To re-open or not to re-open, that is the decision Louisville Parks and Recreation will have to make for parts of Cherokee and Iroquois Park.Traffic has been blocked off for the past year because of COVID-19 concerns. Chances are if you’ve visited Cherokee Park near Scenic Loop or Rundill Road at Iroquois Park, you’ve seen cars making a U-turn at the road closed signs.It’s been that way since last April to allow for social distancing. But with vaccines becoming more available and COVID-19 restrictions easing up, there’s been online debate the past few weeks as to whether the areas should remain closed or open up, and Tuesday was no different.”We’ve done a lot of online engagement and we know a lot of people aren’t as technologically savvy and they might not be connected to channels like social media,” said District 8 Councilwoman Cassie Chambers Armstrong. Her district includes Cherokee Park.On Tuesday, she met with her constituents in person to discuss what they would like to see.”There will be people who don’t agree with the ultimate decision the parks department makes, I just want to make sure people feel like they were part of the process,” Chambers Armstrong said.Other council members read online Facebook comments from people voicing their opinion about Iroquois Park. People at the park say they’re split.”If it stayed closed, it would be nice not having to worry about extra traffic while walking the pup,” Gabrielle Garofalo said.”If it’s closed to vehicular traffic, then you’re just going to close off a lot of people being able to use the park,” Susan Crull said.Crull has lived in the Cherokee Triangle for more than 20 years. But with a recent back injury, the only way she can see parts of the park is by car.”We’re just concerned that if the park stays closed to vehicular traffic, not only me but a lot of people who are in similar situations to me are not going to be able to access portions of the park,” Crull told WLKY.Gabrielle Garofalo says she brings her dog here several times a week. While she prefers the roads to remain closed, she understands the other side.”Both arguments make sense. It’s been lovely to have it closed and it makes sense for COVID but things are starting to re-open,” Garofalo said.As temperatures are getting warmer, Louisville Parks and Recreation wants to make a decision soon. It’s one many will be keeping a close eye on.No decision date has been announced. Click this link for more details. You can also email [email protected].
To re-open or not to re-open, that is the decision Louisville Parks and Recreation will have to make for parts of Cherokee and Iroquois Park.
Traffic has been blocked off for the past year because of COVID-19 concerns. Chances are if you’ve visited Cherokee Park near Scenic Loop or Rundill Road at Iroquois Park, you’ve seen cars making a U-turn at the road closed signs.
It’s been that way since last April to allow for social distancing. But with vaccines becoming more available and COVID-19 restrictions easing up, there’s been online debate the past few weeks as to whether the areas should remain closed or open up, and Tuesday was no different.
“We’ve done a lot of online engagement and we know a lot of people aren’t as technologically savvy and they might not be connected to channels like social media,” said District 8 Councilwoman Cassie Chambers Armstrong. Her district includes Cherokee Park.
On Tuesday, she met with her constituents in person to discuss what they would like to see.
“There will be people who don’t agree with the ultimate decision the parks department makes, I just want to make sure people feel like they were part of the process,” Chambers Armstrong said.
Other council members read online Facebook comments from people voicing their opinion about Iroquois Park. People at the park say they’re split.
“If it stayed closed, it would be nice not having to worry about extra traffic while walking the pup,” Gabrielle Garofalo said.
“If it’s closed to vehicular traffic, then you’re just going to close off a lot of people being able to use the park,” Susan Crull said.
Crull has lived in the Cherokee Triangle for more than 20 years. But with a recent back injury, the only way she can see parts of the park is by car.
“We’re just concerned that if the park stays closed to vehicular traffic, not only me but a lot of people who are in similar situations to me are not going to be able to access portions of the park,” Crull told WLKY.
Gabrielle Garofalo says she brings her dog here several times a week. While she prefers the roads to remain closed, she understands the other side.
“Both arguments make sense. It’s been lovely to have it closed and it makes sense for COVID but things are starting to re-open,” Garofalo said.
As temperatures are getting warmer, Louisville Parks and Recreation wants to make a decision soon. It’s one many will be keeping a close eye on.
No decision date has been announced.
Click this link for more details. You can also email [email protected].
