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Mayor Greenberg, TARC, JCPS, and Olmsted Parks Conservancy to unveil new bus designed by student artists from around the region
May 29, 2025Louisville, Ky. (May 29, 2025) — Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, TARC, JCPS, and Olmsted Parks Conservancy introduced the 2025 Design-a-Bus student-contest winners and unveiled the new bus design at a Thursday morning press conference in Chickasaw Park.
This year local students were invited to submit artwork focused on the theme, “Cultivating Healthy Neighborhoods.” Students were asked to visit their local park or an outdoor space, and think about ways they can improve the health of their community, then submit an illustration reflecting that idea or experience.
The 10 winning submissions by students will be featured on a custom TARC bus wrap reflecting this year’s theme and partner. The student winners and their adult guests have been invited to the debut of the bus at Chickasaw Park on May 29th, when the bus will officially begin service. The bus will operate on all TARC routes, and serve as the flagship bus for special events, and parades throughout the Louisville metro region for one full year.
“Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 TARC Design-a-Bus contest. Like TARC and Olmsted Parks Conservancy, we are always looking for opportunities to get local youth engaged in our parks,” said Mayor Greenberg. “These local students play a big role in how we cultivate healthy neighborhoods and I appreciate their participation in this contest!”
Team members from both TARC and the Olmsted Parks Conservancy voted on illustrations submitted by students from kindergarten to high school seniors from schools throughout Greater Louisville.
“TARC is key to the connectivity that makes our park system special. The seventeen Olmsted Parks are connected by six parkways, and the original intent of the design is to connect parks and neighbors from different areas of the city. Transportation is crucial to ensuring equitable access to this Louisville treasure,”said Mary Grissom, President and CEO of Olmsted Parks Conservancy.
Each individual winning piece of student art will also be featured inside the bus on interior display cards.
“We’re excited to get this year’s bus on the street and show Louisville the talent of these young artists,” said Ozzy Gibson, Executive Director of TARC. “Our agency looks forward to this contest each year, and this bus quickly becomes the star of the fleet.”
Here are the 10 winning students and their schools:
Gregory W. (Brandeis Elementary)
Braylin E. (Laukhuf Elementary)
Kennedi P. (Louisville Male)
Sophia D. (Laukhuf Elementary)
Lee Ann C. (St. Matthews Elementary)
Willie J. (Laukhuf Elementary)
Leyna N. (Noe Middle school)
Zakaria M. (Laukhuf Elementary)
Norah R. (Hazelwood Elementary School)
Piper N. (Laukhuf Elementary)
You can view a time lapse of the bus being wrapped on our YouTube channel.
About Olmsted Parks Conservancy
Louisville Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Inc., a non-profit organization, was established in 1989 to restore, enhance and forever protect Louisville’s historic 17 Olmsted Parks and 6 Parkways. Working as a non-profit partner with Louisville Parks and Recreation, the Conservancy provides planning and funding for park improvements and natural areas management through donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations. In their 35-year history, Olmsted Parks Conservancy has overseen more than $60 million of investment in Louisville’s Olmsted-designed park system. olmstedparks.org
About TARC
TARC (Transit Authority of River City) delivers transportation services to the Greater Louisville community. With 50 years of safe, reliable, and accessible service in the region, TARC and our team of more than 600 employees and contractors connect residents and visitors to the region with a diverse fleet operating across 24 routes in Greater Louisville and Southern Indiana.
Learn more at ridetarc.org