“I’m thrilled to be here to say that Kelley’s Landing is now open to the public,” Gorton announced.
The park hosts trails, green space, wooded areas, and river access for kayaks and canoes. The plan came to fruition through a partnership between the Fund for Greater Lexington and Lexington Park and Recreation. Monica Conrad, executive director of Parks and Recs, says the park will go beyond offering recreational activities.
“Our team in natural areas will also begin to schedule educational opportunities including water shed and water quality education, curriculum based environmental educational programs. Learning about landforms, wildlife, geology, and the towering limestone cliffs that are here on the Kentucky River Palisades,” said Conrad. “Adventure programming education will be a key component with kayaking, canoeing, and water safety.”
Kelley’s Landing, on Old Richmond Road, is named after the late John Kelley, who sold the property to the city in 2022. The park is the fourth to be designated as a natural area park in Lexington.