Between June and September of 2024, the Kelley’s Landing team hosted an open survey on the project website asking members of the public about their overall vision for the future park. The survey received 1161 responses, indicating a high level of interest and engagement in the project. This initial survey was designed to be an entry into the project - it listed potential features that could be included in the park, and asked respondents to rank them according to what features they would use. The survey also included the open response question “How would you like to use a riverfront park in Lexington?”, and demographic questions.
Respondents were given a list of potential park features based on the site type, land available, and research into other natural areas parks. The first question asked respondents to select any and all features they would like to use at Kelley’s Landing, and the second asked respondents to narrow down to their top three preferences.
We found that when given unlimited selections, the top features were:
Bathrooms (87% selected)
Walking Trails (83% selected)
River Overlook (70% selected)
Paddle Launch (68% selected)
Picnic Areas (62% selected)
Pavilions/Shelters (50% selected)
Fishing Pier (42% selected)
When asked to choose only three features, the most popular options were:
Walking Trails (54% selected)
Paddle Launch (50% selected)
Bathrooms (45% selected)
River Overlook (30% selected)
Fishing Pier (20% selected)
Nature Play Area (14% selected)
Picnic Areas (12% selected)
The open response question is telling for what features and concepts respondents are most passionate about, outside the structure of a multiple choice. 1,057 of the 1,162 total respondents answered the question “How would you like to use a riverfront park in Lexington?”. Of these responses, the most common themes were:
Water Recreation: While paddling and water activities were slightly less popular in the multiple choice questions, they were the most commonly mentioned theme in the open response question with almost half of all open responses mentioning some sort of water activity. This suggests that survey takers interested in water activities are highly interested and passionate about the opportunity, as compared to features like bathrooms that have a broader but more tepid appeal. Specifically, respondents were concerned with infrastructure to access the river, particularly for:
Launching kayaks, canoes, small boats, or paddleboards: A safe, accessible, and easy to use paddling launch was the most popular request in the open response data.
Fishing infrastructure: About a quarter of water recreation responses were related to fishing infrastructure, including a pier or dock to fish from.
Nature and Trails: The next most popular theme identified in the open response question was uses of the park related to enjoying and exploring nature through dedicated areas and walking trails. Specifically, respondents suggested:
Walking and hiking trails: Respondents highlighted the importance of keeping well maintained trails that weave throughout the park and include views of the river. Some respondents also suggested trails with different lengths and difficulty levels for more versatile usage.
Nature Appreciation: Respondents also emphasized the importance of keeping a natural feel for the park, talking about Kelley’s Landing as a place to escape from the city, find peace and tranquility, and enjoy quiet areas. Wildlife and habitat preservation, and opportunities to view nature through birding blinds or observation platform, were also frequently mentioned.
Social Areas: Balanced against requests for quiet areas throughout the park, approximately a third of respondents requested spaces for gathering and socializing with friends and family, most commonly in the form of a picnic area.
Picnic Areas: The most common social space mentioned was picnic areas, particularly ones that are shaded and located close by other social features like playgrounds or water access points. Many respondents suggested multiple picnic areas to pair with different aspects of the park.
Benches and Seating: Benches along trails and in locations with scenic views were also commonly mentioned by respondents, sometimes through the lens of increasing accessibility for a variety of park users.
Pavilions and Shelters: Some respondents also suggested pavilions and shelters for larger gatherings and weather protection.
Open Lawns: Some respondents suggested open grassy areas in the park that could be used for picnicking, relaxation, games, or programming.
Other Themes: Some open response answers included themes beyond potential physical features of the park. These included:
Safety: Many respondents expressed concerns about safety, particularly water safety, in the future park. Suggestions to address safety issues included well designed and maintained water infrastructure, signage, lighting, trail maintenance, and safety patrols.
Environmental Sustainability: Another common theme was the importance of environmental sustainability in the park, including by choosing environmentally friendly materials for structures, planting native species, and working to reduce riverbank erosion. Many respondents also expressed a general sentiment that the park should not be overly developed and that the “natural feel” of the site should be maintained.
Programming and Activation: Many respondents envisioned different events and programming that could happen at Kelley’s landing, including water education classes, guided nature walks, sports and games, park clean-ups, and water events. Some respondents also mentioned larger scale events, including movie nights, small concerts, and art exhibitions.
