We have launched a new shuttle service to support families staying at the Ronald McDonald House. In partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana and Riverside Transportation Services, we are piloting this dedicated route to help guests navigate between their temporary home and medical appointments. The shuttle operates Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The route creates a direct link between the Ronald McDonald House and key facilities including Norton Children’s Hospital, Frazier Rehab Institute, the Norton Novak Center, and UofL Hospital. This service removes the logistical challenge of transportation for families focused on the care of their children. During this pilot phase, the service is reserved exclusively for Ronald McDonald House guests. Riders are required to wear red wristbands to board. This policy ensures that seats remain open for the families who rely on this connection. We are proud to see this vehicle on the road and to support the patient experience within the district.
We have taken a significant step toward enhancing our district's greenery to prepare for the upcoming growing season. In January, we partnered with TreesLouisville to plant 38 new trees near employee parking lots between Clay and Chestnut Streets. By getting these roots in the ground during the winter, we are ensuring a vibrant bloom when the season turns. Parking lots are often "heat islands," where asphalt absorbs the sun and raises the temperature of the entire area. By introducing this new canopy, we are actively combating that urban heat while also reducing stormwater runoff and filtering air pollution. Beyond the environmental impact, there is a human element to this project. We know that trees have a direct correlation to our mental and physical health. Studies have shown that patients who can look out a window and see trees often have faster healing times than those who do not. By softening these hardscapes, we are improving the daily walk for those moving through the district each day and creating a more healing view for the patients in our care. When spring finally arrives, you will see a diverse mix of species beginning to wake up, including bald cypress, lindens, zelkovas, osage orange, honey locust, and gingko. They were selected specifically for their tolerance of heat and pollution, ensuring they will be part of the LOUMED landscape for years to come.
