LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A proposal for a $65 million tennis and pickleball complex at Joe Creason Park has sparked strong opposition from local residents, who voiced their concerns at a packed public meeting on Tuesday evening. The meeting, held at the Cyril Allgeier Community Center, provided the first opportunity for citizens to learn about the project and ask questions. Hundreds attended, with many expressing their discontent with the plan, which would significantly alter the public park.
The proposal, spearheaded by the Kentucky Tennis & Pickleball Center Inc., outlines the construction of 36 tennis courts, 18 pickleball courts, a restaurant, and additional facilities, including a health club and sports medicine clinic. Developers have stated that the project aims to make racquet sports more accessible and bring major tennis and pickleball events to Louisville.
However, the project has drawn the ire of many community members who feel that Joe Creason Park, located near the Louisville Zoo, is not the right location for such a large-scale development. Critics argue that the park’s green space should be preserved, and the proposed development would cover existing tennis courts, parking lots, and a soccer field that currently serves the public.
Signs such as “SAVE JOE CREASON” and “NATURE OVER NETS” were visible throughout the community center as crowds gathered in protest. Barbie Bruker-Corwin, a vocal opponent, expressed her concerns on a comment card, stating, “There are plenty of empty buildings around town, like the Big Lots. Build courts in those buildings. Don’t destroy our green space, and especially don’t do it behind our backs when we have no voice.”
As the meeting unfolded, attendees were able to speak with project representatives stationed at various tables discussing topics such as traffic and programming. However, Metro Council member Josie Raymond, who attended the meeting, expressed frustration with the event’s format, calling it “insulting” and “disrespectful.” Raymond said her constituents were dissatisfied with the lack of formal presentations and the limited opportunity for direct interaction with developers. “People feel really disrespected that they’re given essentially a science fair format to walk around and look at posters when they want to hear from developers the actual plan,” she said.
The controversy surrounding the project intensified when it was revealed that many details, such as the involvement of Bellarmine University and the exact funding sources, had only recently come to light through open records requests. Tony Hardin, a former Metro Council aide and vocal critic, argued that the process had not been transparent. “There are no projections. Nothing has been shared about how they will raise the money beyond $20 million from the city, and now $20 million that they stand to request from the state,” Hardin said. “That’s a lot of public money.”
In response to the concerns, Will Davis, CEO of the development group and men’s tennis coach at Bellarmine University, defended the project. He emphasized that the meeting was intended to allow residents to ask questions and learn more about the proposal. “We obviously know we can’t change everyone’s minds on things, and that’s perfectly fine,” Davis said. “But we want to answer any comments, concerns, and questions so they have a better understanding of it overall.”
Despite the developers’ attempts to address concerns, many in the crowd remained unconvinced. The proposed complex, which would take up 25 acres of the 62-acre park, represents a significant shift in how the park is used, and its future remains uncertain as the debate continues to unfold.
As the proposal moves forward, it is clear that the community’s opposition will play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome. With some calling for alternative sites for the development and others demanding more transparency from the developers, the fate of Joe Creason Park hangs in the balance.
