Louisville City Wire

Louisville – On June 20 Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins (D-1) announced the distribution process for free summer experience passes paid for by Louisville Metro Government.

The Louisville Metro Council approved an allocation of $100,000 that was used to purchase discounted passes to the Republic Bank Foundation YMCA and Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay this summer. The city was able to purchase eight hundred silver passes to Kentucky Kingdom and two hundred family memberships to the YMCA.

The distribution process is being coordinated by three local non-profit agencies, The ACE Project, Algonquin Community United (ACU), and Central Adult Learn-to-Swim, Inc.

These passes will be available to a limited number of residents in the 40210, 40211, 40212 and 40216 zip codes. Families may apply for up to six passes to Kentucky Kingdom. Priority will be given to families that regularly visited the Algonquin Park swimming pool.

Youth and their families may apply starting today for a summer experience pass at Algonquin Park, located at 1614 Cypress Street. ACU representatives will be available in the park until 7 p.m. A parent or guardian over the age of eighteen must apply for the pass, and proof of residency will be required.

If a family qualifies for the passes, a representative from one of three non-profits will contact the family to pick up the passes on Wednesday, June 21, between 5 – 8 p.m. at Algonquin Park.

As an additional benefit, The ACE project has partnered with Project Friendship who will be donating swimsuits to families that qualify for the passes.

To ensure youth will have the ability to utilize the passes, TARC has updated the 2023 Summer Youth Pass program. Youth and one accompanying adult or guardian will be able to ride TARC for free through August 31. Students aged 6-19 are eligible for the free Summer Youth Pass. Passes are available at TARC’s main office at 1000 West Broadway. There is a $5 one-time set-up free for a TARC student-ID card.

“I want to publicly thank our partners at the YMCA, Kentucky Kingdom, Metro Parks, and TARC, for stepping up to help the youth in West Louisville this summer. Now our kids will be able to get some relief from the heat or visit our local amusement park for some family fun,” said Councilwoman Hawkins.

Finally, Councilwoman Hawkins shared more details on a proposal for an indoor swimming pool facility in Algonquin Park. Currently, the Administration has proposed an updated outdoor swimming pool, which would only be open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

The new proposal includes plans for a swimming pool enclosure or bubble that would cover the pool during the fall and winter months. This cost-effective option would allow year-round swimming opportunities for residents in the west end. The proposal also includes a concession area, swim team room, office space, security area, and updated changing room areas.

“On behalf of my constituents I’m pleading with the Administration to take another look at the Algonquin Park pool proposal. Providing year-round swimming lessons and recreational opportunities for youth in this area would be life changing to many families,” said Councilwoman Hawkins.

For more information and to apply for a pass, please contact Councilwoman Hawkins’ office at 574-1101 or submit an email online here: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council-district-1/contact-councilwoman-tammy-hawkins.

Original source can be found here.