Calling on the Community
As designers, it was important to ensure the new park lives up to Colonel Charles Young’s name and prioritizes the East End’s people and culture. Since beginning the design process, the project team hosted discussions and workshops with stakeholders at the park’s Community Center and gained vital feedback that informed the physical design of the water-play feature, walkways and safety features.
Historically, Splash! reflects the park’s past as the second recreation space for African Americans in a once-segregated city. It was important that every voice from the community was accounted for during the design and research process. Our team collaborated with local influential leaders to collect community-sourced stories that will be permanently integrated into the play space.
A Design Fit for a Colonel
Design elements in the interactive splash pad illustrate the timeline and rich narrative of Charles Young’s life and will educate visitors on the cultural history of the East End neighborhood. For example, fountain cross streams symbolize Colonel Young’s braided arm band on his military uniform. Drawing upon the native Bluegrass landscape, the splash pad design mimics elements found in rural Kentucky such as creeks, shallow streams and steppingstones.
Invested in Greenspace
Located directly off the Town Branch Commons greenway, Splash! is the missing piece to providing a direct and intentional connection between the Charles Young Park amenities and the citywide trail system. While the central feature is the splash pad, the project team sensitively delivered additional upgrades such as bench swings, native plantings, interpretative signage, and historic restroom renovation, without impacting the historic lawn and existing tree canopy. Splash!’s design prioritizes immersive storytelling through nature-inspired design and custom signage.
Honoring the Namesake
The first park of its kind in East End, Splash! provides much-needed access to water play and park amenities. The design demonstrates how landscape architecture can blend history, culture, and functionality, enhancing community interaction. The project has been held up nationally as an exemplary public design process by Reimagining the Civic Commons.