Officials seek input on designs for Lexington’s first planned Kentucky River park
Fayette County residents can vote on potential designs for Fayette County’s first park with water access.
In May 2022, the city of Lexington purchased 30 acres of land along Old Richmond Road near the Interstate 75 bridge to create the new park, called Kelley’s Landing for $1.16 million.
Since then, the city has cleared debris from the new park and made other minor changes as a master plan was developed.
The Fund for Greater Lexington, a nonprofit, has invested $175,000 to help fund that master plan, which is being overseen by Gresham Smith, an architecture, engineering and design firm.
Since June, Gresham Smith and Civic Lex, which has spearheaded public input on the project, have received feedback from more than 1,000 Lexington residents to determine what types of amenities people want in the park.
People overwhelmingly wanted bathrooms, walking trails, a river outlook, picnic or eating areas, a river launch for paddlers and pavilions and shelters, according to information provided by Gresham Smith.
Based on that feedback, Gresham Smith developed a plan that organizes the 30-acre site into a series of zones — play, social, education and exploration.
The zones are connected through a walking trail. The proposed design also includes multiple smaller parking lots near certain zones.
The draft plans include an overlook, a fishing dock, a river promenade, multiple educational and outdoor play areas and hiking trails.
City officials have said only non-motorized watercraft — kayaks, canoes and paddle boards — will be allowed to launch from that location.
Now the city wants feedback on what types of elements and design features it wants for each of those zones.
The survey can be found at www.kelleyslanding.com. The survey will close Nov. 30.
Paul Hooper, a spokesman for the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation, said the master plan will be finished in the spring of 2025. Total costs for the project and the timeline for construction will be determined by the final master plan.
