ABOUT

 

      Parkland Rising is the latest public art commission facilitated by Center for Neighborhoods’ Parkland P.A.I.N.T. (Producing Art In Neighborhoods Together) Project through a Metro External Agency grant.  Councilwoman Attica Scott (District 1) partnered with Center for Neighborhoods to select an artist who would lead the community in transforming a Parkland area vacant building into a symbol of hope.  Ramona Dallum Lindsey, mixed media textile artist, is the lead artist for transforming the 2 story vacant apartment building at 3201 Greenwood Avenue.  Mrs. Lindsey’s design depends on Parkland’s residents and Metro Louisville’s ability to unite their voices, hands, and resources.   

 

​Parkland is a historic community in Louisville’s West End established in the late 1800’s. Parkland became a neighborhood of sprawling homes along Virginia Ave and a center of industry.  The corridor near 28th & Dumesnil Streets was a bustling area of commerce complete with department stores, grocery stores, and entertainment facilities.  However, the Louisville Riots of 1968, which reportedly began in Parkland, led to the neighborhood’s decline.  Today the largest census tract of Parkland has a population of 2,370 and 97% of its residents are African-American.  The annual median household income is $14,784 and an unemployment rate of 13.2%.  Its 30% of vacant homes ranks Parkland among the top Louisville neighborhoods with the most vacant and abandoned homes.  Parkland’s geographic boundaries are West Broadway on the north, 26th Street on the east, Woodlawn Street on the South, and 34th Street on the West. Read  this Courier Journal article to learn more. ​

​Parkland Rising uses the mythical Phoenix bird to symbolize Parkland’s ability to recreate itself from the ashes of poverty, crime, and hopelessness to once again claim its status as a prominent Louisville community.  The project honors Parkland’s rich heritage through the display of historical photos which serve as the foundation for its restoration.  Community residents will be asked to think about and discuss Parkland’s future by completing approximately 500 “We will rise again as…” stickers that will be prominently displayed in the art work.  Plants will be incorporated into the installation to represent the community’s growth and hope.  While creating this art work residents will explore the concepts of renew, reuse, & recycle to create an environmentally responsible 12’ Phoenix sculpture with a 16’ wingspan using over 2,000 recycled clear plastic bottles.  The Phoenix and stickers symbolize Parkland’s rising socioeconomic, political, and family status.​​