Sustainability

Sustainability is an ongoing process that involves buy-in at multiple levels – individuals, businesses, educational institutions, local and national governments.

At the heart of sustainability is the goal of meeting needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. It’s not only about the environment but also people and the economy.

A sustainable community is a more resilient community, better positioned to quickly and justly meet the challenges presented by a changing climate, economic instability, pandemics and other disruptors.

In 2022, LFUCG hired its first sustainability manager to lead holistic, coordinated, long-term efforts related to sustainability. Learn about some of our sustainability initiatives below.

Pickleball recycling

Beginning on April 29, 2024, pickleball players will be able to recycle used, damaged and cracked pickleballs in bins specially labeled for pickleball recycling at Kirklevington Park.

Pickleballs are made from a type of plastic that most recycling facilities, including the Lexington Recycle Center, do not have an outlet for. The collected pickleballs will be recycled through P3 Cares, a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement, accessibility and sustainability of pickleball.

As the popularity of pickleball grows in Lexington and court access is expanded, additional recycling locations may be added.

The pickleball recycling program is a partnership between Lexington’s Division of Environmental Services Sustainability section, Lexington Parks and Recreation, and the Kentucky Pickleball Association.