Kelley’s Landing Builds on New Investments as Lexington Pursues Federal Recreation Grants

Public and private commitments bring Lexington’s first riverfront park closer to its first $1 million in master plan investments.

Kelley’s Landing is closing in on its first $1 million in public and private investment to expand trails, river access and outdoor recreation opportunities at Lexington’s first park with direct access to the Kentucky River. The investment includes $500,000 from Lexington’s Park Fund, approved by Fayette County voters in November 2024 to provide dedicated funding for park improvements, alongside more than $400,000 in private and corporate support raised or committed since 2024, including $270,000 from the Murry Foundation. Together, these commitments will help the city leverage local dollars to pursue additional federal funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and Recreational Trails Program (RTP) for improvements including new trails, a boat ramp, dock, accessible kayak launch, river terrace and education pavilion, advancing the park’s master plan.

Lexington Parks & Recreation is preparing both applications in partnership with the Support Kelley’s Landing Taskforce, the park’s official fundraising partner. Residents are invited to a public meeting on Friday, October 16, at 9 a.m., at the Lexington Parks & Recreation Administration Building, 469 Parkway Drive, Lexington, KY 40504. The meeting will provide an opportunity to learn about the proposed projects, ask questions and offer feedback ahead of the October 30 federal grant application deadline.

Bringing the Region Closer to the River

For generations, Fayette County residents have lived alongside the Kentucky River without a public park offering direct access to it. Kelley’s Landing changes that. Opened in 2025 near Clays Ferry, the park provides Lexington’s more than 300,000 residents with a public gateway to fishing, paddling, hiking and the extraordinary landscape of the Kentucky River Palisades. Its location near I-75 also creates opportunities to welcome visitors from Madison, Clark and surrounding counties, strengthening outdoor recreation and tourism across the region.

With continued investment, Kelley’s Landing has the potential to become a crown jewel of the emerging Kentucky River National Water Trail, an effort seeking National Park Service designation to connect communities, recreation opportunities and heritage sites along the river corridor. The park’s master plan, shaped by extensive community input, envisions accessible trails, improved river access, restrooms, parking, gathering spaces and environmental education opportunities.

The Next Investments

Beyond the federal applications, the Support Kelley’s Landing Taskforce continues to pursue grants and private contributions to advance the park’s master plan. Support from individual donors, local businesses and corporate partners has been instrumental in that effort. Vulcan Materials has also committed $25,000 to establish an endowment for Kelley’s Landing, helping support the park’s long-term stewardship.

Residents, businesses and organizations interested in supporting Kelley’s Landing can learn more about the project and how to contribute at www.supportkelleyslanding.org.