• A $65 million tennis and pickleball complex is proposed for Joe Creason Park in Louisville, sparking community opposition.
• Residents are concerned about the loss of green space, increased traffic, environmental impacts, and the lack of transparency in the planning process.
• The developer, Kentucky Tennis & Pickleball Center Inc., claims the project will enhance the park, but community members remain skeptical and demand more public input.

A significant controversy has erupted in Louisville over a proposed $65 million tennis and pickleball complex slated for Joe Creason Park. The Kentucky Tennis & Pickleball Center Inc. plans to build 36 tennis courts, 18 pickleball courts, a restaurant, and other facilities on 25 acres of the 62-acre park. This project has drawn strong opposition from local residents who are worried about the reduction of green space, increased traffic, potential environmental impacts, and what they perceive as a lack of transparency in the planning and approval process. A public meeting was held at the Cyril Allgeier Community Center, where hundreds of concerned citizens voiced their displeasure, raising questions about the project's necessity and suitability for the park.

• What: A $65 million tennis and pickleball complex is proposed for Joe Creason Park, including 36 tennis courts, 18 pickleball courts, a restaurant, a sports medicine clinic, and related facilities.
• Who: The project is led by Kentucky Tennis & Pickleball Center Inc., with support from Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. Key individuals include Will Davis (CEO of the development group), Metro Council members Josie Raymond, Betsy Ruhe, and Ben Reno-Weber, and concerned residents.
• When: The project was announced in April 2025 after years of private discussions. A public meeting was held on May 6, 2025, and another is scheduled for Saturday at St. X High School at 8:30 AM ET.
• Where: Joe Creason Park in Louisville, Kentucky.

The proposed tennis and pickleball complex at Joe Creason Park has become a flashpoint in Louisville, highlighting tensions between development and preservation of green spaces. The project has drawn significant opposition, largely due to community concerns about the loss of accessible parkland and potential negative impacts on traffic and the environment. The perceived lack of transparency in the planning process has further fueled public discontent. While developers argue the facility will enhance the park and boost the local economy, residents remain skeptical, demanding more public input and consideration of alternative locations. The Metro Council's eventual approval of the project hinges on addressing these community concerns and demonstrating a clear public benefit.

It seems to me that there’s plenty of empty buildings around town, like the Big Lots. Build courts in those buildings. Don’t destroy our green space, and especially don’t do it behind our backs when we have no voice.

That’s frankly, technically not true. They’re saying 25 acres will be developed. That’s not true. We’re going to have only 12.5 of the 25 acres overall that will be hard-scaped, including the road, parking lot, and everything involved, as well as there’s 125 acres within the park area.

This project won’t take away from the park—it will enhance it.

I am in opposition to this development in Joe Creason Park. There's the project, which I think is the wrong fit. There’s process, which has been abysmal and disrespectful, and there's the people. And we have seen from these developers that they do not have the skills or the leadership to lead this successfully.

This isn't a final piece whatsoever. This isn't a final project. We are trying to answer everyone’s questions, that we would want to have public engagement, that we want to hear everyone’s concerns.

The future of the proposed $65 million tennis and pickleball complex at Joe Creason Park remains uncertain as developers navigate strong community opposition and concerns over environmental impact. While the Kentucky Tennis & Pickleball Center pledges transparency, community engagement, and economic benefits such as 75 full-time jobs and $17 million in visitor spending per year, residents voice concerns regarding the loss of green space, increased traffic, light and noise pollution, and potential disruption to wildlife. The Metro Council's decision will likely hinge on balancing the proposed economic advantages and recreational opportunities with the preservation of a valued public park and addressing the needs of concerned residents and the neighboring Louisville Nature Center. The project underscores the complexities of urban development, the necessity for comprehensive environmental impact assessments, and the critical role of inclusive dialogue in shaping Louisville's future. With public meetings underway and the proposal set to be presented to the Louisville Planning Commission, the ultimate resolution will serve as a significant precedent for future park developments and the balancing of community needs with economic progress in Louisville.