Lexington Residents to Vote on Park Design Features

Lexington residents are being invited to participate in shaping the design of their city’s first park with water access, known as Kelley’s Landing. The park will be located on 30 acres of land purchased in May 2022 along Old Richmond Road near the Interstate 75 bridge, at a cost of $1.16 million.

Since the acquisition, the city has focused on initial preparations, including clearing debris and developing a master plan. The Fund for Greater Lexington, a nonprofit organization, has contributed $175,000 to support the planning process, which is being managed by the architecture and engineering firm Gresham Smith.

Feedback from the community has played a crucial role in determining the park’s amenities. From June to November, more than 1,000 residents provided input through surveys facilitated by Civic Lex. The results showed strong support for facilities such as restrooms, walking trails, a river outlook, picnic areas, and a launch site for non-motorized watercraft, such as kayaks and canoes.

Based on this feedback, Gresham Smith organized the park space into distinct zones for play, social interaction, education, and exploration. These zones will be interconnected by a walking trail. Proposed features of the park include an overlook, a fishing dock, a river promenade, and multiple educational and play areas designed to enhance outdoor experiences.

City officials announced that only non-motorized watercraft will be permitted to launch from Kelley’s Landing, ensuring a peaceful environment for all visitors. The city is now seeking further input from residents to finalize design elements specific to each zone within the park.

The survey is accessible at www.kelleyslanding.com and is set to close on November 30. Paul Hooper, spokesperson for the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation, indicated that the master plan for Kelley’s Landing is expected to be completed by spring 2025, though total project costs and construction timelines will be finalized based on the completed master plan.

As Lexington residents anticipate the park’s development, their engagement in this planning process marks a significant step toward enhancing the local recreational landscape.