Lexington pools won’t open this summer, but two popular parks will open in early May
Lexington will not open city pools this summer because of concerns about the spread of the coronavirus, city officials said.
“Protecting the health of our citizens and our employees has to come first,” said Mayor Linda Gorton. “The governor and the CDC are encouraging us to practice social distancing. Children and swimming pools just don’t make for good social distancing. As much as I would like to open our pools this summer, it’s not responsible.”
Other cities, including Paducah and Covington, have also opted not to open city pools this summer, Lexington officials said in a written release.
But the city is reopening two natural areas popular with hikers, McConnell Springs and Raven Run. Both have been closed since March 27 after they became so crowded that social distancing became impossible.
“We had to close our natural areas because they were overrun with visitors who were not practicing social distancing,” said Monica Conrad, director of parks and recreation. “Now that conditions are improving, we’re going to open them again, but with some controls in place to ensure it’s possible to be safe.”
Lexington — where there have been 253 cases — has been relatively spared by the virus. As of Wednesday, Fayette County had the 33rd lowest case rate of any county in the state. The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department announced eight new cases Thursday. Kentucky’s second largest city has been surpassed in total cases by both Warren County and Kenton County.
Both of the city’s natural areas will be open to limited groups from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 4 and May 5. People must bring identification both days.
May 4: Raven Run: Open to first responders and healthcare workers and their immediate households.
McConnell Springs: Open to people over the age of 60 and their immediate households
May 5: Raven Run: Open to people over the age of 60 and their immediate households
McConnell Springs: Open to first responders and healthcare workers and their immediate households
On May 6, both areas will be open to the public with several restrictions:
- People must register at RecTrac at (https://parks.lexingtonky.gov/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/splash.html). Print receipt and bring it with you for admission of one car only. Call (859) 489-9835 for registration assistance. Registration will open on a weekly basis to adjust hike times and vehicle capacity.
- Each registration is good for 2 hours hiking time at Raven Run; 1 hour at McConnell Springs.
- Hike times at Raven Run are 9 –11 a.m.; 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.; 2 – 4 p.m.
- Hike times at McConnell Springs are 9 –10 a.m.; 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.; Noon – 1 p.m.; 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.; 3 – 4 p.m. Please respect reserved times.
Raven Run will accept 50 vehicles during each hike session; McConnell Springs, 35 vehicles.
No pets allowed.
Nature Centers are closed, but restrooms are open at both Raven Run and McConnell Springs.
This story was originally published May 1, 2020 at 8:29 AM.
