Grand Opening of Cardinal Run Park North in Lexington

Lexington, Kentucky, October 10, 2025

News Summary

Lexington celebrated the grand opening of Cardinal Run Park North, the city’s largest new park in over 25 years. Spanning 137.6 acres, it offers hiking trails, sports facilities, and parks for residents. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, this recreational hub demonstrates the city’s commitment to enhancing community well-being through public green spaces.

Lexington celebrated the grand opening of Cardinal Run Park North on October 9, 2025, marking the establishment of the city’s largest new park in over 25 years. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at 2075 Parkers Mill Road, attended by local officials and community members.

The new park spans 137.6 acres and offers an array of facilities aimed at enhancing the quality of life for Lexington residents. Among the features are two miles of natural hiking trails, a mile of paved shared-use trail, six pickleball courts, a basketball court, a large playground, two dog parks, two picnic shelters, and four multipurpose fields anticipated to open in spring 2026. The park is located in Lexington’s 12th District and borders Cardinal Run Park South, which has been operational since the early 2000s. Together, both parks provide 192.2 acres of public green space, making them the fifth-largest regional park in the city.

The land for Cardinal Run Park North was donated to Lexington in 1997 but remained undeveloped until recently due to funding constraints. In 2022, the city received $121 million from the American Rescue Plan Act and designated $10 million for the park’s development. Following necessary approvals, construction began in October 2023 to transform the previously untapped land into a recreational hub.

The park’s design was shaped by community input collected from a survey of over 900 residents. The feedback highlighted a strong desire for nature trails, playgrounds, dog parks, and sports facilities, which guided the planning process undertaken by city officials.

Mayor Linda Gorton emphasized the park’s role in fostering community connections and promoting healthy activities among residents and visitors. The park is intended to serve as a natural space for recreation and community gatherings, enhancing overall quality of life in Lexington.

The grand opening celebration featured food and drink trucks, live music, and a nature program scheduled for October 17, 2025, allowing community members to engage and explore the new outdoor resources.

Overview of Cardinal Run Park North Features

• Size: 137.6 acres
• Natural hiking trails: 2 miles
• Paved shared-use trail: 1 mile
• Pickleball courts: 6
• Basketball court: 1
• Playground: 1 large
• Dog parks: 2
• Picnic shelters: 2
• Multipurpose fields: 4 (opening spring 2026)
• Combined parks size: 192.2 acres (with Cardinal Run Park South)

Funding and Development Background

The development of Cardinal Run Park North was made possible by significant funding from the local government, with $10 million allocated for this purpose after receiving federal aid. Prior to 2022, the park’s sizable land parcel was unused due to the lack of financial resources, but the city’s focus on enhancing public recreational facilities has brought it to fruition.

Community Engagement

City planners actively sought input from the community through a survey, ensuring the park’s offerings align with residents’ desires and preferences. This approach reflects a commitment to creating spaces that serve the city’s needs effectively.

Conclusion

With the opening of Cardinal Run Park North, Lexington has taken a significant step towards providing ample recreational opportunities for its residents. The park’s diverse facilities cater to various activities, reinforcing the city’s commitment to enhancing community well-being through public green spaces.

Key Features Chart of Cardinal Run Park North

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Additional Resources

• Lex18: Lexington Officials Gather to Open Cardinal Run North Regional Park
• Google Search: Cardinal Run Park North
• WTVQ: Lexington Celebrates Opening of Cardinal Run Park North
• Wikipedia: Parks in Lexington, Kentucky
• Fox56: City Leaders Open Lexington’s First New Regional Park in 25 Years
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Park
• Kentucky.com: Coverage on New Park Developments
• Google News: Lexington Outdoor Warning Sirens

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF

The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.