C. Community News & Events
- Recap of Key Community Events
Saturday, May 17, was a busy day for community events across Louisville. The “BIG BOB Day!!” took place from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Preston Park (413 Augustus Avenue, District 15).13 This family-friendly event, a model for comprehensive community resource fairs, brought together neighbors, community partners, and city agencies. It featured a wide array of free services, including a pet vaccine clinic by Animal Services, a medication take-back program with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, health screenings by UofL Health, distribution of spay and neuter vouchers by Pets 4 Life, and provision of free gun locks by BeSMART.13 Activities included a “Touch-a-Truck” with firefighters, a community art mural project led by local artist Jessica Chao, voter registration with the League of Women Voters, hands-on science activities from the Kentucky Science Center, and a petting zoo by Kentuckiana Backyard Farms.13 While held in District 15, the event’s success in delivering direct services and fostering civic engagement offers a valuable template for similar initiatives in District 1.
Also on May 17, the 13th Annual Old Louisville Springfest was held in Toonerville Trolley Park.36 Hosted by Councilman JP Lyninger (D-6) and the Toonerville Trolley Neighborhood Association, the festival featured vendors of handmade goods, artists, live music, a KidZone, food trucks, and a beer garden.36 Such large neighborhood festivals often attract attendees from across the city, including District 1 residents.
Earlier in the month, on May 7, Kentucky Shakespeare’s free “Shakespeare in the Parks” tour included a performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Shawnee Park, a key cultural venue in District 1.37 This initiative demonstrates an effort to bring accessible, high-quality arts programming directly to District 1 neighborhoods. Other performances by the troupe continued at various locations during the May 11-17 week.37 - Louisville Free Public Library (LFPL) Activities in District 1 Branches
LFPL branches in District 1 continued to serve as community hubs, offering a variety of programs:
- Parkland Library (2743 Virginia Avenue):
- Thursday, May 15, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Family Storytime: Mindfulness (Children, Family).39
- Saturday, May 17, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Battle of the Best: Game Tournament (Teens, Games & Gaming).39
- Shawnee Library (3912 W. Broadway):
- Saturday, May 17, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 39: Budget Bee: Personal Budget Planning (Adults, Business & Finance).39
- Saturday, May 17, 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Project Warm Presents: Keeping Cool & Warm.39
- Western Library (604 S. Tenth Street):
- Thursday, May 15, 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Community Puzzle Swap (Adults, Family, Games & Gaming).39
- Offsite Event with District 1 Relevance:
- Saturday, May 17, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM 39: Western Cemetery Tour (History, Black History, Genealogy).39 The Western Cemetery is a significant historical site for West Louisville.
The diverse programming—from financial literacy and historical tours for adults to story times and gaming for youth—underscores the multifaceted role of these libraries. The recent renovation of the Parkland Library is also a notable investment in these crucial District 1 community assets.3
- Parks & Recreation Updates for District 1
Efforts to enhance parks and recreational facilities in District 1 were evident. Councilwoman Hawkins continued to seek community input for the Algonquin Community Day, scheduled for May 24 to celebrate the reopening of the park’s swimming pool.2 An input meeting was held on May 10 to gather resident ideas for the celebration.2
Shawnee Park hosted a Shakespeare in the Parks performance on May 7.37 While a Pop-Up Drop-Off event for waste and recycling was held at Shawnee Park in March, these city services rotate locations and could return to District 1 in the future.41
Mayor Greenberg’s proposed budget includes funds for “staffing and security at Algonquin Park” and “more money for deferred maintenance at parks” city-wide.12 Further bolstering park safety, James Brown was announced as the new Chief Park Ranger on May 16. The revived Park Ranger program received $300,000 in funding for FY25, aiming to ensure parks are clean, safe, and accessible.42 These initiatives signal a focus on improving and revitalizing key recreational spaces within District 1.
The Cyril Allgeier Community Center, noted in one source as relevant to District 1 users 43, had its gym floor resurfaced, leading to a temporary closure from May 15-19.44 (Reporter’s Note: Address verification typically places Cyril Allgeier Community Center outside District 1; however, this report adheres to information within the provided source material which indicated D1 relevance.)
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