Next Monday, the public is invited to look at the initial plans for Cardinal Run Park North, which is expected to open in 2024, Mayor Linda Gorton said.
This first feedback session is set for 5 – 7 p.m., Monday, November 14, at Beaumont Middle School Café (cafeteria). For those unable to attend the feedback session, please use one of the links below to take the survey and submit your feedback around the park.
Survey (English) | Survey (Spanish)
Representatives of Lexington-based consulting firm Brandstetter Carroll Inc., EHI Consultants, and Lexington Parks & Recreation staff will be on-site to listen to the public’s ideas about their plan and to discuss priorities with residents.
“We’re ready to get feedback from members of the public to make sure this exciting opportunity meets their needs and offers a variety of appealing opportunities,” Gorton said. “This is the first large community park we have opened in over 25 years. Large-scale parks serve the entire city. They have many amenities that are not found in neighborhood parks.”
At 192.2 acres, the combined size of Cardinal Run Park North (137.6 acres) and Cardinal Run Park South (54.6 acres) will make it one of the city’s top 5 largest parks. Cardinal Run North will offer amenities on a similar scale to other large parks, for example, Jacobson Park or Shillito Park.
The land that is now Cardinal Run North and South was donated to the City in 1997. Cardinal Run South opened in the early 2000s. Since then, the City has not been able to afford to make the improvements needed to open Cardinal Run North.
The Mayor and Council dedicated $10.1 million in federal American Rescue Plan funds to design and make improvements to Cardinal Run North. In total, the city is spending $24 million in federal coronavirus relief funding on parks and park improvements.
The plan for Cardinal Run North will align with changing needs and demographics that were identified in Parks & Recreation’s Master Plan, which provides guidance for parks, recreation, open space, and trails in Lexington.
The design of the park will incorporate several natural features found on the property, including springs and karst topography.
“Cardinal Run Park North will allow us to continue to build community and enrich life through parks, programs and play,” Monica Conrad, Director of Parks & Recreation, said. “This park will not only highlight several natural features, but also offer recreational opportunities for people of all ages. Our team looks forward to working with the community and neighborhoods to gather feedback and identify their priorities as development begins.”
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Parks & Recreation, a division of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, oversees the programming, maintenance, and development of over 100 city parks and natural areas, six pools, five golf courses, community centers, recreational programs, and three arts venues. To find out more, follow @LexKYParks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or sign up for the email newsletter.
