Watch the ground breaking ceremony
Lexington Parks & Recreation, Mayor Linda Gorton, city councilmembers, and neighborhood families broke ground today on the phase one construction for Cardinal Run Park North. The first phase is expected to be completed in 2025.
“Cardinal Run Park North will be the first large regional park we have opened in over 25 years,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “Our regional parks serve the entire city, as well as neighboring communities. They have many amenities not found in neighborhood parks. In addition to recreational activities, they provide a large, green oasis for everyone, and native flora and fauna.”
The land that is now Cardinal Run Park North and South was donated to the City in 1997. Cardinal Run Park 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 Park North.
Gorton asked the Council to fund design and improvements to Cardinal Run Park North through an allocation of $10.1 million in federal American Rescue Plan funds. In total, the city is spending $24 million in federal coronavirus relief funding on parks and park improvements citywide.
“Cardinal Run Park North is a much anticipated and welcome addition to not only the 12th District, but to our community at large and the region,” said Councilmember Kathy Plomin, whose district includes Cardinal Run Park North. “With its spacious 137 acres and numerous recreational amenities the park will be a destination that all our citizens can enjoy for many years ahead.”
The phase one plan for the new park includes two miles of natural hiking trails, six pickleball courts, a basketball court, four youth multipurpose fields, a large playground, a dog park with two paddocks, one mile of paved shared use trail, two picnic shelters, and other amenities. The city worked with design firm Brandstetter Carroll, Inc. on the design, based on public engagement.
The public engagement period took place last year with close to 900 people participating in an in-person or online survey. The results highlighted a high interest in nature trails, a playground, various sports courts and fields, and a dog park, among other ideas.
“Cardinal Run Park North will enhance our ability to build community and enrich life through parks, programs and play,” Monica Conrad, Director of Parks & Recreation said. “This park allows us the opportunity to meet the needs of the community, while also providing education around several natural features found on the land, such as karst topography and natural sinkholes. We can’t wait for the community to experience this exciting, new space.”
The park plan reflects public input and 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 new park is located across Parkers Mill Road from Cardinal Run South, which features eight youth ballfields and a small playground, as well as access to the Beaumont neighborhood walking trail. The parks will be connected by crosswalk across Parkers Mill.
“I am so excited to see this project begin along Parkers Mill Road. I lived in Beaumont when Cardinal Run South was constructed and know neighbors enjoy the team sports centric venue there,” said Councilmember David Sevigny, whose district includes Cardinal Run Park South. “Cardinal Run North will be an extension of greenspace in that corridor with a focus on experiencing nature, walking, and general physical activity. It’s great to have so much room to roam on the border of the 10th district!”
At 192.2 acres, the combined size of Cardinal Run Park North (137.6 acres) and Cardinal Run Park South (54.6 acres) rank it as the fifth largest regional park in the city – just behind Masterson, Veterans, Jacobson, and Coldstream parks.
