Wednesday April 24, 2024
Local Connection
Weather
Traffic
@LouisvilleDispatch
@LouisvilleDisp
Subscribe
Louisville Parks and Recreation has been selected for a Great Urban Parks Campaign grant by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). Louisville Parks and Recreation is one of 10 organizations awarded the grant, which supports the development of green stormwater infrastructure.
Green stormwater infrastructure in parks offer an effective way to positively impact environmental and social change, especially within underserved communities. Projects can mitigate the effects of climate-related weather events, improve community health, increase access to green space and nature, and provide opportunities for education, employment and social inclusion. By empowering local residents through meaningful community engagement, projects can address community needs while meeting local stormwater management goals. The grant award issued to Louisville Parks and Recreation will be used to restore the pond in Chickasaw Park.
“There are practical reasons why this work needs to take place in Chickasaw Park, but most importantly, this turns the pond into a recreation amenity for families to enjoy,” Parks and Recreation Director Seve Ghose said. “We are thankful to NRPA for selecting Louisville Parks and Recreation, and are eager to get started on the project.”
“We are excited to see the positive impacts these green infrastructure projects will have in their communities,” said Lori Robertson, NRPA’s Director of Conservation. “Utilizing parks to mitigate flooding and other climate-related weather impacts is a critical strategy in protecting neighborhoods. We know from our past work that these projects also offer a multitude of benefits beyond environmental ones including improved community health, park access, and social cohesion. We’re looking forward to seeing those impacts multiply with these upcoming projects.”
The Great Urban Parks Campaign aims to demonstrate the social and environmental benefits of green stormwater infrastructure in underserved communities — including increased public access to recreational opportunities and access to nature via parks.
Halloween fun for kids of all ages is available during the month of October through Louisville Parks and Recreation and its associated facilities, including community centers, its two historic homes, the Iroquois Amphitheater and the Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center.
“Whether you’re eight years old – or eighty – there are parties, movies and family fun throughout the month of October through Louisville Parks and Recreation,” Director Seve Ghose said. “Most of these events are free or very affordable for the family, and we’re looking forward to a great Halloween season.”
The unofficial start to this listing of events is this Saturday, October 6, when Louisville Parks and Recreation hosts its annual Trunk or Treat at the Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center, 201 Reservoir Avenue, from 4-6 p.m.
It kicks off a month-long series of activities that includes movies at the Amphitheater, a Zombie Park at Camp Taylor Park, senior activities at the Sun Valley and Beechmont community centers and more. For the full schedule of Halloween-related events offered through Louisville Parks and Recreation, please reference the attached flier or click here.
Louisville Parks and Recreation’s Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation (AIR) program will host a day full of sports programming for the visually impaired on Saturday, Oct. 6 at the program’s headquarters at 1300 Heafer Road, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Archery, kickball, beep baseball and goalball will be available for those who are interested.
Occupational, recreational and/or physical therapists are also encouraged to attend, along with participants with low or no vision. Call 502/456-8148 for more information or to register. Registration is appreciated but not required.
The United States Association of Blind Athletes has established a day dedicated to providing Americans who are blind and visually impaired with opportunities to participate in a variety of sports and physical activities, and to raise awareness of blind sports in our society.
National Blind Sports Day (October 6, 2018) is a day in which people across the U.S., visually impaired and sighted, can engage in sports and fitness in their local communities.
“The goal of National Blind Sports Day aligns with the vision of our organization,” said Mark Lucas, Executive Director at U.S. Association of Blind Athletes. “That every American who is blind or visually impaired will lead a healthy lifestyle by actively participating in sports, recreation and physical activity.”
The date coincides with Blindness Awareness Month which also includes World Sight Day (October 11) and White Cane Day (October 15). At the time of this release, 24 cities across 15 states are hosting events in celebration of National Blind Sports Day. Visit www.usaba.org/blindsportsday for a current list of participating organizations and agencies.
Louisville Parks and Recreation is offering an affordable family golfing package at its ten golf courses over the Labor Day Weekend.
For only $25, a family of up to four members can play nine holes at any Parks course. The $25 includes greens and cart fees, and families can take advantage of the deal after 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 1; Sunday, September 2; and Monday, September 3.
Families are encouraged to call in advance to book a tee time at the golf course of their choice.
Parks golf courses are open from daylight to dark seven days a week.
Bobby Nichols Golf Course, 4301 E. Pages Lane, 502/937-9051 (9 holes)
Charlie Vettiner Golf Course, 10207 Mary Dell Lane, 502/267-9958 (18 holes)
Cherokee Golf Course, 2501 Alexander Road, 502/458-9450 (9 holes)
Crescent Hill Golf Course, 3110 Brownsboro Road, 502/896-9193 (9 holes)
Iroquois Golf Course, 1501 Rundill Road, 502/363-9520 (18 holes)
Long Run Golf Course, 1605 Flat Rock Road, 502/245-9015 (18 holes)
Seneca Golf Course, 2300 Pee Wee Reese Blvd, 502/458-9298 (18 holes)
Shawnee Golf Course, 460 Northwestern Parkway, 502/776-9389 (18 holes)
Sun Valley Golf Course, 6505 Bethany Lane, 502/937-9228 (18 holes)
Quail Chase Golf Club, 7000 Cooper Chapel Rd, 502/239-2110 (27 holes)
Photo: Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation
Louisville Parks and Recreation is providing four opportunities next week for those seeking a part or full-time job with the city’s largest health club.
“We have some great opportunities available. You might be a college student looking for some experience during the summer, or maybe even looking for a new career. We encourage those who are looking at their employment options to come and check us out,” said Seve Ghose, Director of Parks and Recreation.
Ghose mentioned that the department employs engineers, architects, planners, naturalists, and horticulturalists among other positions. “Some of these positions are a great way to get a foot in the door in the parks and recreation industry and can lead to long-term success in the field,” he said.
Job seekers are encouraged to dress professionally and bring a copy of their resume, if possible.
The job fairs and locations are as follows:
- Portland Community Center, 640 North 27th Street, 40212
Monday, April 2, 1-4 p.m. - Vettiner Maintenance Facility, 7201 Outer Loop, 40228
Tuesday, April 3, 9 a.m. – noon - Iroquois Amphitheater, 1080 Amphitheater Road, 40214
Thursday, April 5, 9 a.m. – noon - Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center, 201 Reservoir Avenue, 40206
Friday, April 6, 1-4 p.m.
Louisville Parks and Recreation has been selected to receive $25,000 as part of the Healthiest Cities & Counties Challenge (the Challenge) Spotlight Award. Ten winners and five honorable mentions were selected for their ability to address the need to improve opportunities for all Americans – regardless of income, education or ethnic background – to take an active role in healthy living.
Jefferson Memorial Forest, and its award-winning ECHO (Engaging Children Outdoors) has been highlighted as a Spotlight Award winner for identifying creative partnerships and enacting sustainable and replicable programs that address the unique health issues facing Louisville. The goal of Louisville ECHO is to create opportunities in west Louisville where every resident has access to a safe and healthy environment that increases physical activity, reduces stress, and leads to healthier lives through outdoor recreation and environmental education and stewardship.
Louisville ECHO began in 2008 with seed funding from the U.S. Forest Service to provide multiple nature experiences for 4th grade students at three Title I public schools in west Louisville.
With Louisville Metro support; the continued support of the U.S. Forest Service; multi-sector partners such as the Metro Louisville Department of Public Health and Wellness and YouthBuild Louisville; and funding partners, including the Aetna Foundation and Wilderness Louisville, Inc. Louisville ECHO has expanded to include multiple complementary components providing meaningful nature experiences for nearly 2,500 youth annually across multiple ages.
“On behalf of our staff and volunteers at Jefferson Memorial Forest, we thank the Aetna Foundation, APHA, and NaCo for this award in support our efforts to sustain and grow Louisville ECHO,” said Bennett Knox, parks administrator for Jefferson Memorial Forest. “We appreciate this award as it recognizes multi-sector and multi-partner nature of Louisville ECHO whereby all involved are working towards the same goal of creating a healthier, more vibrant, community through access to nature within our urban core.”
