November 2023 - Parks & Recreation - 56

Park Bench
Rocking Out With Equitable Climbing
When people think of Kentucky, they often think about the horse farms beautifully arranged throughout rolling hills or the
bourbon industry that calls the state home. But to climbers, Kentucky is known to have one of the best climbing destinations in
the world - the Red River Gorge (RRG). Lexington, located a short drive from this iconic location, recently unveiled the first
outdoor public climbing boulders in the state at Northeastern Park - one of the more than 100 city parks the City of Lexington
Division of Parks and Recreation (Lexington Parks and Recreation) manages - in the city's East End neighborhood.
The East End neighborhood has been experiencing a renaissance of green space growth and park additions through a mix of public
and private funding and grants. Perched atop a hill a few blocks from Charles Young Park and across the street from the picturesque
views of Thoroughbred Park, Northeastern Park provided a unique opportunity to explore ideas outside standard playground features
and bring something distinct to the city that would not only meet the neighborhood's needs but also draw new people to the area.
Lexington Parks and Recreation identified the park as a priority for updates based on its master plan as well as the age of the
existing play structure equipment. Working within a diverse neighborhood that has been under-resourced historically, staff prioritized
the needs of the community members. The team gathered feedback through online and paper surveys distributed to homes,
businesses and apartment complexes. They also hosted a community feedback event at the park and encouraged neighbors to
attend. Through careful surveying, the most requested element was clear - climbing features.
Inspired by an article in Climbing magazine and the intention to bring more natural elements to parks
downtown, Lexington Parks and Recreation's planning and design team worked with a design firm
and a vendor that specializes in natural-looking fabricated climbing boulders. Climbing can
have a high barrier to entry due to limited access to climbing areas and the need for equipment.
Thus, the team prioritized free access to boulders designed for all skill levels so all
would feel welcome to explore the sport. Because of Kentucky's association
with the RRG, the designers used photos of the rock formations from
the area to create boulders that mimicked natural Kentucky rock.
Since the park opened in March, it regularly sees activity from
area climbers looking for challenges as well as neighborhood kids
and families exploring the sport. Lexington Parks and Recreation
began offering Introduction to Climbing (Bouldering)
classes at the park in September and has planned future
collaborations with climbing organizations.
- Paul Hooper, Information Office Supervisor, Lexington
(Kentucky) Parks and Recreation
The City of Lexington, Kentucky,
recently unveiled the first outdoor
public climbing boulders in the state at
Northeastern Park.
56 Parks & Recreation | NOVEMBER 2 0 2 3
| PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G
PHOTO COURTESY OF COLBEY ADAIR, LEF CLIMBING

November 2023 - Parks & Recreation

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