By Kevin E. Fields, Sr.
Standing amidst the energy and excitement of the December 17th groundbreaking ceremony for New Walnut Park, I was overwhelmed by the pride and promise this project holds for the Russell neighborhood. This wasn’t just a groundbreaking; it was a moment of celebration, unity, and hope—a day that will be remembered as the beginning of a new chapter for our community.
The ceremony was a grand affair, featuring a powerful parade performance by the Louisville Central High School marching band, whose rhythms brought an infectious joy to the crowd. The national champion 10th Street Cardinals little league football team made a triumphant entrance, fresh off their road trip to Dallas, Texas, proudly displaying their championship trophy and rings. Their presence embodied the success and potential that New Walnut Park aims to inspire in every child who steps onto its fields.
Distinguished speakers graced the event, each contributing to the narrative of progress and collaboration. Kentucky Senator Gerald Neal (KY-33) shared his testimony for why this moment meant so much to him, personally. “You guy are called the 10th Street Cardinals?”, Neal asked (speaking directly to the youth football team). “Well, I was born in Beecher Terrace, and was actually born on 10th Street. So, it means a lot to me to see what you have accomplished.”
Mayor Craig Greenberg spoke passionately about revitalizing Russell as a model of inclusive growth, while emphasizing the significance of our City having support from the Bengals. Elizabeth Strojan, Executive Director of the Louisville Metro Housing Authority, highlighted the transformative power of community partnerships. Representatives from the Cincinnati Bengals and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development underscored the national significance of this project, emphasizing how investments in recreation and community spaces can drive change.
As I stood before the crowd as a community leader and welcoming host of the groundbreaking ceremony, I reflected on what this moment means for me personally and professionally. “New Walnut Park is more than a park,” I said. “It’s a beacon of opportunity, a space where our children will dream big and achieve even bigger. For me, this project is a full-circle moment, transforming a former industrial site, which was one of the playgrounds of my childhood into a world-class facility for future generations.”
This project is deeply personal. Growing up in Beecher Terrace on 13th Street, just across from the old Porter Paint factory (which will soon become New Walnut Part), my friends and I found joy and freedom in the large grass lawn areas and paved lots. These spaces were our unregulated play areas – our football fields, our extreme park for dare devil bike riding, and our community gathering spots. Today, New Walnut Park reclaims that spirit of play, creating a space that is not just functional but transformative.
The park’s modern amenities—including a splash park, playground, tennis and pickleball courts, and a multi-sport synthetic turf field funded by the Cincinnati Bengals and NFL Foundation Grassroots Program—will become cornerstones of community life. Most exciting is the regulation-sized football field, which paves the way for the re-emergence of little league football in Russell.
As a former little league coach and proud dad, I know how youth sports can change lives. Sports teach discipline, teamwork, and confidence while building lasting community connections. That’s why LCCC is honored to co-host the return of the 10th Street Cardinals program and look forward to being one of the program’s top sponsors. This initiative will not only revive a cherished Russell neighborhood legacy but will also provide current and future generations of children with even greater opportunities to grow and thrive.
Professionally, New Walnut Park aligns perfectly with LCCC’s mission and vision for the Muhammad Ali Boulevard Arts and Culture District master plan. Located just steps from our soon-to-open Grand Lyric Theater, the park will be a vital component of a dynamic corridor that integrates arts, culture, recreation, and economic development. Together, these projects represent a unified strategy to uplift families, inspire creativity, and drive prosperity in the Russell neighborhood.
I am profoundly grateful to the partners who made this vision a reality. From the leadership of Mayor Greenberg and Elizabeth Strojan to the support of the Cincinnati Bengals, Louisville Metro Parks, LISC Louisville, OCIC, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, this project exemplifies the power of collaboration.
The groundbreaking ceremony was more than a celebration of what’s to come; it was a testament to the resilience, creativity, and strength of our community. New Walnut Park is not just a space; it’s a legacy, a promise, and a catalyst for transformation.
For me, for LCCC, and for the families and children of Russell, this is a dream realized. And as the sounds of the Central High marching band faded and the crowd dispersed, one thing was clear: this is just the beginning.
Together, we are building something extraordinary—a stronger, more vibrant community where dreams take root and thrive.
This is New Walnut Park. This is our legacy. And we are just getting started.