The Louisville Downtown Open Space Network (OSN) is a collaborative initiative lead by the University of Louisville's Urban Design Studio and partners to not only reimagine but work towards a downtown that is healthier, connected, and vibrant heart of our the city. The initial OSN study is a first step building on the Louisville Downtown Partnership's 2024 strategic plan, A New Paradigm for Downtown Louisville. Developed through collaborative research with UofL's 2025 Masters of Urban Planning Capstone Studio, C-EEEM summer interns, and local design and civic professions, the study  maps the most promising corridors for walkability and identifying opportunities to better link parks and public spaces as a foundation for revitalization.

The OSN is intended to be more than a one-time study, but a living and evolving framework that draws on collaborative insights and actions from a host of civic-minded professionals, students and stakeholders. The intention of this initiative is to track progress, gather new insights, and generate fresh ideas for placemaking and greening interventions that unites design and ecology in an effort to guide downtown Louisville toward a future where destinations and public spaces are connected, inviting, and support health and well-being.

Moving forward, this page will serve as a space for ideas  and activities related to the effort.