Groundbreaking for New “Fox Ridge Park” in Kentucky
Kenton’s Fox Ridge Park is set to become a destination for recreation, family adventures and nature experiences.
(eap) In Kenton County in the US state of Kentucky, the official starting signal is being given today for the transformation of the former Fox Run Golf Course into a new recreation and nature park. A groundbreaking ceremony marks the start of the development of the site in Independence, which will operate under the name Kenton’s Fox Ridge Park. The park is scheduled to open in late summer 2028.
The new park is set to connect the 225-acres (approx. 91-hectare) site of the former golf course with the neighbouring Lincoln Ridge Park, which covers around 78 acre (around 32 hectares). Together, the two areas are to form a unified park destination and become the second-largest county-owned park in Northern Kentucky. Around 70 per cent of the former golf course site is intended to remain largely undeveloped, with improvements mainly focusing on the trail network.
The park concept is based on the site’s three ridges, each of which is to have a different focus. The so-called “Discovery Ridge” is planned as the main family and gathering area. Amenities are to include a playground, an outdoor fitness zone, a dog park, interactive water features and treetop experiences. The existing fishing pond is also to be upgraded.
“Adventure Ridge” is set to focus on active recreation. Elements currently planned or under consideration include mountain bike trails, a pump track, climbing facilities and a four-season pavilion. In addition, an aerial adventure course by international outdoor operator Go Ape is being considered. The company specialises in elevated obstacle courses, zip lines and treetop experiences.
The third zone, “Nature Ridge”, is intended to focus primarily on nature experiences and recreation. An extensive trail network, interactive art installations and other nature-based experiences are to provide visitors with opportunities to explore the site.
According to Kenton County, the project also addresses the comparatively limited amount of public greenspace in the region. The former golf course, which closed in 2019, is therefore to be permanently preserved for public use and supplemented with new recreational offerings.
The companies involved in the planning and implementation include J.S. Held as owner’s representative, local design firms Bayer Becker and Human Nature, as well as construction company Prus Construction. The site will remain closed to visitors during the construction phase. ■
