Round 4 Parks Madness!

Ready for some more Parks Madness?!  

(Polls for round 4 have ended, visit the results page.)

What is Parks Madness? View our first posting for details.

For details of the voting results so far, click here.

 Round 3 Matchups:

Cherokee vs. Beargrass Creek Greenway

(1) Cherokee Park is more than familiar with (6) Beargrass Creek Greenway.  You could say that these two parks ‘have met’ as they are less than .3 of a mile apart from one another.  Cherokee is one of Metro Parks most visited park and is the pride of the Highlands community.  However, Beargrass Creek Greenway has its fair share of users and supporters.  It will be interesting to see how this one plays out.

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McNeely Lake vs. Creason

Chugga, Chugga… CHOO! CHOO! You hear that?  That is the sound of (8) McNeely Lake Park railroading its competition.  McNeely has taken down not one, not two, but three Olmsted Conference parks to make it to the Elite 8 round of Parks Madness!  Now McNeely takes on (6) Joe Creason Park.  Creason Park is named after Mr. Joe Creason who served as a sports reporter, feature writer and columnist for the Courier-Journal for over thirty years. Creason Park offers gorgeous views of the Highlands area (including the Bellarmine University Campus), houses the Metro Parks administrative offices and the Louisville Tennis Center’s nine clay courts; the Louisville Nature Center and Louisville Zoo are nearby as well. Will McNeely Lake drown Creason’s opportunity to be a Parks Madness champion or will Creason Park derail the McNeely Lake train for the win?

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 Waverly vs. Iroquois

(8) Waverly Park is feeling the enthusiasm of their victories over Riverview Park, overall #1 seed Jefferson Memorial Forest and Shelby Park. This excitement is felt all the way down to their neighboring golf course Bobby Nichols. (15) Iroquois knows they have to be on their game. Great defense and tapping into their deep fan base may be the winning key for the underdog Iroquois.

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Shawnee vs. Chickasaw

(1) Shawnee Park will take on their in-conference, Olmsted rival, (2) Chickasaw Park. While on paper these two are almost identical with river frontage, ballfields, walking paths, and lodges (that can be rented out for special occasions).  The winner of this matchup will be determined by whose players and fans have felt the fatigue of competition. Our bracketologist predicts this matchup will go late into the night.

 

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Round 3 Parks Madness!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to the Sweet 16 of Parks Madness!

(Polls for round 3 have ended, visit the results page.)

See how the tournament is shaping up –> Parks Madness Bracket Round 3

What is Parks Madness? View our first posting for details.

For details of the voting results so far, click here.

 Round 3 Matchups:

Shawnee vs. Portland Wharf

The two major features of (1) Shawnee Park are the concourses that give extensive views and the spacious Great Lawn.  Acquired in 1892, Shawnee is a historically rich Olmsted Park and is a favorite to win the northwest region. (5) Portland Wharf is an extremely unique Metro Park. Once deemed a, “Preserve America community” by First Lady Laura Bush, it is no shock that the Portland community has embraced and supported this delightful tract of riverfrontage.  

 

Flaget Field vs. Chickasaw

Flashback to 1985, (11) Flaget Field is acquired by the Metro Parks department.  Taking down an Olmsted conference team last week, Flaget is perpetually gaining confidence as they approach the tournament with a “one vote at a time” mentality.  (2) Chickasaw Park has been dominating its competitors and critics argue that Chickasaw may have the easiest route to the regional final. Let’s see if Flaget has what it takes to prove the critics wrong.

Results

Waverly vs. Riverview

Parks Madness gurus have granted (8) Waverly the biggest upset of the tournament this year as no one predicted they would take down the overall number 1 seed, Jefferson Memorial Forest.  (5) Riverview Park had its own upset against the powerful Central Park last week. Was Waverly’s winning a fluke?

Results

Kulmer Reserve vs. Iroquois

(6) Kulmer Reserve is a calm and leisurely park.  With its 28 acre stretch of land along the Ohio River, it has been moving swiftly through the competition so far. But (15) Iroquois Park is feisty and with acts like the Shins and Alice Cooper coming to the amphitheater this summer, they are competing with the best of Parks.

 Results

Cherokee vs. Thurman Hutchins

During this whole madness, (1) Cherokee’s approach is to stick with their desired amenities and history, and it has demonstrated to be a thriving strategy. With (12) Thurman Hutchins Park entering this matchup as a clear underdog it needs to corral its great fan base so that they can help coast them to victory. It also wouldn’t hurt if Cherokee has an off night.

Results

Beargrass Creek Greenway vs. Louisville Extreme

(6) Beargrass Creek Greenways has shown to be a powerhouse in this competition by defeating all their opponents by an extreme margin. Riding on the success of their multi-use path, they’re confident of an ‘extreme’ victory over Louisville Extreme Park. But, (15) Louisville Extreme has the poise to take down any park after their dominating performance against Locust Grove and Crescent Hill. 

 Results

McNeely Lake vs. Tyler

(8) McNeely Lake Park is gorgeous as always this year and is impressive with its scenic lake views, potential landmark cave and Korean War Memorial. With an extremely active following, McNeely is a crowd pleaser. But can they top (13) Tyler Park? Tyler is rich in history as an Olmsted Park and is iconic to the Tyler Park Community. Not to mention, Tyler Park has a pretty sweet underpass below Baxter Avenue which can really throw McNeely off their game.

 Results

Creason vs. Seneca

After an extraordinary win over Des Pres Park, Creason Parks has the energy to take down Seneca Park to secure a spot in the elite eight. (15) Seneca Park defeated (7) George Rogers Clark by 7 votes. Seneca’s key to victory is the strong neighborhood support and historical ties to Olmsted Parks. But Creason says don’t count them out! with their tie to Metro Parks administrative offices and the Louisville Tennis Center’s nine clay courts, this could be a matchup to remember.

Results

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Round 2 of Parks Madness 2012!

Only the parks with the most votes survive and we are excited to see who makes the cut in Round 2 of Parks Madness! Round 2 voting polls will be open until Monday, March 26. 

So, vote now & vote often!

(Polls for round 2 have ended, visit the results page.)

What is Parks Madness? View our first posting for details.

For details of the voting results so far, click here.

Round 2 Matchups:

Cherokee Park vs. Long Run

(1) Cherokee and (8) Long Run are both coming off blowout victories! Long Run is hoping that having more acreage will be enough to upset Cherokee. Cherokee’s strategy is to stick with their desired amenities and history to coast into the sweet sixteen.

Results

Thurman Hutchins vs. Hays Kennedy

(4) Hays Kennedy Park barely squeaked out the win against Caperton Swamp. It was a nail biter until the last minute, leaving Hays Kennedy victorious by one vote.  (12) Thurman Hutchins Park came from behind to upset the (5) seed Louisville Champions, by twenty votes.  Hays Kennedy is going to change up their game and play on the fact they have polo fields whereas Thurman Hutchins is hoping to continue their path to victory!  

Results

Beargass Creek Greenway vs. Eva Bandman

When asked about their victory over Carrie Gaulbert Cox,  (3) Eva Bandman, home to Louisville’s world class CycloCross course, simply said, “Winning!” (6) Beargrass Creek Greenways is certain their multi-use path will be winning this match up!

Results

Crescent Hill vs. Louisville Extreme

(7) Crescent Hill looks to continue their hot-streak.  Their newly renovated Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center has been impressive this season and their stellar 9-hole golf course has stepped up its game for the tournament.  (15) Louisville Extreme has the confidence to take down any park after their dominating performance against Locust Grove Last week.  This will be an exciting poll to keep your eye on.

Results

Charlie Vettiner vs. McNeely Lake

(1) Charlie Vettiner  has been the home of the Louisville Area Soaring Society since the 1950’s. In addition to being home to a disc golf course, fishing lake, off-leash dog run, 18-hole golf course and walking path, they know why they are a (1) seed. (8) McNeely Lake Park is gorgeous as always this year and is impressive with its scenic lake views, potential landmark cave and Korean War Memorial. With an extremely active following, McNeely is a crowd pleaser.

Results

Gnadinger vs. Tyler

This is one of the most exciting matchups of the 2^nd round! (12) Gnadinger is relatively unknown to those outside of Germantown, but with a recent feature on Consuming Louisville, more folks are supporting this tiny triangular slice of paradise.  But, (13) Tyler Park is not your average park.  Tyler is rich in history as an Olmsted Park and is iconic to the Tyler Park Community.

Results

Creason vs. Des Pres

(6) Joe Creason Park was purchased from Bellarmine University by the City in 1966. It is now home to Metro Parks administrative offices and the Louisville Tennis Center’s nine clay courts; the Louisville Nature Center and Louisville Zoo are nearby.  Creason is a fierce and confident park that is tough for any park to top.  But (3) Des Pres Park is located just off of Taylorsville Road providing 30 acres of parkland that includes everything from a picnic shelter to a horseshoe pit and no one should consider them defeated just yet.

Results

George Rogers Clark vs. Seneca

(7) George Rogers Clark Park is confident their historic namesake will continue to guide them to victory. (15) Seneca Park has a low seed this year at 15, but as we saw in the 1^st round, its strong neighborhood support and historical ties to Olmsted Parks gives them an edge most parks don’t have.

Results

Shawnee vs. California

(1) Shawnee Park said simply, “We expect to win.”  California Park has nearly 8 acres of park land and amenities such as a multipurpose field, playground, sprayground and the California Community Center.  Can California alter Shawnee’s expectations?

Results

Portland Wharf vs. Baxter Square

Recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, Portland Wharf Park has a wonderful multi-use walking path and beautiful river frontage. (4) Baxter Square is Louisville’s first public park and wants to be the first park to win Parks Madness!

Results

Flaget vs. Elliot Square

(14) Elliot Square Park is approaching the tournament one park matchup at a time.  If their basketball court has a good night and their sprayground steps their game up, we could see an upset here with Elliot Square advancing.   (11) Flaget Field is self-assured their football and multipurpose field, in addition to a quarter mile walking path will secure this win.

Results

Victory vs. Chickasaw

(7) Victory Park found the  “victory” they were looking for in the 1^st round.  But this round will be a true test of their will to win as they are paired up against their Frederick Law Olmsted Conference for, Chickasaw Park. (2) Chickasaw Park is a stunning Frederick Law Olmstead Park, they offer the only free clay tennis courts in the region! In addition to the clay courts, they have a fishing lake, basketball courts, walking path, volleyball court and spectacular view of the Ohio River.

Results

Jefferson Memorial Forest vs. Waverly

Ever since Jefferson Memorial Forest (JMF) was named the overall #1 seed, they’ve had a target on their back. It wasn’t enough to stop them from sweeping past Windsor Open Space. However, Waverly still claims they are the Park that can take home the Championship. (8) Waverly will have to bring their best game with an amazing fishing lake, hike, and mountain bike trails to overtake JMF with over 6,218 acres making them the largest urban forest in the nation.

Results

Riverview vs. Central

(4) Central Park coasted to victory over Watterson Lake Park.  (5) Riverview Park also proved too much for Churchill Park. Who will come away with this win, Central Park with their captivating history or Riverview with their modern renovations?

Results

Kulmer Reserve vs.  Algonquin

This match-up will be interesting as both parks have different styles. (6) Kulmer Reserve is a calm and leisurely park that offers breathtaking views of the Ohio River. (3) Algonquin Park is packed with amenities: A new 800-square foot pavilion, football field, and a summer pool!

Results

Riverside vs. Iroquois

(10) Riverside, The Farnsley-Moremen Landing used their amenities to throw Sun Valley off their game. Iroquois (15) blew past William B. Stansbury in a record setting upset. Riverside plans on using their secret weapon of river frontage and tours to beat Iroquois. (15)  Iroquois Park says their Amphitheater is enough to advance. This will be a close and heated match-up.

Results

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2012 Parks Madness Round 1 Final (Day 5)

Day 5 of Parks Madness has arrived and not a moment too soon!

(Polls for day 5 have ended, visit the results page.)

What is Parks Madness? View our first posting for details.

For details of the voting results so far, click here.

Today’s matchups…

Central Park vs. Watterson Lake Park

A superior park defines (4) Central Park . Located in the heart of Old Louisville, Central Park has a strong following with their striking mature trees, tennis courts, and the home of The Old Louisville Information Center and C. Douglass Ramey Amphitheater which hosts free summer Shakespearian performances.  (13) Watterson Lake Park plans to give Central Park a fair fight. They anticipate their unique fishing lake and quarter mile walking path will give them the edge they need to pull out a victory.

Results

Cherokee Park vs. Bingham Park

(1) Cherokee Park  is coming into this match-up as huge favorite with their 2.4-mile Scenic Loop, historic fountains, hiking trails, off-leash dog run, fishing lake, playgrounds, ball fields and Nettleroth Bird Sanctuary. Is Bingham Park the force to stop Cherokee Park? (16) Bingham Park may be smaller than Cherokee, but they’ve shown they can compete with a basketball court, beautiful picnic area and their spraygrounds and playgrounds. Bingham Park hopes this competition brings them the exposure they need to for an upset.

Results

Chickasaw Park vs. LaPorte Park

Chickasaw Park enters this competition with a (2) seed. Another stunning Frederick Law Olmstead Park, they offer the only free clay tennis courts in the region! In addition to the clay courts, they have a fishing lake, basketball courts, walking path, volleyball court and spectacular view of the Ohio River. (15) LaPorte Park wants to prove why smaller can be better.  This petite but adored park brings a viable basketball court, playground and sprayground. Can LaPorte stop Chickasaw in this tournament?

Results

Parkhill Park vs. Flaget Field

(6) Parkhill Park knows that this will be a close match-up when they take on (11) Flaget Field. Parkhill Park is hoping the fact they have a picnic shelter, sprayground and basketball courts will give them the momentum to be victorious. Flaget Field chuckles at that idea. They’re determined their football and multipurpose field, in addition to a quarter mile walking path will secure this win.

Results

Riverview Park vs. Churchill Park 

(5) Riverview Park feels this will be an effortless victory.  The beautiful Ohio River view, newly renovated boat ramp and custom sprayground will sail them to a win. (12) Churchill Park is ‘down’ to make this a fight to the finish line! They are running on the fact that their ballfield and playground will give them the push in the final stretch. Will this be a photo finish?

Results

Beargrass Creek Greenway vs. A.B. Sawyer Park

(6) Beargrass Creek Greenway is located at Irish Hill and is confident that their 1.33-mile multi-use path will be enough to secure the win.  (11) A.B. Sawyer Park says not so soon! A.B. Sawyer says they’re twelve ballfields, tennis courts and two multi-purpose fields speak for themselves. Will Beargrass Creek Greenway have the ‘Luck of the Irish’ in this contest?

Results

Charlie Vettiner Park vs. Buechel Park

(1) Charlie Vettiner  has been the home of the Louisville Area Soaring Society since the 1950’s. In addition to being home of a disc golf course, fishing lake, off-leash dog run, 18-hole golf course and walking path, they know why they are a (1) seed. (16) Buechel Parkisn’t going to let Vettiner soar to victory. Buechel is a neighborhood gem with ballfields, cricket pitch, tennis courts and picnic shelters. Can Buechel ground Vettiner’s  flight to the second round?

Results

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2012 Parks Madness (Day 4)

Welcome to day 4 of Parks Madness!

(Polls for day 4 have ended, visit the results page.)

What is Parks Madness? View our first posting for details.

For details of the voting results so far, click here.

Today’s matchups…

Sun Valley vs. Riverside

Fans scream, “Welcome to the Valley!”  Home to an awesome community center and 18-hole golf course, (7) Sun Valley Park can hang with the best of them.  (10) Riverside, The Farnsley-Moremen Landing is one of Metro Parks historic properties offering biking, fishing, rentals, river frontage and tours, Riverside has a lot of amenities that can throw other parks off their game.

Results

Baxter Square vs. Lannan

(4) Baxter Square is a smooth talking park that is planning on bringing their secret weapons of a spray pool, basketball courts and the fact that it is Louisville’s first public park to reassure why they deserved that (4) seed. However, a good park is where the heart is! (13) Lannan Park plans on using its RiverWalk access and ball fields to bang out this win.

Results

Jefferson Memorial Forest vs. Windsor Open Space

What is a tournament without the Cinderella story! (1) Jefferson Memorial Forest (JMF) is the overall #1 seed in this year’s tournament and for good reason.  JMF is the largest urban forest in the nation with over 6,218 acres.  But (16) Windsor Open Space  would love to make history by taking down the JMF juggernaut with their passive open space located off of Third Street Road.  An upset here is unlikely, but hey that’s why we are doing these polls!

Results

Crescent Hill vs. Hounz Lane

(7) Crescent Hill is on a hot-streak with their newly renovated Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center and stellar 9-hole golf course. Goose Creek flows through (10) Hounz Lane Park and this 20 acre park puts up a fight till the final whistle blows.

Results

Louisville Champions vs. Thurman Hutchins

As the great Muhammad Ali has stated, “Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them – a desire, a dream, a vision”. (5) Louisville Champions Park feels confident they possess what it takes to bring home the championship. Offering flexible space for a mixture of field sports, they’ve seen some of the best athletes. But let’s not underestimate (12) Thurman Hutchins Park. Thurman Hutchins located on River Road can easily take the win with their beautiful fishing lake and various ball fields.  You won’t want to miss this rivalry match up!

Results

George Rogers Clark vs. Farnsley

(10) Farnsley Park has such a positive mentality and will to win,  this less than 5 acre park surprises a lot of folks.  (7) George Rogers Clark Park is confident their historic namesake will continue to guide them to victory.

Results

Des Pres vs. Petersburg

A tough park to beat is (3) De Pres Park.  De Pres is located just off of Taylorsville Road providing 30 acres of parkland that includes everything from a picnic shelter to a horseshoe pit.  Comparable to Des Pres in size and amenities is (14) Petersburg Park. Petersburg  is one of those parks that is hard not to like.  They are an underdog in the tournament a lot of folks might be pulling for.

Results

 

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2012 Parks Madness (Day 3)

Day 3 of Parks Madness is here!

(Polls for Day 3 have been closed)

For details of the voting results, click here. 

What is Parks Madness? View our first posting for details.

Today’s matchups…

McNeely Lake vs. Willow

(8) McNeely Lake Park is gorgeous as always this year and is impressive with its scenic lake views, potential landmark cave and Korean War Memorial. With an extremely active following, McNeely is a crowd pleaser. (9) Willow Park is a small quaint little park that can take out other parks without warning! Home to neighborhood gatherings, concerts and festivals, Willow, is not a park to take lightly.

Results

Locust Grove vs. Louisville Extreme

You know the saying, “Out with old and in with the new”.  Well (2) Locust Grove has pulled in a top seeding for its historic property this year and looks to use its informational tours to wreak havoc on Louisville Extreme.  (15) Louisville Extreme Park is young, but they have the talent to win this tournament.  With 40,000 square feet of outdoor concrete skating surface and a wooden vert ramp and a 24 foot full-pipe, there is no question as to why the Extreme Park is held in high regards nationally. 

Results

Joe Creason vs. Fern Creek

Located adjacent to Bellarmine University, (6) Joe Creason Park is a favorite of students and they will let you know it! Creason houses the Metro Parks administrative offices and the Louisville Tennis Center’s nine clay courts; the Louisville Nature Center and Louisville Zoo are nearby.  Creason will be a tough park for (11) Fern Creek Park to handle.  Fern Creek is a recreation oriented  park with 7 ballfields and four tennis courts, but they will need Creason to have an off night and luck on their side to pull out a victory here.

Results

William B. Stansbury vs. Iroquois

(2) William B. Stansbury and (15) Iroquois Park both has the satisfaction of being in the Frederick Law Olmsted Conference. Situated diagonally from the University of Louisville, William B. Stansbury has its fair share of visitors with basketball and volleyball courts and a spray pool. After receiving a (15) seed, Iroquois was outraged. They felt their forested hillsides, breathtaking vistas and open-air amphitheater would earn them a higher seed. Will Iroquois be a bracket killer and upset (2) William B. Stansbury?

Results

Russell Lee vs. Elliot Square

This is a matchup of lesser known parks, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be a battle! (3) Russell Lee Park has done well this year and with support from the Southwick Community Center , they could do big things in the tournament.  (14) Elliot Square Park is approaching the tournament one park matchup at a time.  If their basketball court has a good night and their sprayground steps their game up, we could see an upset here with Elliot Square advancing.   

Results

Victory vs. Ballard

(7) Victory Park is looking for just that, “victory”.  They are often looked over in their extremely tough Frederick Law Olmsted Conference, but they have the work ethic and desire it takes to win.  (10) Ballard Park comes in with less than an acre of parkland and three basketball courts.  Ballard has had a decent season but they are heavily outmatched against Victory Park.

Results

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2012 Parks Madness! (Day 2)

(Voting for Day 2 of Parks Madness has ended)

The first day of Parks madness has been, well, madness!

For details of the voting results, click here. 

What is Parks Madness? View our first posting for details.

Today’s Matchups 

Fisherman’s vs. Gnadinger

(5) Fisherman’s Park is a fisherperson’s paradise! But Metro Parks’ smallest park, (12) Gnadinger, is the pride of Germantown neighborhood and won’t go down easily.

Results

Algonquin vs. Toonerville Trolley

(3) Algonquin Park has a new 800-square foot pavilion, football field, and a summer pool. (14) Toonerville Trolley Park is looking to make an upset, but the Algonquin powerhouse will be a struggle to take down.

Results

Shawnee vs. Ben Washer

(16) Ben Washer Park is an Old Louisville neighborhood favorite.  The top seeded (1) Shawnee Park isn’t worried about this matchup as they expect an easy win.

Results

Long Run vs. Crosby

(8) Long Run Park is hoping to make a “long run” in the tournament.  Long Run Park has over 416 Acres of beautiful parkland and an 18-hole golf course that will be hard for teams to measure up against.  (9) Crosby Park says not to count their park out for the championship.  Crosby is small in comparison but their 20 acres, 2 tennis courts, playground and pavilions pack a lot of heart.

Results

Eva Bandman vs. Carrie Gaulbert Cox

 (3) Eva Bandman Park is home to Louisville’s world class CycloCross course and will host the UCI CycloCross Elite World Championships in 2013! If you’re looking for a park that is less biking and more boating, than (14) Carrie Gaulbert Cox Park may be the nautical destination you’re looking for! Cox Park has a boat ramp, sailboat ramp and a magnificent river frontage.  This matchup could be closer than the seedings would indicate.

Results

Fairmont Falls vs. Tyler Park

(4) Fairmont Falls Park has a gorgeous waterfall that would make most other parks run in fear.  But, (13) Tyler Park is not your average park.  Tyler is rich in history as an Olmsted Park and is iconic to the Tyler Park Community.

Results

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2012 Parks Madness Results

Championship Results

Final Four Results

 

Round 4 Results

 

Round 3 Results

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Round 2 Results

Day 5 Results

Day 4 Results

Day 3 Results

Day 2 Results

Day one was composed of an upset and a thrilling Hays Kennedy Park victory by a single vote!

Day 1 Results

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2012 Parks Madness!

Well it’s time to settle the dispute… Which Metro Park is Louisville’s park of the year? But how should we settle such a dispute, you ask?  With a tournament bracket, Baby!

See all the Matchups and seedings here: 2012 Parks Madness Bracket

We have divided our parks into four regions (Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast) and picked the top 16 parks for each region (‘top’ being determined by the number of online views the park received over the last year). 

We will be conducting polls for each Park to Park match up.   You can vote for any park, any match up, any number of times!  For the first round, we will be posting 6 match ups each day (7 on the last day).  Voters will have only 24 hours to vote on the posted parks until the polls close and the next set are displayed.   The parks with the most votes will advance to the next rounds until we have our eventual 2012 Parks Madness Champion!  

So, ladies and gentleman, does your park have what it takes?

First up…

(Voting for Day 1 of Parks Madness has ended. For Results click here.)

California Park vs. 35th Street Park. 

California Park is coming into the tournament with nearly 8 acres of park land and amenities such as a multipurpose field, playground, sprayground and the California Community Center.  Nestled at the end of a residential street is 35th Street Park.  35th Street is one of Metro Parks’ smaller parks, but they believe their unique location will help them surge against their opponents.

Camp Taylor Memorial vs. Seneca

Camp Taylor Memorial Park comes in as the #2 seed in the Southeast region of the bracket.  Boasting an outdoor summer pool and a Cold War memorial, Camp Taylor is poised to do well.  If you are looking for a solid “Cinderella-pick” for the Parks Madness bracket, I would suggest Seneca Park.  Seneca has a low seed this year at 15, but with its strong neighborhood support and historical ties to Olmsted Parks, they have a strong chance of making a run for the championship.   

Kulmer Reserve vs. Wyandotte

Kulmer Reserve is a calm and leisurely park.  It offers a beautiful view of the Ohio River, walking paths and fishing.  Wyandotte Park is an active park offering a multitude of sports fields and amenities.  You could say this is a battle of “tortoise and the hare”.  We will have to wait and see if slow and steady will win in this poll.

Hays Kennedy vs. Caperton Swamp

Hays Kennedy Park was recently featured on Consuming Louisville and is a #4 seed this year in the Northeast region.  If Hays Kennedy can focus, I think it can use its recent exposure of its historical past to springboard far in the tournament this year.  Caperton Swamp is an awesome natural area.  The Swamp is managed and maintained by Metro Parks.  Caperton is a “bubble Park” that was selected this year based on its strong uniqueness to the Park system. 

Portland Wharf vs. Old Walnut/Beecher

Recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, Portland Wharf Park has a wonderful multi-use walking path and beautiful river frontage.  Old Walnut/Beecher Park has 4 acres located between Roy Wilkins Avenue and Muhammad Ali Boulevard.  Old Walnut/Beecher is looking to put up a tough fight this year offering two tennis courts, basketball court and other amenities.

Waverly vs. Shelby

Waverly Park is one of the several places you can fish, hike, and mountain bike in Metro Louisville. Conveniently located next to Bobby Nichols Golf course, Waverly claims to have the Park that can take home the Championship this year.  They face a foe, Shelby Park.  Shelby is an Olmsted Park with a community center and a recently added modern sprayground.  Shelby wants to prove that their seeding doesn’t reflect their strength to win.

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