Master plan to improve “easily overlooked” Lexington Park is being developed

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council is working with local partners to develop a master plan for Coldstream Park.

The history of the property dates back to the early 19th century, and although a master plan was in the works decades ago, things have changed.

As you walk through Coldstream Park, you’ll notice some signs that look like this: On them is a question: “What does your dream park look like?” This is because those in charge are coming together to develop a plan to make the park even better in the coming years.

“Unless you really know it’s here, or you have a very specific intention to get out, you can’t really be sure it’s there,” said Demetria Kimball-Mehlhorn of the city of Lexington’s environmental services department.

Coldstream Park is a 224-acre park located at the corner of Newtown Pike and Citation Boulevard. The linear park is traversed by the Legacy Trail, but otherwise it is a park that can easily be overlooked by city guides.

“We are trying to change that,” Kimball-Mehlhorn said.

She says the park already has amenities like a 12-acre dog park and opportunities for passive recreation, but more is needed.

“We don’t have a lot of active recreational opportunities here right now. Maybe we want a playground or maybe more areas where you can sit and read a book,” Kimball-Mehlhorn said. “We’re really trying to bring all of that information together in a master plan.”

One of the planned recreational opportunities, Kimball-Mehlhorn says, is a disc golf course. However, she says they are not thinking of putting pickleball courts or other courts in this park.

“They are looking for plenty of space in nature where they can walk and relax, but also for activities for the children,” said Kimball-Mehlhorn.

Kimball-Mehlhorn says they want to increase foot traffic across the board and make it a destination. She says one of the first things they need to do is put up more signage off the main road.

“We’re right next to the highway. Maybe this is a great place to take a break and walk the dog,” Kimball-Mehlhorn said.

The Master Plan is the result of a joint effort by the City, the Parks and Recreation Department, Environmental Services, Gresham Smith and you.

“We want to see what options the public would like. You don’t have to think small. Maybe you should think big. Maybe you want an art and nature trail, a nature center, more parking,” Kimball-Mehlhorn said.

From now until the end of the month you have the opportunity to give us your feedback. You can take part in the survey here.

More than 400 people have already completed the survey and we were told that their goal is to have the draft plan completed and presented to the public by the end of the year.

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