With the help of local partners, a major donation from Papa John’s and a contribution from former University of Louisville and current Atlanta Falcons player Jamon Brown’s foundation, Mayor Greg Fischer announced a plan for summer swimming alternatives for youth and families in the Louisville area.
The plan includes 10 community swim events at two YMCA of Greater Louisville locations, structured swims at Central High School’s pool, and daily community swim sessions at The Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center – along with transportation options for those who otherwise would have trouble getting to the pools.
The four outdoor pools typically operated by Louisville Parks and Recreation – Norton (Camp Taylor), Algonquin, Sun Valley and Nelson Hornbeck (Fairdale) – will not be open this year due to budget cuts caused by the pension crisis and the Metro Council vote in March against new revenue sources.
After hearing that, Papa John’s CEO Steve Ritchie reached out to ask how his team could help. Representatives for Brown, a Louisville native and Fern Creek High School alum, soon joined the cause. And after gathering feedback from past and future users of the four pools, Louisville Parks and Recreation worked with partners -- the YMCA, Jefferson County Public Schools and TARC -- to develop the alternative plan for the summer.
Papa John’s donation of $90,000 through The Papa John’s Foundation for Building Community, along with the $5,000 donation from the Jamon Brown Foundation and a matching $5,000 donation from the Atlanta Falcons, will be used for pool operations, including lifeguards.
Specifics of the plan:
Beginning June 8, the Southwest and Downtown YMCAs will host 10 community swim events - five at the Southwest YMCA, 2801 Fordhaven Road, and five at the Downtown YMCA, 555 S. Second St.
Southwest YMCA
Saturday, June 15th from 3:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 29th from 3:30- 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 13th from 3:30- 6:30 p.m.
Friday, July 26th from 5:30- 830 p.m.
Friday, August 9th from 5:30- 830 p.m.
Downtown YMCA
Saturday, June 8th from 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 23rd from 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 7th from 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 21st from 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 4th from 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Fees are $3/person 14 years and over & $2/youth 13 and under. Vouchers for the summer swim events can be purchased at Metro Parks Administrative Offices, 1297 Trevilian Way; at the Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center, 201 Reservoir Avenue starting Monday, June 3; or at the YMCA, beginning 30 minutes before the start of the event. Capacity for these events is 100 people/event.
- A partnership with JCPS will allow for structured program swims at Central High School’s pool, 1130 Chestnut St., beginning June 14. These four-hour sessions on Fridays and Saturdays will host summer camps, community organizations and individuals interested in swim lessons. Group rates are $2 per child. The swims are from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Friday, and from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays in June and July.
Interested organizations should call the Parks and Recreation main office at (502) 574- 7275 for additional information.
- The Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center will host daily open community swims beginning June 10. The hours are Monday-Thursday from noon-4 p.m.; Friday from 12-8 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from noon-4 p.m. Normal pricing applies.
Realizing that transportation may be a barrier for children and families seeking the opportunity for one of these three options, Louisville Parks and Recreation is also working with TARC to provide rides to swim sites for those without access to a vehicle. For more information, please call Parks at (502) 574-7275.
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