Gresham Smith is excited to announce that it has been selected to design the master plan for Kelley’s Landing–Lexington, Kentucky’s first park to provide direct public access to the Kentucky River. The Gresham Smith project team joined city leaders, Lexington Parks & Recreation staff, and representatives of the Fund for Greater Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation to ceremoniously break ground on the park on Wednesday, May 1.
The 30-acre park includes significant green space, wooded areas, river access and views of the river. Gresham Smith’s team of landscape architects, civil engineers and urban planners will develop a master plan to create equitable opportunities for outdoor recreation and foster a direct connection between the citizens of Lexington and the unique natural environment on the Kentucky River.
“Kelley’s Landing Park will ultimately become a model of inclusivity and sustainability, offering recreational opportunities for individuals of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, says Louis Johnson, executive vice president of Gresham Smith’s Land Planning market. “The community driven process will define the goals of the park—enriching the quality of life in Lexington, fostering economic development, improving health outcomes and the enhancing our community’s unique sense of place.”
With leadership from local partners CivicLex and The Explore Kentucky Initiative, the project team will actively engage with Lexington’s diverse community and stakeholder groups through meaningful public engagement, laying a foundation for the master planning process.
“Through the Fund for Greater Lexington’s direct involvement in transformative projects like the Kelley’s Landing master plan, the community endowment can contribute to the long-term vision and direction of Lexington. With an investment of $150,000, the Fund for Greater Lexington is thrilled to announce the selection of Gresham Smith, an outstanding and experienced design firm, to develop a master plan for Kelley’s Landing,” said Noa Gimelli, co-chair of the Fund for Greater Lexington, at the groundbreaking ceremony. “At the heart of the master plan design will be an extensive and inclusive community engagement process to ensure the park reflects the needs and wants of Lexington’s residents — an important priority for the Fund for Greater Lexington.”
