Kelley’s Landing FAQs

About the Park

What is Kelley’s Landing?

Kelley's Landing will be home to a 30-acre public park located along the Kentucky River and will be the first public park in Fayette County with direct river access.

Why is this park special?

Kelley's Landing will be a park where people can learn about and experience the environmental and cultural features of the Kentucky River. The site and the surrounding area have been integral to the formation and development of the city of Lexington for centuries.

Where is Kelley's Landing?

The future park is about 17 miles from downtown Lexington, at 8949 Old Richmond Road, near the I-75 Clay's Ferry Bridge. The area along the Kentucky River is known as the Palisades region, notable for its towering limestone cliffs that formed over millions of years through the erosion process.

 

What is the status of the site right now? Can I go and visit it?

While the park ownership has been officially transferred to Lexington Parks and Recreation, it is not currently open to the public until initial clean up and clearing is complete. The recent “groundbreaking” was a kick off for the master planning process.

Will motorized boats be allowed to use the ramp at Kelley’s Landing?

Kelley's Landing is envisioned to be the 4th natural areas park in Lexington, a designation given to parks that have a particular focus on natural ecosystems. These natural areas parks generally provide passive recreation, environmental education and access to nature. Given this programming and the park size along with the infrastructure needed to facilitate trailers and larger vehicles for motorized boats, currently the park is only planned to allow paddlecrafts, such as kayaks and canoes, at the launch.

How will the park be accessed?

The project team has been working with Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's District 7 to identify a safe and improved entrance to the park off of Old Richmond Road. Currently the area below I75 Clay's Ferry Bridge is currently a large gravel area. The team plans to improve this by providing a paved entrance point based on optimal site distance to watch for approaching traffic on Old Richmond Road. A future parking area will be better defined and secure.

About the planning process

What is the plan for the site? When will the plan be ready?

Kelley's Landing will be Lexington's 4th Natural Areas park joining Raven Nature Sanctuary, McConnell Springs Park, and Hisle Farm Park. Currently the vision for the park has not yet been created. The Fund for Greater Lexington and Lexington Parks and Recreation are working with the public and stakeholders to create a master plan and vision for the future of the park. The master plan will take 9 months to finish and will be completed in Spring of 2025.

    • Spring: Site closure for safety

    • Summer 2024: Community Engagement Kick-off (we are here)

    • Fall 2024: Share Concepts for Feedback

    • Spring 2025: Master Plan Released & Fundraising Begins

    • After Summer 2025: New Design & Master Plan Implementation

    • TBD: Public access to the site

Who is funding the park? Who is in charge of the space?

Lexington Parks and Recreation secured the funds to purchase the land and to clear and secure the site. The Fund for Greater Lexington is taking the lead with the assistance of Parks and Recreation to embark on the exciting initiative of creating a comprehensive master plan and vision for the future park.

Why is talking to the community part of planning this park?

The Fund for Greater Lexington, a permanent community endowment investing in transformative projects under the auspices of the Blue Grass Community Foundation, is committed to advancing projects, programs, and organizations that are dedicated to fostering a vibrant, generous, engaging, and inclusive community in Lexington. In pursuit of this mission, FGL has partnered with Lexington Parks and Recreation on this transformative master plan and is committed to engaging with the community at large to gain insight and ideas for the future of the park.

Through the Kelly’s Landing Master Plan process, everyone is welcome to help us define how this new riverfront property can inspire imagination and exploration for all residents and visitors!

How can I get involved?

In order for Kelley’s Landing to be a park for everyone, everyone needs to have an opportunity to share their voice about the park. Additionally, we are speaking to the community to keep people up to date on information about the park. Whether it’s attending an in person meeting, completing an online survey or taking advantage of some of our open “office hours” discussions, there’s an opportunity for everyone’s voice to be heard. You can also get involved by encouraging your friends, neighbors and any organizations you are a part of to share their voice as well!

Share your initial thoughts and sign up for project updates here.