Mediative Urbanisms – Entry 109
Presented by:
Christopher Brashear – topper (at) iglou (dot) com
Louisville, KY
Patrick Piuma – ppiuma (at) colabr8 (dot) com
Jonathan Brannon – jpbrannon73 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Patrick Smith – communityresearch (at ) gmail (dot) com
Beargrass Bike Park
The Beargrass Bike Park (BBP) combines wetlands protection and a state-of-the-art bike park and activity complex, within an urban park setting. The space will not only attract locals as a park and market space; it will draw visitors from across the region and beyond as large-scale bike parks increase in popularity. The plan offers an indoor bike park and family fitness center, an outdoor system of bicycle tracks and pedestrian trails, and a mixed-use frontage with adjacent market and event space. A major concern is stream protection, and the BPP sets aside a 50’ buffer zone on the edges of the creek, planted with native species.
Site build out is low intensity and low cost, thanks to space provided by the adaptive reuse and retrofit of the existing warehouse. Site build-out includes:
• Existing warehouse renovation/retrofit as iconic feature
• Bus stop and signage art project at axis termination/bend of Lexington Road
• Mixed-used development along Lexington Road
• Open festival market space/parking area
• Biking tracks/trails
• Walking trails/gathering areas
On-site circulation is enhanced by increasing connectivity for pedestrians and bicyclists. A system of new links are provided with existing trails and bike lanes including:
• Connecting the Beargrass Creek Bike Path at the eastern edge of the site
• Pedestrian/bicycle bridge spanning the railway at the northern edge
• New bike/ped paths from Fern Street, bridging over Lexington Road
The BBP provides activities for everyone and adds to quality of life by providing both an exciting sports destination, and an urban park and gathering place. The park facilities allow for biking competitions and serve as a venue for events and markets. This is all accomplished through implementation of a design that is cost-effective, and that helps heal an ecologically comprised area in the heart of the city.
