Lexington, KY - With late September temperatures still hitting the 90-degree mark, it's nice to know that cooler temperatures and colorful leaves are just around the corner. Fall is the perfect time to see some of the wonderful new things that the folks at Lexington's Division of Parks & Recreation have added to Lexington's Southside.
The new nature center at the Raven Run Nature Sanctuary on Jacks Creek Pike officially opened in early September. If you don't already know, Raven Run is a 734-acre nature sanctuary operated by our Division of Parks & Recreation, and is dedicated to preserving the natural and historical beauty of the Kentucky River Palisades. The sanctuary is home to over 56 species of trees, 640 species of plants, an abundance of wildlife, and 200 species of birds. Raven Run offers nature programs to the public every month of the year, and school groups, technical programs and scout groups can request nature and history tours that are specially tailored to meet the educational and program needs of their group.
The new nature center is a $1.8 million, 4,800-square-foot building designed by Pohl Rosa Pohl architects and follows the U.S. Green Building Council's "Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design" (LEED) criteria. The structure is divided into two wings and features a roof supported by cedar logs and windows that are angled outward to reduce bird collisions. The nature center can accommodate group activities large and small, and includes meeting and exhibition spaces, a library and offices. (For more information on the new center, please read the on page 9 of this magazine.)
A visit to the Raven Run Nature Sanctuary is a way for families, students and just about everyone to enjoy the delightful fall foliage and to learn about birds, animals, ferns, history and other aspects of the Kentucky River Palisades. Saturday afternoon hikes with your family at the Raven Run Nature Sanctuary are among the best reasons to live in central Kentucky.
Fall is also a great time to get out and enjoy the new mile-long Lafayette Trail addition to Shillito Park. This new leg brings the entire Shillito Park Trail to 2.5 miles long, and provides joggers, cyclists, skaters and walkers a safe and family-friendly opportunity for recreation and healthy living. The Shillito Park Trail connects to the Monticello neighborhood and to the Lexington Christian Academy high school campus, and is one of the many ways Lexington is becoming a more bike and pedestrian friendly town. The Lafayette Trail was funded with local, state and federal funds, and can be accessed from the trailhead located near the small parking lot inside Shillito Park across from Lexington Fire Department Station No. 15.
Shillito Park has also become one of the great places in Lexington for disc golf, which is played much like traditional golf, except players use a disc instead of a golf ball and clubs. The object of the game is similar to regular golf - players compete on a number of fairways or holes, and the player with the lowest total score after completing the course is the winner. The disc course at Shillito Park was established by LFUCG in 1998, and is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with your friends.
There are many parks on Lexington's Southside, and now is the time to get outside to walk, bike or hike and enjoy the sights, smells and crisp air of Autumn. For a listing of some of the great places to enjoy fall and the outdoors around Lexington, please visit www.visitlex.com/idea/fall.php.