The following facilities will be closed at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 2 and all day Saturday, May 3 due to Oaks and Derby:

• Staffed recycling locations
  • Southwest Government Center, 7219 Dixie Hwy. 
  • Central Government Center, 7201 Outer Loop
  • East District Public Works, 595 N Hubbards Ln. 
• Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Ave.
• HazBin, 7501 Grade Ln. 

For more information about drop-off locations, visit Louisvilleky.gov/RecycleMap

The site is anticipated to be released from federal control within the next thirty days

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 17, 2025) – At the direction of Mayor Craig Greenberg, representatives from multiple Louisville Metro Government agencies met with Givaudan officials this month to review the company’s demolition plan of the former Payne Street facility. Leaders from the Air Pollution Control District, Codes and Regulations, Public Health and Wellness, and MSD are working with Givaudan officials on the plan. All parties are coordinating to ensure that the demolition process proceeds safely for the Clifton community.

“We are nearing the point of the process where Givaudan can begin demolition and cleanup of the site, and we will make sure all of that work is done safely with minimal disruption and risk to nearby residents,” said Mayor Greenberg. “Teams from various Metro agencies will be reviewing and monitoring demolition and cleanup work every step of the way.”

The site remains under the control of the Chemical Safety Board (CSB), which is scheduled to return in late April for further testing. Based on the current timeline, the site is anticipated to be released from CSB control within the next 30 days. Once released, the remaining non-toxic materials, including caustic soda and finished product, will be removed.

Preparations for the demolition are underway, with Givaudan aiming to begin the process in early summer. A bid package for demolition contractor services is currently being organized, and a contractor will be selected shortly thereafter. Louisville Metro Government will be reviewing all submitted demolition plans to ensure that all safety measures and protocols are in place before the issuing a demolition permit.

Metro Officials will require the demolition plans prioritize the health and safety of the surrounding community. Givaudan and its contractor will be required to complete fence line particulate matter monitoring during the demolition process. They will also be required to manage and mitigate asbestos and dust, both onsite and offsite during demolition. MSD will review demolition plans to ensure they comply with all permits and protocols for their agency.

Louisville Metro Government is committed to maintaining close communications with the Givaudan team and its contractor throughout the demolition process. We will also keep the public informed of new developments as they occur. For more information or to contact Louisville Metro Government with questions about the demolition process, visit www.louisvilleky.gov/Givaudan.

Spring is a great time to clean out a garage or closet. But what do you do with those hard-to-dispose-of items? Use our Recycle Coach app to search specific items and find local information about recycling or drop-off locations. Here are five tips for spring cleaning:

1. Make a pile of items that might be useful to someone else. Sell, donate or offer to neighbors. Neighborhood apps and websites are a great way to get rid of things quickly - everybody loves free stuff! Most donation centers will recycle clothing and other textiles they can't sell. Check with your favorite location before throwing textiles in the garbage. If you still have loose, small items, place them in your garbage or recycle them if acceptable. 
2. Learn how to dispose of items that are too big for your garbage cart. Large items that aren't usable might just have to be thrown away. Contact your waste hauler about curbside collection. If you have Louisville Metro waste collection, you can schedule a pickupof up to four large items up to once per week. Residents can also drop off up to four large items at the Waste Reduction Center at 636 Meriwether Ave. for free. Residents can also dispose of large items at a Pop-Up Drop-Off event. 
3. Recycle old electronics. You can recycle electronic waste at the Waste Reduction Centeror at a Pop-Up Drop-Off event (limit three). Some stores, like Staples or Best Buy, also recycle electronics. 
4. Dispose of household hazardous waste properly. Residents can drop off household hazardous waste for free at the HazBin, 7501 Grade Ln. Check the websitefor a list of accepted items, hours and guidelines. Old unusable latex paint is not considered hazardous and should be dried out and placed in a sealed bag in your garbage. 
5. Don't wait until spring to get rid of the small stuff! Boxes and bags of small items are not accepted in the city's Large Item Pickup program. Donate or throw away items as needed so they don't pile up! 

If you have questions about waste and recycling, contact the kNOw Waste Louisville education department!

Louisville, KY. - Whitehall is pleased to announce that its 22nd annual Peony Sale will be held at historic Whitehall, 3110 Lexington Road, on Tueday, May 6, 2025.

Peonies on Display

Although the public is always welcome to tour Whitehall’s gardens throughout the day from sunup to sundown, the Peony Sale has been selected as the date when we estimate Whitehall’s impressive collection of over 60 peony varieties will be at its peak. There is no charge to visit the gardens.

Peony Sale

A limited selection of herbaceous peonies will also be offered for sale. Peonies available for purchase include Coral Charm, Duchess de Nemours, and Raspberry Sundae. Peonies will be planted in 2-gallon pots at $45 each. The sale will begin at 4:00 p.m. and will continue until all peonies are sold out. Customers will be limited to 4 peonies per person. Peonies sell quickly and Whitehall can’t guarantee the availability of all varieties. Please note that early access to the sale area will not be permitted.

For more information, please contact Whitehall at (502) 897-2944 or whitehall@historichomes.org. Additional information is also available on Whitehall’s website at https://www.historicwhitehall.org/peony-sale.

Proceeds from the Peony Sale benefit Whitehall, a historic house and estate garden owned and operated by the not-for-profit Historic Homes Foundation. Originally built in the mid-1850s as an Italianate farmhouse, the home was transformed in the early 1900s into the iconic Greek Revival-style mansion we know today as Whitehall. At just under ten acres, the grounds feature multiple unique gardens and specimen trees, making Whitehall truly the place where “history grows.”

The Kentucky Humane Society (KHS) with Metro Animal Services (MAS) is hosting the third annual Hammer’s Lou Adopts, a mega adoption event aiming to find loving homes for nearly 200 adoptable local dogs and puppies. Once again sponsored by Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers, Hammer’s Lou Adopts will offer on-site adoptions at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center Pavilion on Saturday, May 10 from noon – 4:00 p.m. After finding homes for 270 dogs in the last two years, we are excited to find homes for more homes for more dogs!

KHS and MAS will be joined at Hammer’s Lou Adopts by several other local shelters to offer the public a large variety of friendly, loving local dogs and puppies who are available for adoption on-site.

Adoption fees will vary by shelter. Jefferson County adopters will be required to pay a $10.50 licensing fee for each adoption. All the dogs and puppies will be spayed/neutered, micro-chipped and up-to-date on vaccinations. Adopters are encouraged to bring their resident dogs so they can meet any potential dog siblings and to bring their dogs’ vaccine records.

Join us for our 26th Anniversary of Louisville TRIAD!

May 13th, 2025 Networking 11:00am Lunch Served at 11:30am Meeting 12:00-1:00pm

*Hear from AARP Kentucky and the Jefferson County Clerks Office* 

Our Mother of Sorrows Cafeteria: 770 Eastern Parkway Louisville, Ky 40217

Lunch Sponsored by: AARP Kentucky

RSVP REQUIRED:

Please call the Office for Aging & Disabled Citizens 502-574-5092 or by email to allison.woosley@louisvilleky.gov

Parking is available in the enclosed lot next to the cafeteria or in the lot to the right of school. Street parking is allowed.

The Waste Management District would like insight into Louisville residents' opinions on the effects, prevalence, and consequences of littering, and litter prevention and abatement efforts. Please take this 5-minute survey about litter in Louisville! 

Take Survey: https://louisvilleky.wufoo.com/forms/public-attitudes-about-litter-survey/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Next month (May) is National Bike Month and it wouldn't be complete without Bike to Work Day.

Join us Friday, May 16, 2025 at 7:00 a.m. for National Bike to Work Day. Bike Louisville will host group rides from five "Meet & Ride" locations. Each group will be led by experienced volunteer ride captains. The rides will depart at 7:30 a.m. and will end downtown at The Plaza on Fourth (222 S. 4th St.) for coffee, donuts and prizes. Groups will meet back at the plaza at 5:30 p.m. for return rides.

Help celebrate healthy and sustainable active transportation by taking part in the city-wide ride. 

Follow the link below to register and view the route maps for each ride. 

https://louisvilleky.gov/government/bike-louisville/bike-work-day-2025?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

For the 10th year in a row, KIPDA Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living, and the Louisville Metro Office for Aging and Disabled Citizens are teaming up to provide fans for older adults and persons with disabilities to help offer relief from the sweltering summer heat.  Working with community organizations, churches, businesses, private citizens and the local media, we hope to generate monetary donations to purchase new fans.  Persons or businesses interested in sponsoring fans will be able to make tangible or monetary donations to this effort until May 24th, 2024. 

Fan Fair Event

June 7th, 2025 9:00am-11:00am

Edison Center 701 W. Ormsby Ave Louisville KY 40203

If you or your organization are interested in sponsoring, please contact Alli at 502.574.5092 or allison.woosley@louisvilleky.gov 

Join us for an exciting STEAM Summer Camp designed for kids in grades 1-8! Through hands-on activities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math, campers will spark their curiosity, build new skills, and have tons of fun.

📅 Dates: June 9-13, 2025

📍 Location: 150 State St. Louisville, KY 40206

🎟 Spots are limited—register today!

Give your child a summer of discovery and creativity! Learn more and sign up at [Registration Link].

Help us provide an exciting STEAM Summer Camp for children in grades 1-8 by becoming a sponsor! Your support will give kids hands-on learning experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math, sparking creativity and innovation.

Partner with us to make this summer unforgettable! Learn more at [Sponsorship Link] or contact us at 502-893-0346 or uchmlouisville@gmail.com.

Beloved gala Zoofari returns June 13; new adults-only event, Skelebration, debuts this fall

LOUISVILLE, KY. (April 24, 2025) – Friends of the Louisville Zoo (FOZ) is planning a year of fundraising and fun with the return of their annual gala, Zoofari, and a new treat for adults this fall, Skelebration!

Louisville Zoo’s premier gala, Zoofari, coordinated and hosted by the FOZ Board, brings together community leaders and Zoo advocates for an event as unique and special as the Zoo! This year’s “Evening of Elegance” gala will occur on Friday, June 13, and will celebrate the snow leopard. Zoofari guests will be whisked away from the entrance of the Zoo for an exclusive evening of animal encounters, an elevated cocktail hour on the Snow Leopard Pass plaza, live and silent auctions, and an inspired dinner experience and entertainment. The fun continues with an exciting after-party featuring live music by Best Kept Secret, late-night bites and more! Zoofari tickets are available at LouisvilleZoo.org/zoofari.

New this year, FOZ will debut Skelebration on Wednesday, October 8. This exclusive after-hours event for adults 21 and over, will immerse guests in Halloween excitement from the moment they enter the Zoo. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy tasty bites, cocktails, mocktails, treats and perhaps a few haunts as they stroll through the Zoo. 

“The hard work and dedication of our Friends of the Zoo board members who annually create events full of fanciful, whimsical fun and fundraising is inspirational. We are fortunate to have so many in the community join us at these annual events to honor and celebrate the animals and work of our Zoo team. The collective commitment to species conservation is powerful,” said Zoo Director Dan Maloney.

Combined, Zoofari and Skelebration will bring thousands of people together in fun, exciting ways to raise funds for and celebrate the significant work of the Zoo and its role in the community and region. The events directly benefit the Zoo’s capital projects and their superior work to conserve species, care for animals and offer educational programming. To learn more, please visit LouisvilleZoo.org/Friends.

The final look and shape of The Dot Experience is starting to come into focus. To help show the latest update, enjoy this drone video that travels throughout the construction zone.

Watch the APH Drone Spring 2025 Construction Video: APH Drone Spring 2025.mp4

In the video, you will see the following:

• Opening Scene: The drone hovers above the construction zone facing the new main entrance. From this angle, you can see the renovated four stories, along with the addition on the front of the building.
• First Transition (30 second mark): The drone enters the building through what will eventually be the main entrance. Workers are leveling the dirt that will eventually be the ground floor. As the drone flies slowly along the ground floor, to the left is a future classroom area. The drone then flies out of the building.
• Second Transition (58 second mark): Flying through the main level, the drone rotates right and goes further into the building.
• Third Transition (1:24 minute mark): The drone, now on the first floor, rises to the second floor, and rotates around to a large gallery where the bulk of the exhibits will be located. The drone flies through that space and outside of The Dot Experience.

Image description: The drone starts hovering above the construction zone looking at the awning that will be the new main entrance to the building. From this angle, you can see the renovated four stories along with the addition on the front of the building.