Cardinal Run Park North is across the road from Cardinal Run South, which opened two decades ago. The two parks collectively account for 192 acres of land. Cardinal Park North is 137.6 acres, and Cardinal Park South is 54.6 acres.
The park’s opening is part of a string of recreation investments in the city. Lexington reopened Phoenix Park last month and opened the riverside Kelley’s Landing earlier this year.
Conrad says those parks are meant to boost the quality of life for city residents.
“It helps our mental health. It helps our physical health. It's ways for people to get out and exercise, but also to be one with nature. It's a way to get kids out, and they may learn to ride their bike for the first time on one of the paved trails, or they may swing on a swing for the first time,” Conrad said.
Funding for those parks came from American Rescue Plan Act money, which the city received during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cardinal Run Park North was funded by $10 million worth of that investment.
“A lot of the projects we've seen have been a result of that investment. I think then the community is just saying, ‘We love our park space. We want to see our park space invested in. We want to see not only new parks open up, but parks that maybe are tired and need some reinvestment.’”
Cardinal Run North includes a playground, walking and hiking trails, pickleball courts, a basketball court and dog parks.
Lexington Parks and Recreation is a financial supporter of WEKU.
