Louisville, Kentucky, December 23, 2025
Louisville, Kentucky is developing Bike Highland Park, an innovative mountain bike skills course beneath the I-264 overpass. Designed for all skill levels, the project will transform an underutilized space into a vibrant recreational destination, promoting community engagement and tourism. Local feedback influenced the design, and funding has been secured to move forward with construction. The park aims to enhance outdoor activities while celebrating historical significance.
Innovating Recreation: Louisville’s Bike Highland Park Takes Shape
Transforming Underutilized Spaces for Community Engagement
Louisville, Kentucky – The city has finalized the planning and design phase for Bike Highland Park, an innovative mountain bike skills course located beneath the I-264 overpass at 4402 Old Park Blvd. This project aims to transform an underutilized space into a vibrant recreational destination for residents and mountain bike enthusiasts.
Project Overview
Bike Highland Park is set to be a first-of-its-kind facility in the region, offering a space that promotes tourism, future event opportunities, and strengthens connections between historic neighborhoods. The park will cater to riders of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals, providing a unique urban mountain biking experience.
Design and Community Involvement
The planning process was powered by enthusiastic community support, with a standing-room-only turnout at a February public meeting at the Beechmont Community Center. Feedback from residents and local cyclists helped shape the design of Phase 1 of the project, which includes two asphalt pump tracks beneath the interstate overpass. The design team worked closely with local stakeholders and advocates, including the Kentucky Mountain Bike Association (KyMBA), LG&E, MSD, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, and the Friends of Highland Park Bike Park to get the project fully conceptualized.
Funding and Next Steps
Funding for Phase 1 construction has already been secured through Louisville Metro’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget, ensuring that the project can move forward once permitting is complete. The city is currently working through the necessary permitting stage with state and federal partners before breaking ground. Construction drawings for “Phase 1,” which includes two of the four asphalt pump tracks proposed in the master plan, have now been produced.
Background Context
The proposed bike park is located on flat land beneath the I-264 overpass near the Louisville Airport. The coverage from the I-264 overpass creates a great opportunity for year-round access to riding, as the soil will be dry during the winter and spring seasons. The park will feature intermediate to advanced mountain biking trails, emulating terrains found in Cherokee Park, Seneca Park, Waverly Park, and O’Bannon Woods State Park. The park’s design ensures that all features are made from imported fill soil, stone, and pre-manufactured metal ramps, with no wood construction utilized to eliminate potential fire hazards.
About the Location
The park is situated in the Beechmont neighborhood, characterized by its rich history and proximity to Iroquois Park, which originally contributed to making it a desirable suburb. The design aims to enhance community recreation while preserving the area’s historical significance.
About the Design Team
In October 2024, Louisville Metro Government engaged Pillar Design Studios and Pumptrax USA to lead the park design phase. Both firms are recognized for their expertise in extreme sports park design, ensuring that local voices are integral to the project development.
The Partners Driving the Initiative
Organizations like the Kentucky Mountain Bike Association (KyMBA), LG&E, MSD, and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet are instrumental in this development, advocating for the enhancement of local recreational infrastructure.
About the City of Louisville
Louisville is the largest city in Kentucky, dedicated to creating engaging spaces for outdoor activities, aligning with community interests and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
About the Beechmont Community Center
The Beechmont Community Center serves as a vital hub for community events, fostering a spirit of collaboration among local residents, which has played a pivotal role in the success of the Bike Highland Park project.
Conclusion
The completion of planning and design for Bike Highland Park exemplifies Louisville’s commitment to enhancing recreational opportunities while embracing the community’s input. Local leadership, partnerships, and engaged residents are key to transforming public spaces into vibrant community assets. Residents are encouraged to stay involved in upcoming developments and support initiatives that foster civic innovation and participation in Louisville.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Bike Highland Park?
- Bike Highland Park is an innovative mountain bike skills course located beneath the I-264 overpass in Louisville, Kentucky, designed to serve riders of all skill levels.
- How was the design of Bike Highland Park developed?
- The design was shaped by enthusiastic community involvement, including feedback from residents and local cyclists during public meetings.
- What are the next steps in the Bike Highland Park project?
- Currently, the city is working through the permitting stages with state and federal partners before beginning construction.
- Who is funding the Bike Highland Park project?
- Funding for Phase 1 construction has been secured through Louisville Metro’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget.
- What is unique about the location of Bike Highland Park?
- The park’s location beneath the I-264 overpass allows for year-round access to mountain biking, benefiting riders during winter and spring seasons when other trails may be wet.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Under I-264 at 4402 Old Park Blvd, Louisville, KY |
| Skill Levels | Designed for all skill levels from beginners to advanced |
| Pump Tracks | Two asphalt pump tracks included in Phase 1 |
| Community Involvement | Shaped by local feedback and public meetings |
| Funding | Secured through Louisville Metro’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget |
| Environmental Considerations | Focus on fire safety and year-round access due to overpass coverage |
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