Louisville, KY – A proposed $65 million tennis and pickleball center at Joe Creason Park is sparking controversy, with local councilmember Josie Raymond calling for the development to be relocated. The project, which aims to build multiple courts and other amenities on city-owned land near the Louisville Zoo, has become a point of contention in the community.
Raymond, who represents the 10th district, issued a statement on Thursday urging developers to reconsider the location. Her stance comes just two days after a developer-led open house about the project, where over 700 people attended but were frustrated by the lack of opportunity for public feedback. Raymond voiced her concerns at the meeting, stating, “After Tuesday’s meeting, where more than 700 people waited in line to not hear a presentation, it is clear to me that Joe Creason Park is not the place.”
The development, backed by the Kentucky Tennis & Pickleball Center Inc., is designed to bring a state-of-the-art facility to the area, featuring dozens of courts and related amenities. However, the proposal has faced significant opposition from some local residents and environmental advocates who argue that the project could negatively affect the nearby Louisville Nature Center and the state nature preserve, which are located in close proximity.
In response to the growing criticism, Raymond has called on the developers to conduct a formal presentation at their next community meeting, scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Xavier High School. She also requested that the group provide an independent environmental impact study and a traffic analysis to better assess the potential effects on the area.
While Raymond has voiced strong opposition to the plan, the developers have remained steadfast in their commitment to the project. A spokesperson for the Kentucky Tennis & Pickleball Center responded to Raymond’s concerns, stating that several suggestions from the community, including the posting of an independent traffic study, had already been addressed. The spokesperson emphasized that the development team is committed to continued engagement with local residents and will hold additional meetings to allow for public input.
The project has garnered support from Mayor Craig Greenberg, who signed a letter of intent with the developers in March. The agreement, which sets the stage for future negotiations, would grant the developers a long-term lease for 25 of the park’s 62 acres and include a $20 million investment from the city. Greenberg reiterated his support for the project this week, arguing that it would provide a significant boost to Louisville’s tourism economy and support local businesses in the surrounding area.
However, critics, including some neighbors, argue that the development is inappropriate for a public park and that the process has lacked transparency. Questions about the future of public land and the lack of community consultation have further fueled the controversy.
Under the terms of the letter of intent, Metro Council must approve any final lease agreement and the proposed city funding, which would come from a municipal bond. This means that despite the ongoing debate, the ultimate decision on the project lies with the Metro Council, which will likely be under pressure to balance community concerns with the potential economic benefits of the development.
As the discussion continues, it remains unclear whether the tennis and pickleball center will move forward at Joe Creason Park or if a new location will be sought. For now, the debate is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, with the next community meeting set for Saturday morning offering another opportunity for the public to voice their opinions.
