Lexington goes trailblazing
The Shillito Trail, a 2.5-mile recreational trail winding through Shillito Park and incorporating the mile-long Lafayette Trail, officially opened to the public in early September. The trail connects to the Wellington Bike Trail along Reynolds Road and Keithshire Way and, ultimately, will connect to the South Elkhorn Trail - a "rail to trail" project that will connect Waveland Historic Site to Shillito Park. The trail also provides access to the Monticello Neighborhood and connects to the Lexington Christian Academy high school.
Work on the $1 million trail, funded with local, state and federal dollars, began in 2007. The trailhead, located across from the fire station inside the park, features a small parking lot.
A large portion of the Legacy Trail, a mixed-use bike and pedestrian path, also opened to the public in September. Currently stretching over eight miles from the Northside YMCA to the Kentucky Horse Park, the Legacy Trail, once completed, will also connect to the Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden in the East End Neighborhood. Additionally, earlier this summer, construction began on the West Hickman Trail, a 1.5-mile path that will connect Clearwater Way at Man O' War Boulevard to Veterans Park.
At the end of this year's construction schedule, Lexington will feature 27.5 miles of trails.
Annual statewide Second Sunday celebration hitting streets in October
The annual statewide Second Sunday - an event where communities across Kentucky simultaneously coordinate some form of health or fitness campaign, be it a closed roadway or event - will take place locally from 2 - 6 p.m., Oct. 10 in downtown Lexington on a loop of closed roads between Upper Street and Martin Luther King along Main and Short Streets.
Members of the community are invited to walk, bike, skateboard, rollerblade or perform any other physical activity on the traffic-free streets. Many activities are scheduled throughout the day, including group exercises, live music performances and bike polo demonstrations.
Kentucky is consistently ranked among the top 10 states for obesity and obesity-related diseases. The Second Sunday event, organized by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension and community partners, presents a message of change and may provide a catalyst for people to pursue physical activity the other 364 days of the year. October's event will be the third annual statewide event. More than 20,000 people in 101 counties participated in the 2009 event.
For more information, such as for scheduled activities in Lexington throughout the year on the second Sunday of every month, visit www.2ndsundayky.com.
Tates Creek Middle School first middle school in the state to gain status as an "International Baccalaureate" school
Tates Creek Middle School recently earned official recognition as the first middle school in Kentucky to be named an "International Baccalaureate" school.
The middle school underwent changes, including a redesign of course offerings, professional development, and the inclusion of instructional practices that connect learning to real-world concepts.
In addition to core subjects, students will study performing arts, technology, foreign language, and physical education and health, while connecting their education to local and global issues.
Developed for students, ages 11 - 16, the curriculum provides a framework of academic challenge that encourages students to embrace and understand the connections between traditional subjects and the real world, and become critical and reflective thinkers.
Unlike the Tates Creek High School IB Programme, which targets select students, the middle school offering is for the entire school.
Milward Funeral to open south Lexington location
Milward Funeral Directors, Lexington's oldest business, is expanding their services with a new location at the intersection of Man O' War and Trent Boulevard. The 7,500 sq ft. facility, which features 14 to 30 ft. ceilings, skylights and flat-panel televisions, was designed as a "flexible, comfortable and accommodating space for hospitality" for both large and small gatherings, according to vice president Rob Milward.
The company, which is the only Lexington funeral service provider certified by the Green Burial council, hopes to receive Green Building Council LEED Certification for its new facility. An open house with events and activities is planned for the new location's grand opening this fall. For more information, visit www.milwardfuneral.com.
World Equestrian Games traffic memo
Lexington is implementing extra measures to manage traffic during the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, including more than 115 road signs along common routes, including I-64 and 75, the Bluegrass Parkway, Nicholasville Road and New Circle Road, to direct spectators to the Kentucky Horse Park.
Residents are encouraged to utilize the Paris Pike and Winchester Road exits instead of the Newtown Pike exit when accessing downtown on I-75 through Oct. 10. City and state police forces will be directing traffic for the event. Officials want to remind residents to be mindful of traffic and plan to use other routes or account for the extra time that may be necessary when traveling during the games.
Second round of neighborhood water quality grants available
Neighborhood, community and homeowner associations have an additional opportunity to apply to the Neighborhood Stormwater Incentive Grant Program. Grant applications are due by Oct. 21, and neighborhoods or organizations that win grants should receive funds in early 2011.
The first round of grant applications was conducted in early spring. To date, eight neighborhood groups have been awarded grants to install rain gardens and rain barrels, restore streambanks, conduct water quality sampling and present neighborhood educational workshops.
There is still nearly $100,000 in funds available for Class A grants, which are intended for neighborhood-related activities. Projects may be funded for up to $50,000 and require a 20 percent match of the total project cost, either in cash or in-kind volunteer hours.
Projects will be evaluated and ranked by the Division of Water Quality staff. The Water Quality Fees Board will review all recommendations and make the final selection on all grant awards.
The grant application form and more information on the program can be found at www.lexingtonky.gove/waterquality.