On January 1, 2009, Otter Creek Park will close to the public as part of a larger cost-saving effort on the part of Louisville Metro Government. Here are answers to some questions we anticipate park users may have.
Will I be able to enter Otter Creek Park after January 1?
No, the main park road will be closed, and the general public will not be able to access Otter Creek Park. Metro Parks will not be able to consider individual requests for access to the property. Metro Parks will coordinate with local law enforcement to assist with monitoring the property.
I have an upcoming rental or event. Will it be honored?
Metro Parks will honor previously-booked weddings and other events at the Conference Center only, through June 30, 2009. However, only the Conference Center will be open, and the rest of the property will not be maintained at the level of public parkland. No new bookings will be accepted. Any Conference Center events scheduled after June 30 will be cancelled and a refund will be issued.
Rentals of all other facilities scheduled to occur after the property closes on January 1 – including cabins, picnic pavilions, and teambuilding facilities – will be cancelled and refunded.
What has become of the Jefferson Community College Observatory?
The observatory has been permanently closed to the public, and will only be open for research, classes and other college business.
However, the Louisville Astronomical Society has opened up a new Observatory, complete with scheduled public programs, at a site in Harrison County, Ind., near the town of Elizabeth. JCC will be fully supporting the observatory in much the same way it did with the one at Otter Creek.
Click here to learn more about the site.
My booking has been cancelled. Can you accommodate me elsewhere?
If your event will not take place at Otter Creek Park, Metro Parks can help you find another venue. Consider these alternatives:
- Wedding or other Conference Center event – Locust Grove or Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing
- Primitive Camping
– Jefferson Memorial Forest; permit required (Metro Parks does not have cabins or venues for RV-style camping)
- School field trip – Jefferson Memorial Forest, which has a Nature Center and nature education programs
- Teambuilding and other organizational training – Jefferson Memorial Forest
- Picnic Pavilion for family reunions, etc – Metro Parks has a variety of picnic shelters and lodges; call 502/636-5181 or visit www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroParks for details
A family member/loved one is buried in an onsite cemetery. How do I visit?
The cemetery located in the Garnettsville area is not located on Otter Creek Park property. Visiting the gravesites within the park is by appointment only. Click here to e-mail Metro Parks, or call 502/456-8100 to set up an appointment.
Where else can I go to…
Go hiking -
Jefferson Memorial Forest
Ride a mountain bike – Cherokee Park or Waverly Park (plans are also underway to introduce mountain biking at Jefferson Memorial Forest in the future)
Ride a horse – Jefferson Memorial Forest, McNeely Lake Park, Iroquois Park, Long Run Park
Play disc golf – Iroquois Park or Charlie Vettiner Park
Visit a nature center – Jefferson Memorial Forest
Learn about astronomy – Louisville Astronomical Society (www.louisville-astro.org)
What about Camp Piomingo and Twin Ridges?
The property’s two privately-operated camp facilities – the YMCA’s Camp Piomingo and the Girl Scouts’ Camp Twin Ridges – will continue to operate according to the terms of their contracts with the city. Metro Parks will work with the YMCA to allow that program’s registered participants to access the property. The Twin Ridges facility is accessible via an external road.
Who do I contact with questions about Otter Creek Park after January 1, 2009?
Until January 1, questions about previously-booked events and refunds may be directed to Otter Creek Park at 502/574-4583. After January 1, contact Metro Parks at 502/456-8100 or by e-mail.