Louisville Mayor Launches Outdoor Learning Program for West Louisville Children

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Children in west Louisville will have an opportunity to learn more about the great outdoors with the development of the new Shawnee Outdoor Learning Center in Shawnee Park.

Mayor Craig Greenberg, Councilwoman Donna Purvis, and state Senator Gerald Neal were on hand to reveal plans for the center, which is part of the West Louisville Outdoor Recreational Initiative and will serve as a regional hub for Louisville Park and Recreation’s ECHO (Engaging Children Outdoors) programming.

The initiative aims to reconnect children with nature and expand equitable access to nature-based recreation for Louisville children and families. The outdoor learning center will feature an outdoor classroom and space for Shawnee Park visitors, building on a temporary setup that was in place in the park in 2019.

“This exciting announcement represents a major investment in west Louisville and in the future of our young people,” Greenberg said. “This project, which had been dormant for a decade, was designed by the community, builds on our historic parks investments and will serve thousands of children throughout our entire community.”

Greenberg, Neal, and Purvis worked to secure $10 million for the project from various organizations, including Wildness Louisville, which supports Louisville Park and Recreation’s Natural Areas Division and the ECHO program.

The center is being developed within the framework of the West Louisville Outdoor Recreation Initiative, an effort administered through Louisville Parks and Recreation that focuses on expanding equitable access to nature-based recreation for Louisville children and families.

As part of the planning process, Louisville residents are invited to share their ideas for the center through an online survey open until April 3, 2026. The survey allows community members to provide input on how the park is used and ideas for programming at the center.

According to a news release, the center’s goal is to build community connections through programs, community activities, and events. We see planned as a regional center that will expand Louisville Parks and Recreation’s ECHO programming.

Greenberg emphasized that every neighborhood should have access to a park with great community spaces for children and families, calling the survey an opportunity for residents to help shape the Shawnee Outdoor Learning Center so it reflects the vision and creativity of the Shawnee community.