WHAT

Park

WHERE

Louisville, KY

WHEN

2016

Turkey Run Park, Louisville, Kentucky

A legacy working farmyard has been transformed into a contemporary activity center that evokes the image of a classic Kentucky rural barnyard of the past. The iconic grain silo and connected livestock feeding shed have new uses designed to delight the visitor. 142 stairs spiral upward inside the SILO to a remarkable lookout platform offering spectacular views of the parklands. The feeding shed and trough, now the FARMERS TABLE, provide a wonderful place for a communal picnic.

Another livestock shed, later used for pigs, was repaired and enhanced to provide a unique shelter and activity space now called the PIGNIC BARN.

An old dairy barn, later used for tobacco storage, was in a condition beyond repair. It was replaced by a new larger barn designed in the traditional 3-bay heavy timber truss method, made by Amish craftsmen of hemlock wood and relying entirely on pegged joinery.  This HOCKENSMITH EVENT BARN hosts all manner of festivities for up to 300 people, with catering support.

A new TRAILHEAD, consistent with the style of all Parklands structures but unique to this enclave, sits on the edge of the farmyard, looking outward as a metaphor for the nostalgic front porch from which one could watch visitors approach.

A second old existing tobacco barn structure and a small silo complete the ensemble around a grass farm yard and its defining circular walk. New and old combined to evoke a romanticised image of rural hospitality.