Joe Creason Park’s Pickleball Center: Josie Raymond, the Metro Council member representing District 10, has called for developers to find a different location for a $65 million tennis and pickleball center planned at Joe Creason Park. Raymond made this request following a community meeting that attracted over 700 people.
Raymond issued a statement on Thursday opposing the project. She expressed her concerns after an open house on Tuesday, where attendees waited in line without hearing a presentation.
“After Tuesday’s meeting, where more than 700 people waited in line to not hear a presentation, it is clear to me that Joe Creason Park is not the place.” – (Raymond)
Calls for Public Input and Environmental Study
Raymond also urged the development team behind the Kentucky Tennis & Pickleball Center Inc. to provide more opportunities for public involvement. She called for a presentation at the next community meeting, which will be held on Saturday at St. Xavier High School. The meeting will allow people to ask questions and share their opinions.
Additionally, Raymond requested that the developers conduct an environmental impact study for the project, particularly concerning the nearby Louisville Nature Center, which maintains a state nature preserve. She also called for an independent traffic study to assess the potential effects on local traffic.
In response, the development team stated, “Councilmember Raymond’s statement contains a number of different suggestions, all of which are being or have been previously considered by Kentucky Tennis & Pickleball Center, Inc.” They noted that the independent traffic study had already been posted online and was shared with news outlets, including WDRB.
“For instance, we responded to requests at our Tuesday night meeting by posting the full independent peer-reviewed traffic study on our website. That study had already been provided to WDRB and several other reporters. We have been and will continue to be responsive to neighborhood opinion, which is why we are holding these community meetings.” – (development team)
Project’s Support and Criticism
The project has the backing of Mayor Craig Greenberg, who signed a letter of intent with the developers in March. This agreement could lead to a 25-year lease of 25 acres at Joe Creason Park and a $20 million city investment. Mayor Greenberg has emphasized the economic benefits the project could bring, saying it would boost tourism and help nearby businesses.
“the development would be a huge boost for our tourism economy, for economic development and for independent businesses that are located nearby Joe Creason Park.” – (Greenberg)
However, some residents and critics have voiced opposition, claiming the development is not suited for a public park. They argue that the planning process has lacked transparency, especially regarding decisions about public land.
The final approval for the project would require Metro Council’s approval of the lease and the city’s financial contribution through a municipal bond.
News in Brief: Joe Creason Park’s Pickleball Center
Josie Raymond, Metro Council member for District 10, opposes the $65 million tennis and pickleball center planned at Joe Creason Park. She calls for a new location and further public input. The project has the support of Mayor Craig Greenberg but faces criticism from residents.
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