Kirklevington Park

A Breath of Fresh Air

Positioned in Lexington, Kentucky, Kirklevington Park spreads across 35.7 acres of greenery that feels like a neighborhood backyard - only much, much bigger. This local favorite strikes that perfect balance between getting your heart rate up and finding a quiet spot to decompress from the day.

The park's 0.8-mile paved trail loops around the perimeter, making it our go-to recommendation for everything from morning jogs to evening strolls. What's cool is that they've dotted the path with outdoor fitness equipment, so you can mix up your cardio with some strength training without paying for a gym membership. Nature lovers will appreciate the sections where local plants and trees grow freely, with mowed paths cutting through these mini-woodland areas - it's like a little wilderness adventure without having to leave the city.

Play Hard or Hardly Playing

If you're into sports, you're going to feel like a kid in a candy store here. The park is loaded with basketball courts, tennis courts, and two fully-fenced baseball fields for when you're feeling competitive. Both sand and grass volleyball courts are available, with the sand court being particularly well-kept - excellent for channeling your inner beach volleyball pro even though you're hundreds of miles from any coast.

The crown jewel for many visitors has to be the pickleball setup. With 12 outdoor hard courts featuring permanent lines and nets, it's basically pickleball heaven. These courts won't cost you a dime, they're lit up for evening games, and they're neatly arranged in fenced sections. The regular players are known for being super welcoming, so don't be shy if you're new to the sport.

For the more adventurous, there's a skate area complete with boxes, jersey barriers, and rails where you can practice your tricks. And yes, there's even a ping pong table if that's more your speed.

Family Time

Kids have plenty of space to burn off energy at the playground, which caters to everyone from wobbly toddlers to too-cool-for-school teens. Just a heads-up: the playground has mulch surfacing, so shoes are a good idea, and shade is limited on sunny days. The good news is that it's just a hop, skip, and jump from parking and opens onto vast grassy areas where the little ones can run wild.

Thoughtfully placed picnic tables under shade trees create perfect spots for family lunches or catching up with friends. And those sprawling open grassy areas aren't just for show - they're waiting for your frisbee games, impromptu soccer matches, or just lying back and cloud-watching.

Good to Know

Accessing the park is easy with three entrances (two on Spangler Drive) and multiple parking areas throughout. When nature calls, you'll come across permanent bathrooms near the pickleball courts and skate park, with portable options along the outer trail during summer.

Bring your four-legged friends along, but remember they need to stay on leash while you explore together. You can find dog waste bag stations within the park - because nobody wants that kind of surprise on their shoes.

With its mix of active spaces and quiet corners, Kirklevington Park offers a place where fitness activities and relaxation opportunities are both available. The park welcomes visitors daily from 6 AM to 11 PM, giving you plenty of time to find your own special spot in this urban oasis.