Louisville Unveils Bold Transformation Plan for Jefferson Memorial Forest

Proposed upgrades include canopy walks, glamping, and a destination playground to expand access and protect the natural environment.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:08pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic outdoor recreation object such as a hiking boot or camping tent repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the vibrant, pop art spirit of the proposed upgrades to Jefferson Memorial Forest.Louisville's bold plan to transform Jefferson Memorial Forest into a premier regional destination for outdoor recreation will feature new amenities like a canopy walk and glamping sites.Louisville Today

Louisville leaders have unveiled an ambitious new master plan for the Jefferson Memorial Forest, which includes a range of proposed upgrades such as a canopy walk with suspension bridges, expanded hiking and mountain bike trails, a glamping area, and a destination playground. Mayor Craig Greenberg said the project aims to expand access to recreation activities while protecting the forest's natural environment, though funding has not yet been secured.

Why it matters

As one of the largest urban forests in the United States, Jefferson Memorial Forest is a beloved natural resource for the Louisville community. The proposed renovations are intended to draw more visitors from across the city and region while preserving the forest's ecological integrity, addressing long-standing issues like illegal dumping, and enhancing recreational opportunities.

The details

The master plan calls for the construction of a canopy walk with suspension bridges, expanded hiking and mountain bike trails, a glamping area, and a destination playground. The project will also address the Gully of the Drums, an old illegal dumping site dating back to the 1960s, with cleanup efforts expected to begin later this summer. While funding has not yet been secured, Mayor Greenberg plans to request more than $60 million from the Metro Council in the upcoming budget, in addition to a $107,000 contract already in place for design and oversight work.

  • The master plan was unveiled in April 2026.
  • Cleanup efforts in the Gully of the Drums are expected to begin later this summer and continue into the fall.
  • Construction on the new features is unclear, but Mayor Greenberg said, "We are going to start going immediately."

The players

Craig Greenberg

The mayor of Louisville, who unveiled the new master plan for Jefferson Memorial Forest and plans to request funding from the Metro Council.

Jefferson Memorial Forest

One of the largest urban forests in the United States, located in Louisville, Kentucky, and a beloved natural resource for the local community.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This master plan gives us a clear path forward for Jefferson Memorial Forest. These plans and investments will expand access to amazing recreation activities while protecting the natural environment that makes the forest such a special part of our community.”

— Craig Greenberg, Mayor of Louisville

What’s next

Mayor Greenberg plans to request more than $60 million in funding from the Metro Council in the upcoming budget to support the proposed renovations for Jefferson Memorial Forest.

The takeaway

The ambitious transformation plan for Jefferson Memorial Forest aims to balance increased public access and recreational opportunities with the preservation of the forest's natural environment, demonstrating Louisville's commitment to protecting and enhancing this beloved urban green space.