Back in November of last year, Alberta O. Jones Park celebrated its first birthday with music, treats and community. This milestone marked a year of promoting connection and joy in Louisville’s West End, providing a space where neighbors could gather, children could play and Alberta Odell Jones’ legacy of trailblazing advocacy could inspire a new generation.
Since its opening on Nov. 18, 2023, the park has become a vital space for the community, hosting events, providing recreational opportunities and serving as a gathering space for residents of all ages. With amenities like a music-themed playground, walking paths, fitness stations and an outdoor performance pavilion, it has welcomed everything from family movie nights and youth summer programming to cultural celebrations and grassroots initiatives, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of the West End’s revitalization efforts.
Beyond its amenities, the park represents a broader push for equitable investment in historically underserved neighborhoods. Named after Alberta Odell Jones, a pioneering civil rights attorney, it stands as a tribute to her legacy and the progress made in expanding public spaces. As the park continues through its second year, community leaders and residents alike are looking ahead, eager to build on its success and ensure it remains a thriving space for future generations.
In the near future, the Parks Alliance of Louisville, in partnership with Smoketown residents, Louisville Parks and Recreation and Councilman Jecorey Arthur, plans to reimagine Ballard Park. The Smoketown park has not seen any capital investment in over twenty years, but the non-profit is giving it a much-needed $1.3 million makeover.
The redesigned park will feature a colorful basketball court, a playground with swings, slides, and natural play equipment, and a new picnic pavilion for community gatherings. A butterfly garden will provide a quiet, green space, while a dedicated fitness area will offer opportunities for exercise and wellness. The designs stem from a collaboration between the Parks Alliance and the Smoketown Anti-Violence Coalition, which was formed in 2021 in response to the murder of DaJuan Coward in Ballard Park. A groundbreaking ceremony to set off the project is scheduled for Saturday, March 22, at 1 pm.
Last July, the Parks Alliance of Louisville celebrated the second annual Alberta O. Jones Park Day, bringing together residents for a day of live music, food and family-friendly activities. Redline Performing Arts and Actors Theatre hosted a free performance of the play “Who Killed Alberta Jones?” by Larry Muhammad at the park’s outdoor performance pavilion.
Just a few months later in Sept. 2024, the park hosted their “Step into a Healthy School Year” event. Sponsored by New Balance and The Jack Harlow Foundation, this event provided a free pair of New Balance shoes to students from three local West End schools, ensuring they started the school year on the right foot – both literally and figuratively.
Beyond the shoe giveaway, the event featured a variety of interactive activities and educational resources focused on health, wellness and reducing carbon footprint. Families and students explored ways to stay active, care for their environment and support their community, reinforcing the park’s mission to be more than just a green space, but a place where opportunity and access go hand in hand. With music, play, and a shared sense of excitement for the school year ahead, the event embodied the spirit of Alberta O. Jones Park as a gathering place for connection and growth.
Since its opening, Alberta O. Jones Park has become more than just a recreational space – it has grown into a community cornerstone, bringing residents together for celebration, reflection, and connection. Over the past year, it has hosted events that uplift local culture, support youth and provide resources that extend beyond its green spaces. The park’s impact extends beyond its events, shaping the daily lives of those who visit. Whether through children playing on the playground, walkers taking advantage of the paths, or families enjoying an afternoon in the fresh air, Alberta O. Jones Park has become a place of belonging and opportunity. Its presence in the West End represents not only an investment in public space but also in the people who call this neighborhood home.
As the park continues its second year, excitement continues to build for what’s ahead. With ongoing support from the community and organizations dedicated to its success, Alberta O. Jones Park is poised to remain a vibrant, welcoming space for years to come – one that honors the legacy of its namesake while providing a foundation for the future.
