From our Mayor to you . . .

Dear Louisville,

The Belvedere has been a cornerstone of downtown Louisville for over 50 years. However, decades of deferred maintenance have taken a toll, and it is in serious need of a major restoration. Now, as we do the work to make it safe for generations to come, we also have the opportunity to make it something so much more than it is currently. 

When we first approached this project, we knew we wanted to create an iconic, world-class public space in the heart of our city right on the river. A destination that draws people in year-round for concerts, festivals, and events. We also imagined it to be a place for a weekday lunch break, a daily walk or a spot for respite between downtown's world-class attractions. The reimagined Belvedere will be a place that belongs to every Louisvillian and the symbol of a new direction for our city.

To make this vision a reality, we have assembled a fantastic team. Layla George is leading the project as our executive on the ground, working alongside Heatherwick Studio, the internationally acclaimed design firm, KNBA Architects, which has been involved in some of Louisville’s iconic projects, and other talented individuals. 

During my administration, our Parks & Recreation operating budget has increased by 25 percent, and with last week's budget passing, we're now exceeding $100 million in capital investments in our parks. This includes $10 million towards repairing the garage beneath the Belvedere. When we invest in our outdoor spaces, we invest in the health and connectivity of our entire community. I'm truly grateful for the progress we've made building spaces that are safe, fun, and welcoming for everyone.

The new Belvedere will showcase Louisville at its finest. To get there, we still need to hear from you. Please visit the Belvedere's website to share your ideas and take the community survey to share what features, amenities, and activities you'd like to see.

Together, we're going to make the new Belvedere something that will draw people from across our community, across the country and around the world. The new Belvedere is something Louisville will be proud of for generations to come.

Mayor Craig Greenberg

Project Update

Louisville Metro Council recently approved Louisville’s annual budget which includes $10 million for repairs to the garage and the reimagination of the Belvedere. With much of the public funding in place, we are on track to begin work this fall, starting in the garage.

We're wrapping up the design development phase, working alongside Heatherwick Studio, KNBA Architects, and Louisville Metro Government to take this project from vision to a real, buildable plan. The final design reveal is currently on track for August 2026 - stay tuned for a public event where you can speak to the designers and learn more.

Honoring the Artist Behind York

Louisville sculptor Ed Hamilton, whose iconic statue of York stands at the Belvedere, was recently awarded the Key to the City by Mayor Greenberg. The honor was presented during a Juneteenth celebration at George Rogers Clark Park, recognizing Hamilton's decades of work preserving history and uplifting African American culture through public art.

Almost everything at the Belvedere will change with the new design, but rest assured, York will remain.

If you missed this event, Louisville Public Media has produced a great special on the event.

Reflections on the recent travel

Last month, I had the privilege of attending City Parks Alliance Greater & Greener conference in Austin, Texas. I was proud to be one of well over a dozen Louisvillians in attendance, showing the rest of the country that we have great parks and strong partners here.

I organized a panel discussion exploring what makes urban civic parks vibrant and successful and was joined by the founding president of Klyde Warren Park in Dallas and the president of Discovery Green Park in Houston. Both of those urban civic spaces are constantly busy with a wide variety of events and activities that faithfully represent their communities. They are diligent in keeping their parks safe and clean and as a result, the community comes out.

Just last week, I was in Detroit for the Project for Public Spaces Placemaking Conference. This was a great opportunity to meet people from around the country and hear the unique and creative ways they are programming their public spaces. I learned about the Big Art Loop in San Francisco where they took an existing multimodal path and have installed over 40 pieces of public art along the walk – art that was all in storage! They have seen huge increases in the number of people walking and biking along the path just to see the art. It made me wonder, what does Louisville have in storage right now and where could we put it?

As you travel this summer, check out the public parks and observe how people are using them. Let us know what you see and by all means, tell us if you see something worth copying!

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