This initiative helps reduce recycling contamination and improve the quality of recyclable materials—making them more valuable and increasing the likelihood they’ll be turned into new products.

Here’s what to expect:

🔍 Cart Inspections

Our team, wearing high-visibility vests, will inspect recycling carts set out for collection.

🏷️ Tagging System

Each cart will receive a tag based on what’s found inside:

• ✅Green “Way to Know!” tag – No visible contamination. Items will be collected.
• ⚠️Yellow “Oops” tag – Minor contamination. Items will still be collected, with notes to help improve future recycling.
• ❌Red “Oops” tag – Significant contamination. Items will not be collected until contaminants are removed.

🚫 Common Contaminants to Avoid:

• Bagged recyclables – items should be loose in the cart.
• Plastic bags and wrap – recycle these at participating retail stores.
• Styrofoam™ – not accepted; place in the trash.
• Excessive food or liquid – containers should be empty.
• Hazardous waste (e.g., batteries, flammables) – take to HazBin at 7501 Grade Lane. More info: Louisvilleky.gov/HazBin
• Large items or tanglers (e.g., furniture, cords, scrap metal) – reuse or dispose in the trash.

Our kNOw Waste Education Team is available to answer any questions and support you throughout the program. Reach us at knowwastelou@louisvilleky.gov.

Thank you for helping us promote cleaner, smarter recycling in Louisville!

Louisville Water’s Reservoir Relining Project is progressing. We have now drained the North Basin of over 55 million gallons of water. Due to ongoing inspections, the reservoir is currently closed to pedestrian use.  You will see contractor activity over the next several weeks as we work to prepare for the removal of sedimentation from the basin. Truck traffic and the closure of Reservoir Avenue is not anticipated until November. We won’t use the green space across from the reservoir until later in the project. At this time, we do not have a firm date on when that will begin.

Join us for a public meeting on the Small Developer Loan Fund to learn more about this program, ask questions, and connect with others interested in small-scale development across Louisville.

📅 Thursday, September 18, 2025

🕕 6:00–8:00 PM

📍 Parkland Library – Large Meeting Room (Basement)

Link: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/housing/small-developer-loan-pool

Join us for an engaging session with Graham Mathews as he shares valuable information about Oak Street Health’s senior care services. Come have fun, ask questions, and learn how they support healthier living for older adults!

All activities are held at 150 State Street, in the heart of the beautiful Clifton neighborhood.

Louisville Zoo Honors Latin America

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and the Louisville Zoo are pleased to announce a new event celebrating the rich cultures of Latin America! La Fiesta at the Zoo: A Latin American Heritage Celebration will be September 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This festival has been months in the making, developed by Zoo staff in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. La Fiesta will honor the animals, traditions, cuisine, rhythms and stories of Latin America. The day will showcase local artistry and celebrate cultural diversity through festive music, dance, vibrant art and more.

“La Fiesta at the Zoo is more than a celebration, it’s a reflection of Louisville’s vibrant diversity and the strength we draw from people around the world who now call Louisville home,” said Mayor Greenberg. “I’m excited to see our city come together to honor Latin American heritage in such a special, inclusive way.”

Guests of all ages can embark on a virtual scavenger hunt through the Zoo, discovering fascinating facts about the animals native to Latin America and the ecosystems they call home.

Entertainment Schedule on the MetaZoo Stage:

10:30 a.m.                   Mariachi Sensacion (music)

11:30 a.m.                   Hora Certa (music)

12:30 p.m.                   Flamenco Louisville (dance)

1:30 p.m.                     Mariachi Alegre de Kentucky (music)

2:30 p.m.                     Appalatin (music)

Entertainment on the Zoo’s front plaza:

11 a.m.                        Mexico Lindo (dance)

1 p.m.                          Que Siga La Tradicion (dance)

Zoo Keeper Talk Schedule:

10:30 a.m.                   Maned wolf habitat

11 a.m.                        Toucan habitat

11:30 a.m.                   Porcupine — Islands common area

Noon                            Macaw — Islands common area

1 p.m.                          Armadillo — Islands common area   

1:30 p.m.                     Cuban crocodile habitat

2 p.m.                          Sloth habitat

2:30 p.m.                     Flamingo habitat

3 p.m.                          Puma habitat

Menu Items and Locations

Empenadas                 Lakeside Smokehouse

Salchipapas                 African Outpost

Papusas                       African Outpost

Chicken Causa             African Outpost and Wild Burger

Limonada                    Kentucky Canteen, Bomassa, Lakeside Smokehouse, Wild Burger

La Fiesta at the Zoo: A Latin American Heritage Celebration is sponsored by Councilman Piagentini and District 19 residents.  It is presented in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.

Zoo Hours:

The Zoo is open daily year-round. Now through September 21, 2025, Zoo hours are 10 a.m. ─ 5 p.m. (enjoy until 6 p.m.). Beginning September 22, 2025 –March 13, 2026, Zoo hours will be 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (enjoy until 5 p.m.). The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more info.

LIBA is excited to be working with RPOP and the Russell Homecoming Weekend to produce the Brunch & Business event on 9/21. It is focused on inspiring entrepreneurs and connecting them with resources that can help them take the next step in their business.

Sunday, September 21 | 1pm-3pm
The Palm Room, 1821 W. Jefferson St.

Brunch $15, Optional Headshots $5 (limited to 25)
Register Here

Enjoy brunch while networking with business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Hear inspiring successes during our panel discussion and connect with business resource providers after. You can also sign up to have a professional head shot made ($5, limited to 25 people)! Panelists include founders of Chicago’s Jerk Tacos, Blak Koffee, Black UX Labs and Erica Denise Entertainment. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your business and build connections. Register here for the event. Presented by Park Community Credit Union, with support from Heaven Hill Brands and Republic Bank. Part of RPOP’s Russell Homecoming Weekend.

You’ve probably heard the question: “Does my recycling really get recycled?” In Louisville, the answer is a resounding yes.

Recycling is a vital part of our city’s sustainability efforts. It reduces landfill waste, conserves natural resources, and supports a circular economy. Every bottle, can, and cardboard box you place in your recycling bin has the potential to become something new. 

See it for yourself: Tour the local recycling facility

Our kNOw Waste Louisville Education Team hosts tours at the local recycling facility, Smurfit Westrock, where you can witness the journey your recyclables take after they leave the curb. From sorting to baling, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how materials are processed and prepared for reuse.

Whether you're a curious resident, educator, or community leader, this tour is a great way to deepen your understanding and share the message that recycling is real, and it works.

👉 Sign up for a tour.

Please note: The tour is available to adults only, but our kNOw Waste Louisville Education Team can bring the experience to younger audiences through engaging photos, videos, and hands-on props. Interested in a classroom or youth group presentation? Request one using this form. 

On Sunday, September 28 at 2:00pm, a Free Neighborhood History Talk will be held inside the PD House at 301 S. Peterson Ave. Attendees can also tour the 156-year old historic home and will receive a re-published 'Beautiful Crescent Hill' book that was originally printed in 1908.

On Sunday, October 12 from 10:00am-12:00pm, Steve Wiser will lead a Historical Grave Tour at Cave Hill Cemetery at Cave Hill Cemetery, 701 Baxter Avenue. Tickets are $25 per person, and space is very limited. Attendees will drive to gravesites connected to the Peterson Dumesnil House such as the Peterson family, architect Henry Whitestone, and Dumesnil & Rowan families, and make stops at other notable Louisvillians memorials like Muhammad Ali and Colonel Sanders. Tickets include a copy of Wiser’s "Sites to See in Louisville" book.

On Sunday, October 26 at 5:00pm, a Haunted Happy Hour will be held at the PD House. Attendees will enjoy wine and snacks while hearing ghostly stories about the resident spirt, “the lady in white”, and others from around the area. Tickets are $30 per person also include a copy of Wiser’s “Haunted Houses of Louisville” book.

To purchase tickets or RSVP, click here. All proceeds from ticket sales will support the PD House Foundation and historic preservation.

Join us every Thursday evening at Bellarmine University’s Centro Hall for free language lessons offered in partnership with Louisville Metro’s Office for Immigrant Affairs. From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., community members can explore Spanish, French, Swahili, Haitian Creole, and English in a fun and supportive environment. Whether you’re brushing up on a language or learning something new, all are welcome!

Register Here

People without a car or unable to drive should be able to get to where they need to go safely and effectively. But every day, Americans who can’t drive – approximately a third of the population – face significant barriers to mobility such as inadequate sidewalks, poor transit, lack of connectivity and dangerous roads. The needs of non-drivers are too-often disregarded in transportation infrastructure and policies. Our goal should be a transportation system designed to support all individuals, regardless of ability, age, or income, that will strengthen our communities and enhance our quality of life. To that end, the Disability Mobility Initiative, in partnership with America Walks, launched the Week Without Driving challenge so that those who have the option to drive can: 1) learn firsthand about the barriers and challenges that nondrivers face; and 2) work with nondrivers to create more accessible commnities for all. To learn more, sign up for the challenge, and/or become a partner organization, please visit: weekwithoutdriving.org #weekwithoutdriving

Wednesday, October 1^st

5:30: Shop for a Cause | Bash 6:00-8:00pm

Clayton & Crume 

Celebrate a great year at this much-beloved event is the Brightside Foundation's largest and most important fundraiser. You are invited to join us for food, drinks, an awesome Silent Auction, and the return of the Brightside Bash Awards! 

Nominations for the Brightside Awards are now open! Learn more here.

Donate to our Silent Auction! Email Mae (Mae.Marks@louisvilleky.gov)

Tickets: $50 | Click here to purchase your Tickets 

Saturday, October 18th | All Day!

All Over Louisville

Register Your Group Here

Time to get out and give our city a nice Fall cleaning! Join thousands of Louisvillians as we all Clean Up together! As always, clean up supplies and post-cleanup bag collection are provided and all are welcome to participate. 

Special thanks to our returning sponsor WM, for their continued support and generosity.  Their commitment to helping keep our city cleaner and safer for all of us is exemplified through their partnership with Brightside and our volunteers! 

Join us on Saturday, October 18th at 9:00 AM for a neighborhood clean-up starting at Frankfort Avenue and Keats Avenue in the Clifton Neighborhood.

Let’s work together to reduce litter, protect our local environment, and celebrate the charm of Historic Brick Hill. Supplies—including gloves and bags—will be provided. All we need is your energy and commitment to a cleaner, greener community!

📝 Sign up to volunteer here: District 9 Fall Cleanup Registration

Let’s make a visible difference—one block at a time! ♻️

You and your little ones are invited to join our Sippy Cup Strolls. Take part in a guided walk through the Louisville Zoo with maternal and child health professionals while you say hello to your favorite animals. Each session will focus on a different area of the Zoo.

Please RSVP for one of the dates and times:

• 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, August 30
• 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, September 12
• 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. October 25

Parking and admission for the day is included in your ticket.

For more information, please email healthystartevents@louisvilleky.gov

Join us for a fun evening on Frankfort Ave (Birchwood to Kennedy) with food, games, music, and more—hosted by Crescent Hill Baptist and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Enjoy brats, hot dogs, beer, face painting, cornhole, and family-friendly fun!

Saturday | 4–7:30 PM Tickets available on-site for food & activities

Can't attend? Donate at https://www.uchmlouky.org/get-involved/give/ to support United Crescent Hill Ministries.

Volunteer with UCHM – Make a Difference in Your Community!

United Crescent Hill Ministries is looking for caring, dependable volunteers to join our team! We have opportunities for individuals who can:

• Answer phones and greet visitors with a friendly smile

• Assist in the Food Pantry by stocking shelves and helping neighbors select groceries
• Deliver meals to seniors through our Meals on Wheels program
• Assist children in the after school program with team building activities and more

Whether you can give a few hours a week or help on occasion, your time and compassion make a big impact.

Interested? Contact us at 502-893-0346 or uchmlouisville@gmail.com to learn more and get started!

District 9 mourns the loss of longtime Reservoir Park resident Bill Ottman, who passed away on September 3rd. Bill and his wife Linda have been cherished members of the community since 1965, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, generosity, and civic pride.

Known affectionately by neighbors as the spirit behind the “holiday house,” Bill transformed his home into a festive landmark year-round—especially during Halloween and Christmas, when decorations brought joy to families across Crescent Hill. His creativity and enthusiasm became a beloved tradition for many.

Beyond the celebrations, Bill was deeply committed to the neighborhood. He participated in countless Easter parades and local events, maintained the Reservoir Park sign at the Blackburn Avenue entrance, and even took it upon himself to tidy up nearby bus stops—small acts that made a big difference.

Bill Ottman embodied what it means to be a good neighbor. His kindness, dedication, and community spirit will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Linda and the entire Ottman family, and we thank Bill for the many ways he helped make District 9 a better place.

To read more about Bill’s life and legacy, please visit his official obituary.

Adoptable pet of the week is …. SKROOB! This playful, affectionate, super smart boy is looking for love! He loves a pet, a treat-treat, and did we mention, a pet? Skroob is all hands-on deck and the deck is his body-ody! Skroob has done well with other dogs, walks well on a leash, keeps his kennel clean, potties outside. He is a Dallas Cowboys fan so his expectations are low and he’s use to disappointment. You could change that! Well, not the Cowboys, but the future for Skroob! No adoption fee! Neutered, microchipped, up to date on vaccines.

Meet Skroob at Animal House TODAY!

Animal House | 3516 Newburg Rd, Louisville | Open daily 12–6pm

Adopt, foster, volunteer & more: linktree.com/yourcityshelter  #yourcityshelter 

Construction is moving steadily forward at The Dot Experience, and if you’ve passed by the corner of State Street and Frankfort Avenue lately, you’ve seen the future coming into focus. The building’s striking silhouette is nearly complete, and each level is being carefully crafted to reflect the innovative spirit of the experience inside.

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s taking shape:

• Ground Level – A dynamic classroom space.
• Middle Floors – These two expansive levels will house the heart of The Dot Experience: an immersive, state-of-the-art museum gallery that brings to life the stories and history of blindness and low vision.
• Top Floor – An Executive Boardroom with panoramic views of downtown Louisville and Southern Indiana.

The Dot Experience will open in October 2026.

Image Description: The Dot Experience as seen from Frankfort Ave. and State St. New windows and siding have been installed, and a chain-link fence surrounds the site.

Upcoming paving projects scheduled for this week can be found on our new "Paving" page on louisvilleky.gov, as well as our interactive Louisville Metro Paving Dashboard where you can view paving projects scheduled for the year and conditions of city streets. 

You can also access the page and dashboard by clicking on the "Paving" button below.

PAVING