Four-wheelers chewed through Sun Valley Golf Course on Sunday, tearing up fairways at a Louisville park that had recently received major investments. The same vandalism spree also left swastikas made from spray foam in the parking lot, with extensive cleanup needed; taxpayers are expected to cover repairs.
According to WLKY, the fairway on Hole No. 1 was completely torn up, while Hole No. 4 also sustained damage after people drove four-wheelers through the park. Repair spending will replace money that had been planned for additional improvements, Councilwoman Crystal Bast said.
Damage Hits A Park Already Slated For Upgrades
Sun Valley Park is a 204-acre public recreation hub with golf, swimming, basketball, pickleball, playgrounds, walking areas and a community center, according to Louisville Metro Government. The golf course itself is an 18-hole, par-71 facility that offers leagues, tournaments and weekly games. Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation rules prohibit ATVs and dirt bikes on park properties.
The vandalism arrives as Louisville is preparing to put even more money into the park. Plans call for a new pool and pool house, with construction expected to begin after the 2026 pool season and an opening targeted for 2027, WAVE 3 News reported. According to Louisville Metro Government's 2025-2026 Mid-Year Budget Adjustments, Sun Valley Pool was listed at $1.5 million. City budget records identify a Sun Valley Pool CCRF project in the 2025-2026 Capital Budget.
Spray Foam Symbols Add Cleanup And Outrage
The parking-lot damage was more than ordinary graffiti: someone used spray foam to form swastikas, which officials said will require extensive cleanup. Bast told WLKY there is “absolutely no place for that in our community,” while asking witnesses and anyone with security footage or identifying information to come forward.
Officials also said security cameras are in the works for Sun Valley Park, an effort intended to better protect the area after the latest damage. Anyone with information about the vandalism can contact the Louisville Metro Police Department’s anonymous tip line at 502-574-LMPD, or 502-574-5673, according to Louisville Metro Government.
Latest Incident Follows Other Louisville Park Vandalism
Sun Valley is not the only Louisville park to take a hit this summer. In June, vandals spray-painted part of a building, sidewalks, a bench and donor signs at Miracle League Park in Fern Creek, and an adult and juvenile were charged while police continued searching for a third suspect, WAVE 3 News reported.
Illegal ATV use is prohibited in Louisville Metro parks, and police are seeking information about the vandalism.
The investigation was ongoing, with police seeking information. For now, the damage means public money earmarked for making the park better will instead go toward repairing turf, while the hate symbols require cleanup and the joyride left residents dealing with the damage.
