Churchill Downs Volunteers Team Up to Clean and Improve Neighborhoods Surrounding the Racetrack

Jul 30, 2025 CDRT Track Team

On Friday, July 25, volunteers gathered to clean up trash in the neighborhoods and areas surrounding Churchill Downs, with the goal of improving the overall appearance of the community. The valued volunteer opportunity was made possible through a community partnership with New Directions Housing Corporation (New Directions).

The volunteer group included employees from Churchill Downs Racetrack and Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI). Beginning in the morning, volunteers spread out in different directions to collect litter from streets, sidewalks, and public spaces in the areas near the racetrack. By noon, everyone reconvened to dispose of the collected trash in designated dumpsters.

This initiative served as both a meaningful community-building experience and an example of corporate citizenship. Participants had the opportunity to step outside of their regular roles and work together in support of a shared cause—enhancing the environment and taking pride in the neighborhoods that surround the historic Churchill Downs venue.

“Churchill Downs is thrilled to continue our longstanding partnership with New Directions through this cleanup effort,” Mark Whitten, CDI’s Director of Community Relations. “The work that New Directions does every day is inspirational and makes Louisville a better place to live.”

The effort not only contributed to the beautification of the track’s surrounding areas but also highlighted the value of workplace unity through service. It showed how teams can come together beyond their daily responsibilities to make a tangible impact on their community, while reinforcing a shared commitment to the place they work and live.

Churchill Downs, home to world-renowned events like the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, continues to invest in initiatives that support both its legacy and its local environment. Community efforts like this cleanup help maintain the welcoming atmosphere expected of such an iconic venue, ensuring the area is well-maintained, respected by the community, and reflects their pride and care.

To learn more about New Directions and their impactful work throughout the Kentuckiana area, visit: https://www.ndhc.org/.