Boone Square Park

A Pocket of History in Portland

Located in Louisville's historic Portland neighborhood, Boone Square Park might only span about 4 acres, but this compact green space has plenty of character and history. Dating back to 1892, it holds the distinction of being among the first parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in Louisville - yes, the same landscape architect behind New York's Central Park!

The park has a pretty cool origin story. In 1891, Eliza Boone (a descendant of Captain William Boone) gifted this land to the city. Baseball enthusiasts might appreciate knowing that this very ground hosted Louisville's first organized baseball game way back in 1865. A true piece of baseball history.

Olmsted's Touch

Walking through the park today, you can still feel Olmsted's influence in its thoughtful layout. The design balances open recreational spaces with shaded walking paths and peaceful picnic spots. A rustic stone wall encircles the park, with welcoming entrances at all four corners and midpoints along each side.

The park's mature trees create a leafy canopy overhead and offer welcome shade during Kentucky's warmer months. While the park got a significant facelift in the 1970s that brought in more modern amenities, and has seen additional updates since then, it still maintains that classic park feel Olmsted envisioned.

What You'll Find There

Boone Square Park offers various activities for all ages. Kids can burn off energy at the playgrounds or cool down at the refreshing spray fountain when temperatures climb. For the sports-minded, there are basketball courts where local pickup games regularly unfold. If you're planning a gathering, the picnic shelter provides an excellent spot for community celebrations or family reunions.

History buffs should take a moment to check out the plaques embedded in the southern wall that document the park's rich history and its place in Louisville's Olmsted-designed park system. You'll also find practical amenities like restrooms, a fun sprayground for water play during summer, and plenty of benches where you can sit and watch the world go by.

Getting Active

Need to stretch your legs? The park features a walking track that loops around the grounds - great for an easy morning jog or an evening stroll after dinner. The basketball courts often buzz with activity, from casual shootarounds to intense neighborhood games.

The playground equipment is well-kept and designed with kids of different ages in mind, featuring swings and play structures that will keep the little ones entertained. And don't overlook those spacious grassy areas - they're ideal for everything from tossing a frisbee to spreading out a picnic blanket on a sunny afternoon.

Plan Your Visit

You can enjoy Boone Square Park daily from 7AM to 11PM. If you're looking for a more peaceful experience, try visiting on weekday mornings when the park tends to be quieter.

Keep in mind that afternoons and early evenings (especially on weekends) bring more visitors to the park. Boone Square hosts community events throughout the year, adding to the neighborhood's social calendar.