PARK PLEASURE
ST. MATTHEWS PARKS HAVE PLENTY TO OFFER ALL AGES The park also serves as the venue for annual St. Matthews events. In the fall, parents and children come from all over to enjoy “The newly renovated Brown Park has The City of Louisville has had a long Halloween at Brown Park, sponsored by been such a treat for our family,” says St. tradition of parks. Residents for many years Matthews-based mom Katty Middleton. the Chamber. Chamber members will line have been proud of how city planners have the walking path, with goodies for the kids. “We have met new families to play with made room, even in prime real estate areas, while there. It gives us a great, fun activity to About one month later, people come to for public green spaces like Seneca and Brown Park for Light Up St. Matthews. The do with the kids that is cost-free.” Cherokee parks. As St. Matthews has grown, park is filled with Christmas lights that are it has fostered that love of parks and has The meandering walking paths make Brown lit throughout the Christmas season. developed its own park system, consisting Park unique. Within walking distance from of four distinctive parks that combine for Not far from Brown Park, on the other side hospitals, shopping centers, apartments more than 100 acres. While each has unique and traffic from busy roads, one can walk of Cypress Pointe Apartments, is Arthur features, they all share paths for walking. K. Draut Park, named for the former St. through wooded areas with algae-covered Matthews mayor and longtime principal of stone figures and forget that they are in a The most well-known park is Brown Park. Waggener High School. Originally it was city. The winding creek also has a thriving Centrally located at the corner of Browns slated to be an area on Bowling Boulevard population of ducks, geese and even an Lane, Hubbard Lane and Bowling Boulevard, occasional white crane. for water retention during heavy rains after residents from three large apartment Shelbyville Road became more developed. complexes can access it easily, as well as City leaders at the time decided that the 24History buffs can visit (but not enter) employees and visitors from Baptist Health. plus acres of land could be used as a park. The the Brown Cemetery located at the park. James Brown first owned the 500 acres that park harbors wildlife that favors wetland areas While 28 acres may seem small for a park in including cattails and other water grasses. make up much of what people know as St. Jefferson County, Brown Park has multiple Matthews, and his son, Theodore Brown, walking paths, ducks and geese in Beargrass “I have seen many different birds that I built the historical house now known as Creek, a shelter that’s popular for birthday don’t otherwise see in the area,” says Amber the Inn at Woodhaven. Both James and parties, as well as plenty of open space for Theodore, as well as other family members, Nicole Keown, who currently lives within privacy - and the park continues to grow. In walking distance of the park. Keown even are buried in the cemetery. May of 2019, park leaders finished renovations visited the park when she previously lived in of an enhanced play area, along with Writer / Fred White Photography Provided
permanent restrooms and water fountains.
6 / ST. MATTHEWS MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2021 / TownePost.com
