to walk around it and just a few minutes to run right through it. Don't let that stop you from checking this adorable park out! You'll also get some nice scenery of some of the beautiful Old Louisville homes in the neighborhood. However, this park can have a lot of homeless around from time to time. read more

Central Park - Parks Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Today they are having the jazz central event at the park. Not only is this a nice, enjoyable and peaceful event, but it was also free. They are having several jazz bands like Groove Masters and Jerry to name a few. Lady Crystal from 104.7 and Dawn Gee along with others are the host. read more

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This is where Shakespeare in the Park is hosted and that is always well done. I've never been here and not espied police officers. It feels very safe. They have a splash park (if you have human children) and plenty of room for the cuter, four-legged children in your life to run and frolic. They have really nice tennis courts as well and I've never been there with the sun up and NOT seen someone doing tennis things on the courts. Their bathrooms are frightening and never clean, I am not being facetious when I say that they remind of something from a Stephen King novel. Creepy and filthy. read more

Central Park - The setting for Stephen King's next story. - Parks Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Central Park and the Old Lou area are really something special. The park itself makes for a nice walk and is surrounded by stunning old homes and churches. The views can be breathtaking and if you have ANY interest in architecture, nature, gardens, history....this is the place to go. Tour the Filson Historical Society building, tour the Conrad-Cauldwell House, see a free play IN the park all summer long (Shakespeare in the Park), try the Holiday Home Tours or the Haunted Home Tours, or stay a couple of nights in one of the nearby B&B's. There are small restaurants and dive bars hidden here and there as well as some amazing non-profits like the Cabbage Patch Settlement House. All of this...and more...(the St. James Court Art Fair!) are within walking/biking distance from Central Park or located right at the park. Central Park is THE place to take a long stroll, spend the day, and take in all the area has to offer. read more

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It's nice. More like the kind of city park I grew up with and less like the massive parks I am now used to, living so close to Cherokee. It is also home to the stage of the Kentucky Shakespeare in the park. A green oasis in Old Louisville. And like most parks in Louisville (or so it seems) it has one of those obelisk water sprayer things (why don't all parks EVERYWHERE have these things?!?!) which is pure heaven on a hot summer day/night. read more

Central Park isn't very large, as far as parks go. It's about 16 acres and is surrounded on all sides by the Old Louisville neighborhood. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in amazing amenities. And best of all: The outdoor amphitheater that is home to Kentucky Shakespeare's Shakespeare in the Park during the summer. Not only is it refreshing to enjoy a play al fresco and not only is it awesome that these performances are free, but they are also very, very good. Kentucky Shakespeare is the longest running Shakespeare festival in the United States and you don't get that designation without obviously knowing a thing or two about what you're doing. But lest I copy my entire Kentucky Shakespeare review onto here, I'll move on. (Go and see my Kentucky Shakespeare review here: www.yelp.com/biz/shakespeare-in-the-park-louisville?hrid=-n_ihdqH1fFHu15K2mmtTw.) Also of note in Central Park is the beautiful pergola. Oh, the wedding photos and graduation photos and family photos and engagement photos that I'm sure have been taken under it's leaf-covered roof. The pergola runs from the Old Louisville Visitors Center -- another must-visit -- and has a beauty that only comes with age. And speaking of age, Central Park is one of the Olmsted parks in Louisville, designed by the Olmsted Brothers, on land purchased from the DuPont family in 1904. The Olmsted Brothers company was an influential landscape architectural firm, formed in 1898 by brothers John Charles Olmsted and Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., sons of the eminent landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed, among other parks, "the" Central Park in New York City. Our Central Park may not have the NYC's park's vastness, but it's still an amazing spot to visit. Central Park also has tennis courts, a spray park, playground and volleyball. Come and enjoy the park and the historic Old Louisville neighborhood while you're at it. read more

I grew up in Old Louisville. Back in my day... Hey! Get off my lawn! Ahem, anyhoo. As I was saying, I grew up in Old Louisville. Back when I was a tot, this place was jam packed with kids and families all summer long. The water sprinkler washed away the grime from the playground and brought us back from the brink of sunstroke. The picnic tables were laden with the bounty of summer. Kool-Aid and bologna sandwiches. Hot dogs and potato salad. Every once in a while, there'd be some kid having a birthday party and every kid who happened to be at the park that day was invited. The swing sets were in constant motion. And, inevitably, some budding asshole would send the swing flying, wrapping the chain around the top horizontal pole, leaving it up there to mock the tiniest of us with inaccessibility. I got my hair caught in the chain of one of those swings once and was stuck there until my grandfather cut it off with his pocket knife. There used to be an ice cream truck that circled the block several times a day so you could get a Push-Pop for lunch and a Bomb Pop for supper. No need to worry about how sticky you got. Just go stand under the sprinkler again. The tennis courts became really popular in the mid-80's and seem to have maintained their status. It seemed like every Heather and Brad in the Louisville metro area wanted a turn on the courts. I tried it once. I sucked at it and went back to the sprinkler. The grass was always peppered with teenage girls in bikinis, slathered with Hawaiian Tropic, stinking up the place with the scent of coconut. They'd put down a blanket in the grass and snipe at the little kids who trampled them in their games of tag. Of course, where there are teenage girls, there are teenage boys, huddled together under a tree, smoking cigarettes and pretending to not notice the teenage girls. As I got older and the swings and sprinklers became less appealing, I found myself sitting under a tree with a book more often than not. Somehow, surrounded by people, I could find a patch of grass that made me feel like I was the only person for miles. Just me, the book, and the twitter of birds. I used to love that time right as dusk slipped into night and the fireflies would dance in the air. The first year that I stayed to watch Shakespeare in the Park, I was hooked. I don't remember which play it was or who was in it or even how old I was. But, I can still remember what the air smelled like and those fireflies hovering around the stage, twinkling. I don't get back as often as I would like. We've gone for the Monday Night Movie and the special showing of The Rocky Horror Picture show. The crowd was dense and rowdy and the show was campy and less than professional. I had a great time. I've noticed, however, as we drive by these days, that there are fewer people in the park than there used to be. That's a shame. If you live in the area, take a walk over and just sit under a tree for a while. I highly recommend doing it just as the dusk slips into night. read more

Olmsted magic strikes again, this time as an oasis of green in the heart of Old Louisville. I rediscovered this park recently, after last going to the park itself for Shakespeare about 20 years ago. A friend and I wanted to meet for lunch near where they work downtown and I blurted out that we should meet at Central Park. "Um, where's that?" they asked me. Very close to their office, it turned out, so Central Park for lunch it was. The day we visited was humid and warm, and the overgrown trees in the space reminded me of the Spanish Moss that hangs from trees in the square parks of Savannah, GA. There were plenty of benches for sharing lunch, and after we ate we strolled around to see what all the park had to offer. In one city block, there is quite a bit squeezed in. The ampitheater for Shakespeare in the park, several (very nice!) tennis courts, updated playground equipment and a spray fountain for kids to run in, which wasn't on the day we visited. My favorite feature was a green tunnel adjacent to the historical building, with vines creeping up either side to form a canopy at the top, a perfect way to stay cool in the summer and still incorporate the outdoors. St. James Court is visible just to the south, and even in the daylight the old gaslights flickered, adding to the nostalgic allure of the neighborhood. With the old Victorian mansions that still surround the park, I could just imagine how people used to stroll through the same Olmsted-designed walking paths a century before with their top hats and parasols. This neighborhood will take you back to a bygone era, but will also make sure you're back in time to clock in after lunch. read more

A beautiful park in the middle of an urban oasis. Located in the middle of Old Louisville's Victorian home district you'll find plenty of unique places to stay and beautiful homes to admire. Take a stroll through the park for some extra exercise and have a chat with many of the good people that call the neighborhood home. This path also offers many events at its amphitheater venue during the spring and summer. read more

We saw a free ballet here over the summer and were very impressed. Great theater for an outdoor park! It was extremely clean and the seats were great. I know they have the Shakespeare Event Evey summer and I highly recommend coming next year. They always have great food trucks and they have some walking trails you could explore before the shows. read more

A gorgeous park in Downtown Louisville. Parking was a bit hard to come by, but, it wasn't too bad. We went for a performance of the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival so we were there in the evening. It seemed pretty safe there, even in the evening and later at night (to be fair we were in a bit of a crowd as we departed). Folks were out walking dogs and playing light up frisbee until well after dark. But, the park is pretty dark in some parts, so, be mindful at night. All in all seemed a nice place for a dog walk or a picnic! read more

One of the things that most governed my decision to live in Old Louisville was walking with my friend last June through Central Park. I was in town looking for apartments, and she lives on St. James/Belgravia, and one of the first nights I was in town, we went for a walk around the park. As we neared the wooden stage, we saw that Kentucky Shakespeare was doing a dress rehearsal for A Midsummer Night's Dream. Several other people had stopped, rapt at the performance, and we stood there for several minutes watching. There was a lovely breeze, it was almost dusk, and I was completely overwhelmed by the beauty of this place. After spending two years in, essentially, a cultural desert, I knew that this was the place I wanted to be. Since then, I've taken many a walk through Central Park. The vine-covered pergola is absolutely my favorite spot in Louisville. Every time I walk there, I stop and look up at the lovely circular tangle of leaves and how the shades of green vary with the density and light passing through. With its towering trees, birds, and squirrels, this place, to me, is just enough nature to allow me happiness living in the city. read more

I love coming to Central Park. I frequent it mostly in the mornings before I head to work or in the afternoon right after work. Its inly a couple blocks from my house so it's ideal for me. If you have to drive to it, it's probably not worth coming to just to walk around; there are other much larger parks in town that would be worth a drive to. Shakespeare in the park is a must! It's free but they charge for refreshments. I wouldn't come in when it's dark, it's not the safest area. The park also features a police station, visiter center, play ground, and water fountain for kids in the summer to play in. The bathrooms are kind of gross so I would avoid them if you can. read more

Central Park - Wednesday morning at the park - Parks Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Went here with my daughter to watch Shakespeare in the park, the show was great and the experience was great. It's a beautiful park. I would give it five stars except I didn't feel safe in the park when walking to and from my car. There are so many homeless people and they are very aggressive. Having my daughter and dog I didn't just feel uncomfortable but actually unsafe. I wouldn't go back unless it was in daylight and I was with several other people. read more

Central Park is a quite quaint park. One of Louisville's flagship parks, as tis centrally located (aptly named), and hosts the annual Shakespeare in the Park (which is like a silver bow, by the way). But the best thing about Central Park - the tennis courts. The tennis courts art the farest in the city, in mine opinion. Those gents has't 6 courts that art hath kept up very well. If 't be true thou art a fan of playing tennis, then I suggest going to Central Park. If 't be true thee art wanting a park for jogging and playing, thither art better parks in the city, but Central is forsooth a worthy option. read more

Central Park to me is somewhere in between lovely and scary. I enjoy being in Old Louisville and looking at the huge trees, the historic homes and the brick side walks. However, sometimes I feel less than safe. I run almost every day on my lunch hour and many days I run from 4th street to Central Park and all around Old Louisville toward U of L. It can be very peaceful in Central Park or it can be a little shady- and I don't mean the trees. On the upside- I do run faster when I feel there are "interesting" people around me. There has been quite a bit of litter lately too which makes the smell in the park less than appealing. That also makes me run faster. I do enjoy the events held in Central Park though. Shakespeare in the Park is such a fun experience - and it's free. read more

I love Central Park; it's my little slice of Old Louisville heaven. I used to drive to this park on the weekends to jog, then I moved... Now I can see it from my kitchen. I love that this park isn't as congested as our bigger parks. Also, it has Shakespeare in the Park in the summer, & every fall we have the pleasure of attending the St. James Art Show held primarily in St. James Ct. & the park. How lovely. :) Now, if we could just keep the litterbugs out, that'd be great... read more

Central Park, the lone, forgotten, step-sister of Cherokee and Seneca. I love this park. I love that it is is small (0.7 mile perimeter). I love the (6) tennis courts, with all the regulars. I love the hundreds of squirrels that have made this park their home. I love all the dog walkers and their matching owners. I love that actors practice into the wee hours of the morning before performing Shakespeare. I love the random jazz concerts at the Central Park stage and the food trucks to feed the peoples. I love it all*. It may not be THE Central Park, but it is our Central Park. *Since nothing is perfect, I should note that I do not love that the police station is not always terribly helpful. And I do not love that mosquitoes are especially bad during the bewitching hours. read more

This park used to not be that great of a park, but it has come a long way. They have cleaned up the entire thing, put in brand-new tennis courts, and there is a police station in the middle of the park to keep out the riffraff. Shakespeare in the Park is one of the coolest free events in Louisville. Old Louisville residents are extremely lucky to have an Olmsted Park as nice as this one within walking distance. read more

This park is a hidden gem! "Centrally" located in the heart of Old Louisville adds to the uniqueness of the park. An outdoor amphitheater sits in the center of the park and so far this summer there have been plays every night with a large audience! I play tennis on one of the 6 courts about 4 times a week. A perfect place to walk the dog or just relax and take in the day. Decently populated but still an easy, laid back, quiet vibe. This is one of my favorite parks in Louisville! read more

All around a very pretty park. Centrally located (I see what you did there, park naming committee), there lots of green, places to play some sports, like tennis, space to run play around in the green park-i-ness, a water fixture that is nice on a hot day, and indoor flush toilets (that I believe are getting redone soon). Also this is where Shakespeare in the Park is. which has a wonderful set up and a bar. Reminds me of the parks I played in as a kid in Wisconsin. read more

I moved to Louisville from NYC so it was fun to tell all my friends I lived on Park Avenue right across the street from Central Park. And unless it's St. James Art Fair time I love it. It's quite small, but very nice for what it is: an urban neighborhood park. There are tennis courts, a jungle gym, a spray pad, a vine covered pergola walkway flanked by regal lions, some very cool trees, and a performance stage with a tiered audience space. There is also a police sub-station, which isn't nearly the eyesore you'd imagine and I find it a reassuring presence. I was always happy to have it, but recently I took on a foster puppy and now that I'm walking him through it every day I realize what a gem it really is. read more

Really nice park. Good for walking with your legs. My girlfriend got scared of a fan in the bathroom though.