A Season of Progress

Sep 11

3 min read

Over the past few months, we’ve celebrated new spaces, welcomed communities into our parks, strengthened partnerships, and continued building toward what’s next. There’s plenty to look back on and even more to look forward to. Here’s what’s been happening at the Parks Alliance of Louisville.

🎃 Jack's Lantern Trail Tickets on Sale NOW! 🎃

Jack’s Lantern Trail is lighting up Iroquois Park nightly from October 1–November 1, bringing thousands of artistically carved pumpkins, larger-than-life displays, music, and memorable moments back to the woods for another fall. Best of all, every ticket purchased directly supports the Parks Alliance of Louisville and our work in Louisville’s 120+ public parks.

Tickets are on sale now, with admission starting at $12 for children and $16 for adults. New this year, guests visiting on Fridays and Saturdays can purchase a Get-to-the-Glow Fast Pass, offering priority entry and less time waiting in line.

You can also get into the spirit before your visit by checking out the Jack’s Lantern Trail merch store for limited edition items of this year’s gear.

Start the Season With Us at the Pre-Lit Bash! ✨

Join us opening night for the 2026 Pre-Lit Bash at the Iroquois Park Amphitheater. It’s a special opportunity to celebrate the start of Jack’s Lantern Trail season with the Parks Alliance, and help us kick off one of Louisville’s favorite fall traditions with dinner, open bar, live music, and Get To The Glow access to the trail.

Mark your calendar, grab your tickets, and get ready for Jack’s Lantern Trail.

Smoketown-Ballard Park

This summer, we officially welcomed Louisville to the newly reimagined Smoketown-Ballard Park!

The transformation brings new opportunities for play, recreation, and gathering to this historic neighborhood park, with improvements shaped by feedback from Smoketown residents throughout the planning process.

Neighbors, partners, and supporters joined us to celebrate the park’s opening with a ribbon cutting and celebration, marking the completion of the project and the beginning of what comes next. 💚

Smoketown-Ballard Park

Humana Community Day: Service in Action

Volunteers rolled up their sleeves during Humana Community Day to support parks and neighborhoods across Louisville. Teams built 50 picnic tables and painted 100 trash cans that will be placed in parks throughout the city, packed 300 backpacks for local community centers, and completed several other service projects. We’re grateful to Humana and everyone who gave their time to make a difference across Louisville! 🌳💚

📅 Coming Up This Fall

Pollinator Rain Garden Workshop

Saturday, September 26 | 11AM - 1PM

Discover the benefits of native planting, tour the pollinator garden, and take home native perennial plugs for your own yard during this hands-on workshop presented in partnership with Beargrass Thunder. Space is limited; reserve your spot!

Thrive Tribe

Every Thursday through September

Join us Thursdays from 6:00-7:30pm with Play Cousins Collective, a space for families to move, connect, and grow together. Through fun activities, mindful movement, and open conversation, Thrive Tribe is all about strengthening our bodies.