Mayor Linda Gorton, Councilmember Kathy Plomin, Parks & Recreation Director Monica Conrad, and Kentucky Mountain Bike Association Bluegrass Chapter President Jon Strom today cut the ribbon to officially open a new mixed-use trail at Deer Haven Park (1937 Deer Haven Ln.).
“I’m delighted to open our City’s second mountain bike trail,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “This trail was made possible by a partnership between Parks & Recreation and the Kentucky Mountain Biking Association, and that makes it even more exciting.”
Gorton said a lot of changes are coming in Lexington’s parks in the next few years. “Parks are a top priority for me. We are making unprecedented, transformational investments in our parks, filling out our Parks master plan, and developing Cardinal Run North. Today’s announcement is the first of many new opportunities we will be providing for our residents to get outside, get some exercise and enjoy our parks.”
Deer Haven Park is a newly developed park located between the Gleneagles and Todds Station neighborhoods, near Hamburg. The park also serves as the eastern trailhead for the already popular Brighton Trail, a 3.8-mile shared-use, paved greenway trail that features tree-lined paths, water features and multiple convenient access points through various neighborhoods.
“We have seen tremendous growth in the Polo Club and Hamburg area of our community, and with that growth, an increasing need for additional recreational options,” said Councilmember Kathy Plomin, whose district includes the new trail. “This new addition of a mixed-use mountain bike and hiking trail provides a very popular recreational venue. I applaud our Division of Parks and Recreation and the Kentucky Mountain Bike Association for their hard work and contributions. This serves as an ideal example of a private/public partnership created for the betterment of our nearby neighborhood and our community at large.”
The new trail is the second mountain biking trail available in Lexington, the first being at Veterans Park. As the sport continues to grow, access to it is an increasing priority in Parks & Recreation.
“Mountain biking, like many other recreational activities and sports, has increased in popularity in recent years,” said Parks & Recreation Director Monica Conrad. “As we continue to enhance current parks and develop new ones, we’re excited to offer another trail where mountain bikers can enjoy the outdoors without needing to travel outside the city.”
This new trail’s proximity and connection to the Brighton Trail offers bike riders a long stretch of safe paths. It also allows for over eight different Lexington neighborhoods to enjoy the recreation at the park without having to get in a car.
“Deerhaven Park trails are purpose-built, multi-use trails designed and maintained by the volunteer efforts of KYMBA Bluegrass,” said KYMBA Bluegrass Chapter President Jon Strom. “We are excited to welcome the residents of the surrounding neighborhoods into our outdoor community and provide a new opportunity for healthy activities that don’t require the use of a car.”
Beyond bike-riding, this mixed-use trail offers pedestrians a hike through the woods of Deer Haven Park and beautiful outdoor space. The park offers picturesque landscapes of wooded areas, beautiful flowers, and green fields. Parking is available at parking circles located on Deer Haven Lane (off Polo Club Boulevard) or Walnut Grove Lane (off Winchester Road).
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.
