Dedicated Funding for Lexington’s Parks

On November 5th, Lexington residents will have the opportunity to vote for or against a ballot referendum that would create a dedicated fund source for city parks.

90%

of Lexington residents
visit parks

88%

of residents want upgrades to parks and recreation facilities

$123m

in parks capital needs were identified in the Parks Master Plan update

The Capital Funding Gap

The city’s General Fund has historically not delivered on the capital funding needs identified in the Parks Master Plan. 

If passed, the parks funding ballot referendum would create a dedicated funding source for parks, ensuring they receive $8 million annually for capital projects without issuing new debt.

For the average homeowner, this translates to an annual investment of about a dollar per week.

Children playing on playground equipment, with a boy on top crawling across a blue metal jungle gym, a girl hanging from the bar below, and other kids nearby, under a partly cloudy sky with trees in the background.

Ballot Referendum Outcomes and Accountability

Potential Outcomes

  • If passed, the parks funding ballot referendum would create a dedicated funding source for parks, ensuring they receive $8 million annually for capital projects without issuing new debt.

  • If the parks funding ballot referendum does not pass, parks capital funding would vary year-to-year.

Accountability

  • Per state law, the dedicated parks fund can only be used for parks (KRS 97.590).

  • Projects would be guided by recommendations in the Parks Master Plan.

  • There would be full public disclosure on how funds are spent, including an annual public audit.

A woman and two young boys are on a nature walk, with the woman pointing towards something in the sky or trees. All three are holding binoculars and standing on a paved trail surrounded by green trees and grass.
A view of a blue outdoor basketball court with several people playing, next to a parking lot filled with cars, a grassy park, and a river in the background.
A paved walking path through a park lined with trees having yellow and green leaves, with a black fence on both sides, under a blue sky.

Our Partners

Logo of Trust for Public Land featuring a tree and sun design next to the organization name
Logo for Parks & Recreation Advisory Board with blue text on a black background.
A logo with a green leafy tree, a swing hanging from the tree, and the words 'TREET LEXINGTON!' in large green and blue letters.

Fiscal Sponsor

Logo for the Blue Grass Community Foundation with blue and green text on a black background.
Illustration of a yellow park bench with black armrests, a green tree, and bushes in the background on a dark purple background.