(This review is for the Joe Creason Parkrun, an event series, not the park itself. For whatever reason, the site defaults to putting the review on the park page.) Parkrun is a free, weekly, timed 5k run, and the local chapter organizes the event in Joe Creason every Saturday at 9 a.m. On a typical Saturday, you'll see a few dozen people gather, everyone from competitive runners to walkers, and plenty of hacks like me somewhere in between. The local chapter is just one of about 100 around the country (and more globally), and it's completely run by a dedicated group of socially-minded volunteers. Sometimes they wear cute outfits. Sometimes they bring snacks to share with finishers. And they always bring a lot of energy. It's easy to sign up online and all you have to do is arrive by 9:00 and have your barcode on your phone. The Creason course can be a little confusing at first -- it's essentially a big figure 8 that you run 2 1/2 times. You find yourself at the center of that 8 no fewer than five times. And you have to run up a sizable hill twice, so you'll get your pulse working. As of this writing, I've done the Parkrun 11 times in the past couple of years (I've only volunteered once so far, but I hope to do better next year). Highly recommend it for anyone looking to either train for a bigger race or just mix up their own running routine. You'll be rubbing elbows with a lot of other nice people. read more

We have had the opportunity to visit this park several times in the past few months and enjoyed its proximity to the zoo and a busy urban area. A friend hosted her son's birthday party for a fairly large group and this was the perfect venue as opposed to the tight quarters at a nearby home. We were able to have access to four large sturdy picnic tables for a few hours in order to decorate, throw a party, and then relax and visit. The playground equipment is modern and safe with soft surfaces underfoot. The equipment was in close proximity so that the kids could enjoy playing while under the watchful eye of the adults. Plenty of trash cans. Plenty of parking. Well maintained grounds with nice lawn to run without fear of falling into a chuckhole and getting hurt. This location also is the local host for the weekly Park Run organization on Saturday mornings, which is a timed 5K, and further info and signups can be found online for Park Run. read more

This park is across the street from the Louisville Zoo and provides a scenic walking loop plus the usual amenities of a public park. Although I have a zoo membership walking in nature appealed to me today. It's not an especially large park but provide views of Beargrass Creek in a natural setting. For cemetery enthusiasts there is a small family burial ground as this was a property owned by early settlers(Prather family). read more

Joe Creason Park - Prather family cemetery in Joe Creason Park. - Parks Near Me - Lynnview, Kentucky

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I love this park for a quick walk. A loop is about one mile. Very well kept grounds. Trees are lush, vibrant and landscaped beautifully. Picnics are fun at this park with a few picnic tables around. Parking can be limited on busy days. Located right across from Louisville zoo. Near a semi busy road though the trail is rather peaceful as it loops around. Dogs are allowed and many walk their dogs here. Families walk as well as many people walk by themselves here. Serene and peaceful overall. read more

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My family and I first got to visit Joe Creason Park this weekend after being invited to a birthday party for a girl in my son's daycare class. This was really the perfect spot to host a birthday party outside for several very active toddlers. The first thing that really struck me about this park was just how long it is. I usually pass it while driving down Newburg Road, and the entrance is pretty far down Trevillian, almost to the zoo. This park has a great walking path and looks to be well taken care of. And the playground was similarly well maintained. There were a couple of swing sets and two jungle gym playsets, with slides, areas to climb on and more. These were more than enough to keep a bunch of 2-year-olds entertained. The playground area had shade, picnic tables and a covered pavilion. You can also park right next to it. We'll definitely be back here. read more

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This is a very nice old school park that is located right across the the Louisville Zoo. It spans 62 acres and was acquired in 1966. It was named after a popular Courier-Journal reporter, who died while playing tennis at the park's Louisville Tennis Center in 1974. The park has a traditional playground area that has a couple of banks of traditional /toddler swings, a set of just toddler swings, a jungle gym with a bridge and a couple of slides. This is a popular park for bird watcher, nature hikers, runners, dog walkers and plain walkers. There is a decent amount of free parking spread out between a couple of lots and a few extra spots. There are a few picnic tables throughout the park. There is also a shelter in the center of the park with a single picnic tables under it. The park is home to the Metro Parks administrative offices and also has a small old cemetery in it as well. In front of the administrative offices you will find three colorful adirondack chairs to jump on and take pictures. The parks heart and sole however, is its trails and green space. It has some really awesome trails and wide open fields. There is a soccer field in the front of the park and open green space all around. All the fields can be used for activities such as soccer, football, playing catch, and a picnic. There is a bathroom facility at the park, but it looked as if a homeless man was living in there by the look of the items that were left in there. The trails are awesome and you can go for as many or as little miles as you want. There are paved and nature trails to trek. The park's main trail is approximately 3 miles, but is a loop and also interlinked with other trails. The park actually connects to Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve. This is a very nice park for nature enthusiast, runners and dog walkers. It is a very peaceful park that has an open layout. There is a lot to do here and I enjoyed the time that i spent here. read more

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As a runner, I am immensely lucky to have a place to stay close to this park when I visit Louisville. This is a great place for cross training, hill workouts, or a relaxing and recovering walk. The fields are suitable for yoga and meditation, the options and opportunities are simply endless here. Throw in a bit of history, a small cemetery, a playground and a beautiful mansion and this is a great place to spend good healthy, clean air, time. There are facilities as well which is a nice bonus and tennis courts for the tennis enthusiast. Joe Creason is a wonderful playground, try to wake up early enough to see beautiful hers of deer roaming about before the sunrise. read more

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Joe Creason is an absolute gem of a park. Little did I know how big it was coming here for my workout, but I definitely broke a sweat! It's located right next to Bellarmine and the zoo, and has plenty of wide, open space for whatever your heart desires. They have a great walking/bike trail, about 2 miles long. They also have a playground, tennis court, and two giant-ass lawn chairs for all of your Instagram needs. Parking is very easy too, they have a few different lots. It's definitely worth a visit, and you'll be rewarded with some beautiful scenery. read more

Joe Creason Park - Parks Near Me - Lynnview, Kentucky

As a member of a local gym, I should be going to workout and exercise, but working out solo isn't as fun as exercising with friends.  As a ex-jogger, I thought I could pick running back u p like riding a bike.  Unfortunately, that is not the case.  A friend organized free ParkRuns at Joe Creason's park sometime last year and I never made the effort to attend.  Now after a handful of weight gained and tight pants, I decided to venture out to go for that run I spoke of early.   The run is well organized - with flags to note the course, lots of positivity, and a great concrete path - as long as you stay on that path.  The route is very hilly - and those hills are tough. But this was only day 1. Check back with me in later this summer.  Joe Creason's park is clean and easily accessible.  My only complaint is the mud. Apparently there was some event last year that ripped up the grass; well the park is still recovering from that muddy situation.  Stay on the path and you'll be good to go.  Want to get back in shape and free on Saturday mornings? Come join the park run! read more

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Pound for pound, I'd consider this the nicest park in Louisville, and it isn't a difficult decision either. Interestingly, the Olmsted Parks Conservatory is nestled in here despite Joe Creason Park not actually being one of Olmsted's works. This conservatory appears to have a halo effect on the park as a whole, because it is well-rounded and a true pleasure to visit. Visitors will find the basics like ample parking, a nice playground, some gazebos and rudimentary restrooms. They'll also find more distinctive features such as comically large chairs to climb on, modernized water refill stations and a hilly walking loop that feels like a real workout. Upkeep is strong across the board and the design of the park feels purpose-driven, from the placement of the benches to the various signs discussing the park's plant life. Really, the only knock against Joe Creason Park is having to see Bellarmine University across the street. This is a safe, scenic and all-around great choice for families and park enthusiasts alike. read more

This park isn't a must visit but it's a nice park to pass through. With Cherokee so close, it's almost useless to go to this park unless you want a change of scenery. I do think it has the upper hand on the nearby neighbor park of Tyler because it has open space everywhere you look. Tyler Park can seem cramped at times and your privacy can be threatened. Creason has space for everything. You want to sit, nap, read a book, run, walk, take your kids to the playground, frisbee, picnic, play with your animal.. you name it. You can do it here without being in everyone else's way. Sitting between Poplar Level and Newburg with the zoo right across the street, you'd think this park isn't peaceful. There's just enough space to relax. I plan to go back so that I can explore some of the trails. They only have a couple and they can't be longer than half a mile. There were more people in that park than I thought there'd be. On the day I was there, they also had these huge chairs! I'm not sure if those chairs are temporary or permanent, but definitely an interesting draw. I hope they keep them. read more

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We stopped by here on the way to the zoo this afternoon. My family and I had a good time with all the swings and slides that they offer. A cool unique thing this park has is giant chairs in front of a large building. It is a nice photo opp that my family took advantage of. I wish we could have gotten to experience the walking path that it seems to have. I will be back soon to try it again read more

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Another park I quite like! It's got a great path, and nice steep hill to challenge you if you are working out! The scenery is lovely. Open fields where frisbee is often being played. There are playgrounds and tennis courts. Located nicely across from the Zoo and near the nature center. The only downside I have ever experienced is where there is a particularly popular event going on at the zoo and the park becomes a de facto parking lot for the over run of cars. Annoying and dangerous for pedestrians and park-goers. read more

Joe Creason Park - Parks Near Me - Lynnview, Kentucky

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The Mister and I are slowly making our way to all of the parks in Louisville. Today we visited Joe Creason Park and I am already a fan! There is something for everyone at this park, including many open fields that can be used for various activities, a picnic shelter and tables, playground, soccer field, tennis courts, and of course a 1.5 mile paved walking/biking loop that includes a couple of challenging hills. The park sits across the street from the Louisville Zoo and adjacent to the Louisville Nature Center. A large mansion that houses the Louisville Metro Park's headquarters sits atop a hill in the park. Three colorful, giant, wooden Adirondack chairs make for a great photo opp! There is a small building with restrooms located near the playground and picnic shelter. Parking was plentiful during our visit (winter), but I have been told that Zoo visitors often overflow into the park's parking areas. The park was very clean and well-maintained. I'm sure that we will be frequent visitors! read more

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I really, really like this park. It is quiet, but not creepily secluded. There is plenty of fun to get into without having to fight over things. I think around 6 tennis courts (one had sprinkers inside, we were stumped on what that was all about. Also, the walking paths were lovely. A couple hills but not too bad, with plenty of different paths and options to check out. It was neat to see the mansion up on the hill that you can walk right up to (now it is an admin building randomly enough). Back behind there was a perfect field for ultimate frisbee we decided. Basketball courts, swing sets, grills, picnic tables. It is cozy, but plenty large, and yet homey all at the same time. There are woods, but not covered in ticks woods. This place hits it out of the park for me. Yup - I went there. read more

Joe Creason Park - Parks Near Me - Lynnview, Kentucky

Wow those hills will kick your butt! If you're looking for a visually pleasant/scenic, less crowded, and slightly challenging walking trail you've found it here. I think the grounds would also be a great location to take photos. There are ginormous Adirondack chairs sitting next to a historic mansion and a playground on the property as well. read more

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I have driven past this park so many times but never stopped to check it out. Yesterday was beautiful so Daniel and I went for a run. They have a great 1.5 mile paved loop with some hills. We ran it a few times and took in the scenery. It was a nice change of pace. They have a pretty cool field to fly kites on a windy day or have a picnic. There are tennis courts and a playground too. It is right across from the Zoo parking lot so plan a day to do both! read more

This is my park. It's just about a mile away from my house and somehow it always makes me happy to come here. This is a great park for a walk or a run. There's a giant hill with two paved paths up and one makeshift one that can make you feel like Rocky once you get to the top. There's a small creek with a couple of bridges that go over them. A small playground, a ton of tennis courts, and a nice cleared field for soccer. The only thing this park lacks is enough parking. The overflow from the zoo often spills over to here and it can be tough to find a spot. The old trees here offer a ton of shade, so if you come here on a picnic there's a plethora of shady spots to have some snacks in. While you're here, there's a nature sanctuary as well that you can peer into. On a couple of occasions I've seen deer in the sanctuary and in the park. A beautiful sight, but unsettling on a walk at night. read more

I stumbled upon Creason Park on my way home from work. Why do I love thee? Let me count the ways, 1. The "administration building" appears to be a very old house. The East side has a glorious porch complete with picnic tables. This spot is shaded and cool in the afternoons, perfect for reading, and overlooks the eastern valley side of the park and Bellarmine University. 2. The blacktop trail makes for a great walk or a challenging run. The loop is about a 1.75 mile around the east side, and further if you loop around the tennic center. 3. The big green lawns perfect for picnics or sunning. 4. Bathrooms are located by the playground equipment. Even more are located down the road at the tennis center. read more

When I was a kid the mansion that sits on the estate that is now Creason Park was still occupied but they would have combo Fourth of July fireworks / Louisville Orchestra shows at Bellarmine and many folk would gather on the lower lawn of Creason near Baxter, including my parents and their entourage (many kids). At some point, this became part of the metro parks system and was renamed after beloved Kentucky author Joe Creason. The addition was productive--this park has a unique "stately Wayne Manor" vibe in a city loaded with great parks. I find this setting entirely relaxing and a challenging walk with good climbs and some perfect scenery along the way. read more

What I love about this park: The wide open hilly areas for the dog to sniff and romp and for me to get some exercise climbing those hills, which double as great sledding hills in the winter. The walking/jogging loop that isn't too long or too short for a quick trip to the park but is enough to feel like a little bit of a workout. I like to loop it once on pavement and then wander around for awhile in the grass areas and that equals about an hour of walking leisurely. The nice setting with the old mansion, the historic graveyard, the large trees and the creek. The playground is also pretty good, not as large as Iroquois' but with enough equipment to make it fun for the kids while the adults can sit at the nearby picnic tables. The central location with access from two major city roads. What I dislike: It is a total bear to get to on a weekday evening from the Watterson. Poplar Level and Newburg both have such traffic issues that it isn't worth fighting the traffic jams just for a 30-45 minute walk. When anything is happening at the zoo, it is also nearly impossible to access the park in a reasonable time frame. It isn't the park's "fault" but it does detract from the whole experience of it. Off-leash dogs. There are several very good off-leash dog parks in Louisville and another option for dog owners is a long non-retractable 15-20 foot leash (cheap at Tractor Supply Company or horse and tack shops) but somehow due to the open spaces of this park, it encourages more people to let their dog loose than in some other parks. Dogs that then run up to mine without permission and without obeying their owners to return while risking a dog fight. Since it is the Louisville tennis center, the tennis courts aren't free like at the other Metro Parks. read more

If you want to go for a run or just walk your dog it's a fun place to go. It's not the largest park but the grounds are always kept up, and you can always find parking (unless the zoo is super busy then getting to the park can be difficult). It's just pretty there is an old manor looking house on the property, and the nature center with trails is great to utilize. read more

Creason is a really nice park which has a few nice playgrounds, and sits directly next to the louisville nature center. One of the hills (parallel to Trevilian) is a pretty steep one, but its great for a challenging run or for a brisk walk. Creason is a little more than a mile from where we live, but we still enjoy a walk or bike ride as its a beautiful, picturesque area that is a nice contrast from some of the other parks that we also live near. read more

I love this little park. Winter is fast approaching and the hill is perfect for snow sledding. But it's mine so don't bother.

I've lived near this park for 4 years. It has gorgeous hiking paths and scenery completely secluded from everything. It also has a concrete path for those who don't like to wander. The park is pretty nice too but I don't spend a lot of time at it. Everyone there is pretty friendly. read more