Rejuvenating Neighborhoods and Communities Through Parks—A Guide To Success www.NRPA.org National Recreation and Park Association © 2011 All Rights Reserved 45 Eight Years, One Step at a Time – Louisville, Kentucky The 27-acre Petersburg Park was in an excellent location: close to the Newburg Community Center, an elementary school, a library, and a number of neighborhoods However, T-ball and softball were the only available activities for residents at the local park In 2002, Dr Barbara Shanklin was elected to serve on the Louisville Metro Council Her election and her ensuing outreach to neighbors and community groups launched an effort that has resulted in a truly renovated park and revitalized neighborhood The significant additions and renovations to the park did not occur overnight, but today, these Petersburg Park amenities attract more participants from throughout the community The eight-year process for the park unfolded as follows • The first addition to the park was a performance stage The concerts and events that followed were the basis for renewed involvement and participation in that park • Other amenities and opportunities followed, including soccer fields, playground equipment, picnic tables and a picnic shelter, basketball courts, and a walking path • City-owned property adjacent to the park had been allowed to deteriorate High grass disguised garbage and discarded tires The transfer of this property for use as parkland renewed community pride and expanded the perception of safety • Twelve tennis courts at this new location replaced four overused courts, with two bonuses The changes in the configuration of the tennis courts freed up the space previously taken by the original tennis courts so that multipurpose athletic and physical activity spaces could be created The increased usage of the tennis courts in the park by residents living throughout the community fostered greater contact between various social and ethnic groups in the city || PETERSBURG PARKAFTER
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