Do you utilize the Futsal or Pickleball Courts in Des Pres Park?

In the last couple of months, our office has received many requests to turn the current futsal court (hard-surfaced soccer court located adjacent to the pickleball courts) in Des Pres Park, into three additional pickleball courts. Our office has been trying to monitor the use of this area of the park and believe that there are many hours on non use. Our office would like to know if this space could be utilized in a more productive way.

Therefore, we wanted to reach out, through this newsletter, to determine if removing the futsal court and using it for another purpose is something people would want. If you have an opinion on this proposal or if you are a regular user of the futsal court, Please email our office at Daniel.luckett@louisvilleky.gov and let us know. We will be asking for public opinion on this proposal through the end of November and will be sure to give everyone an update on things once this time as passed.

Taylorsville Rd Resurfacing Update

Several of our District offices have received calls regarding the condition of Taylorsville Road. After working closely with KYTC, they have provided us with the following update: "The contract was put out of for bid in September and awarded at the end of October. Contract completion will be summer 2025. Location: TAYLORSVILLE ROAD (KY 155) (MP 11.395) BEGIN AT HURSTBOURNE LANE (KY 1747) EXTENDING NORTH TO BRECKINRIDGE LANE (KY 1932) (MP 13.600), A DISTANCE OF 02.21 MILES.ASPHALT RESURFACING." If you have a  SPECIFIC area to report, please call 311 or 574-5000 or email metro.311@louisvilleky.gov .  If you'd like to stay up to date with KYTC projects, you can click here to join their mailing list.

Metro's Fall Leaf Drop-Off now on-going through 12/7/24

Fall Leaves Mowing over leaves to mulch them back into your lawn is a great option for reducing waste. Mulching not only returns vital nutrients to the soil, but experts say that it can help your grass grow even better the following year! Never blow leaves into the street! If you see Street Sweeping signs posted on your street, please make sure to move your vehicle so any leaves that fell naturally on the street can be properly cleaned.  *ALSO: MSD asks if you see a catch basin covered with leaves, in front of your home or near by please collect them/clear the basin! That will assist in proper drainage and helps everyone.* Leaf Drop-Off Sites (coming soon!)  The Metro Public Works free leaf drop-off sites will be open Tuesday-Saturdays, now through December 7. Drop-off will not be available on November 28 and 29 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Only leaves will be accepted. Leaves can be loose, in paper/compostable bags, or reusable containers. Containers used to bring leaves to the drop-off sites must be taken back by residents. Locations and hours: Public Works Yard, 10500 Lower River Road (enter from Bethany Lane), Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Public Works East District Operations Center, 595 N Hubbards Lane, Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Shawnee Park, 230 Southwestern Parkway (Athletic Complex), Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue, Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. This service is for residents ONLY and not for businesses!!

Blackacre Holiday Tours starting November 24th

Step Back in Time with Blackacre’s Holiday House Tours and Candlelight Tour

[Louisville, KY, November 4, 2024] – This holiday season, Blackacre Nature Preserve & Historic Homestead invites the community to experience the magic of a 19th-century Christmas through its "Holiday House Tours" and special "Candlelight Tour." Sponsored by Kentucky Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities, these events immerse guests in the traditions, music, and customs of the past.

Event Dates and Times:

• Holiday House Tours: November 24, December 1 and 15 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm
• Candlelight Tour: December 21 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm

With both events, visitors will explore the beautifully adorned 1844 Presley Tyler House, guided by knowledgeable docents dressed in period attire. Each room highlights a unique Christmas carol from the era, with decor inspired by the lyrics and themes of these classic holiday songs. As guests tour the home, they’ll gain insight into the holiday traditions that brought 19th-century Kentucky families and communities together, including tree decorating, gift-giving, and festive gatherings.

The Candlelight Tour provides a more immersive evening experience. In the historic 1795 Stone Cottage, guests will enjoy live pioneer-era music performed by the Quintrilogy string trio and watch dancers in traditional attire demonstrate and teach dances from the period. This candlelit setting, complete with traditional refreshments and an interactive 19th-century craft, offers an enchanting and educational glimpse into holiday celebrations of the past.

Suggested donation:

Holiday House Tours: $7.50 per person or $15 per family

Candlelight Tours: $10 per person or $20 per family

For more information, please visit www.VisitBlackacre.org or contact:

Susan Speece Email: SusanS@VisitBlackacre.org Phone: (502) 266-9802

Nutcracker Family Storytime with Louisville Ballet returns to seven library locations ( in District 18 at the Northeast Regional Library December 4th)

Louisville Ballet and the Louisville Free Public Library are excited to announce the return of Nutcracker Family Storytimes, November 18 through December 5, at select LFPL locations. The annual event has become a holiday tradition for families across Louisville. What started out in 2010 as a single event at the Main Library, has expanded to include the Iroquois, Northeast, St. Matthews, Shawnee, South Central, and Southwest libraries. 

These free, family-friendly events feature two Louisville Ballet dancers, in costume, reading the classic story of The Nutcracker, along with music, dancing, crafts, and more! Plus, one lucky family at each event walks away with four tickets to see Louisville Ballet’s production of The Brown-Forman Nutcracker.

Join us for one of these Nutcracker Family Storytimes:

• Monday, November 18, 6:30 p.m. – Shawnee Library
• Tuesday, November 19, 6:30 p.m. – South Central Regional
• Wednesday, November 20, 6:30 p.m. – Main Library
• Thursday, November 21, 6:30 p.m. – Iroquois Library 
• Monday, November 25, 6:30 p.m. – Southwest Regional
• Wednesday, December 4, 6:30 p.m. – Northeast Regional
• Thursday, December 5, 6:30 p.m. – St. Matthews Library     

For more information, visit LFPL.org/Nutcracker, or call the Main Library Children’s Department at (502) 574-1620.

Blackacre Country Christmas December 7th

For more information, please visit www.VisitBlackacre.org or contact:

Susan Speece Email: SusanS@VisitBlackacre.org Phone: (502) 266-9802

Light Up Louisville December 7th

Step into a Winter Wonderland as we kick off the Holiday Season in Downtown Louisville at this year's "Light Up Louisville" Powered by LG&E!

Join us on Saturday, December 7th from 3pm - 9pm at Jefferson Square Park for an evening full of festive fun do the entire family!

What to expect:

• BRAND NEW! Video-Mapping Show on Metro Hall
• BRAND NEW! 200-Drone Holiday Show 
• Local, holiday shopping along the Mistletoe Market 
• Delicious bites at Frosty's Food Court
• Live entertainment across 2 stages
• The magical Lots of Lights Parade (Starts at 6:00 pm)
• Free photos with Santa & Friends inside Santa's House
• Free trackless train rides aboard the Jolly Jingle Express
• Fun, free activities for kids and so much more!

Bring the whole family for a night of holiday magic -- it's the perfect way to begin the season! FREE admission for all. 

Louisville Downtown Holiday Market December 7th

In collaboration with Light Up Louisville, LDP will host its annual Downtown Holiday Market on the same day!

This event will transform the Plaza on Fourth, between Jefferson & Market Streets, with a unique outdoor pop-up shopping and food vendor market in the heart of Louisville. This festive event offers a unique opportunity for the community to shop local, support small businesses, and enjoy the holiday spirit in a vibrant downtown setting. 

The Downtown Holiday Market will also take place from 3p - 9p and will be decorated with lights, infltables, and photographable experiences. This event is free to the public. Get festive and join us!

Seasonal Affective Disorder: Tips help you to prep your body and mind for the dark days of winter

As the days get shorter and there is less daylight, you may start to feel sad. While many people experience the “winter blues,” some people may have a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

The first step is to determine how much your symptoms interfere with your daily life.

Do you have mild symptoms that have lasted less than two weeks?

• Feeling down but still able to take care of yourself and others
• Having some trouble sleeping
• Having less energy than usual but still able to do your job, schoolwork, or housework

These activities can make you feel better

• Doing something you enjoy
• Going outside in the sunlight
• Spending time with family and friends
• Eating healthy and avoiding foods with lots of sugar

If these activities do not help or your symptoms are getting worse, talk to a health care provider.

Do you have more severe symptoms that have lasted more than two weeks?

• Social withdrawal
• Oversleeping
• Gaining weight
• Craving foods with lots of sugar like cakes, candies, and cookies

Seek professional help

• Light therapy
• Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
• Medications
• Vitamin D supplements

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also visit our Community Mental Health Services webpage for a listing of mental health resources.

Are you looking for a wellness provider? Visit Mental Health Lou for a listing of local professionals.

-- Courtesy of the National Institutes of Health

Employment Opportunities

Metro Public Works & Assets is Hiring

Serve the Louisville community through a rewarding public service career! The Department of Metro Public Works & Assets is currently hiring.

IMPORTANT! The link below is for all of Metro jobs currently open. To learn about career opportunities specifically in Public Works, once you've clicked the link, follow these 3 easy steps:

1. click the filter tab
2. click Departments
3. click Public Works on the dropdown menu

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/louisvilleky

MSD is Hiring

Floodwall Laborer (2 positions) Environmental Compliance Inspector  For position descriptions, pay information, and to apply please visit our website: http://www.louisvillemsd.org/Careers