Louisville Destination Development Plan Unveiled

by Stephanie CrosbyThe Louisville Convention and Visitor’s Bureau today unveiled a development plan aimed at enhancing Louisville’s standing as a destination city.The plan was put together by Minneapolis-based Convention Sports and Leisure International. Researcher John Kaatz says one recommendation of the plan is to incorporate more ‘monumental art’ in the downtown.“Maybe it’s a huge Kentucly long rifle outside the Frazier, or something like that, that designates certain areas of town in a big way," says Kaatz. "So now this becomes a talking point for visitors.”He says one example is the big bat outside the Louisville Slugger Museum.Kaatz also says the downtown trolley system isn’t well run, and should be operated by a non-profit organization that gears the service to out-of-town visitors.“The board of this corporation would involved TARC, would involved the bureau, to make sure that visitor feedback, the needs of the visitor are immediately reported to the management of the operation so we can play with the system, move it where it needs to go, the routes, the pricing, the frequency, all of this works in a first order of business," says Kaatz,Other recommendations include improving the Kentucky International Convention Center and the Kentucky Exposition Center, re-opening the former Six Flags theme park with a more local flavor, and creating a sports hub in the city.