May is National Health Awareness Month, and as such there is no better time to take on the slogan of Parks and Recreation to “Get out and play.” While there is debate right now as to the funding of certain parks amenities in Fiscal Year 2013, last year’s budget allowed for programming that is necessary for Lexington to remain as active as possible. Our parks system has in place facilities where you can run, swim, bike and even go horseback riding. Last month a copy of the Parks and Recreation Fun Guide was mailed to every mailbox in Lexington-Fayette County. I encourage you to refer to that guide and make a plan to take advantage of all that our city’s public spaces have to offer. You can find the Fun Guide online at www.lexingtonky.gov/Parks.
IMPROVEMENTS AT ECTON PARK
Speaking of last year’s budget, the 5th District council office put in place funds that will allow for improvements in Ecton Park both during and after the Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project in the surrounding neighborhoods is over. (More on the dig in a moment.)
After the removal of dangerous trees in Ecton Park last year, I find this an opportune time to replace those with healthy trees that will provide shade for those who enjoy Big Band & Jazz during the summer months, or for those who just wish to enjoy the park as a whole. In addition, better trash receptacles will be spread across the park to ensure that the space stays as beautiful as possible. Other improvements will come later in the year with the repaving of the parking lot once construction in the area is complete.
FUNDING FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS
As proposed, Mayor Gray’s budget for Fiscal Year 2013 restores funding for minor repairs and maintenance in parks not only in the 5th District, but across Lexington as a whole. With seven of those parks located in the district, I will continue to work for funds to make much-needed repairs to our walking paths, tennis courts and recreational areas. I welcome your input as the budget discussions progress. The mayor’s proposed budget is available for your review online at www.lexingtonky.gov.
SANITARY SEWER WORK CONTINUES
Construction for the Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project is well under way, and things seem to be running smoothly –– with the occasional glitch –– thus far. The largest sanitary sewer project in Lexington in 2012, this $2.6 million-dollar effort will alleviate Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) downstream and reduce flooding issues that have for years plagued those of us living in the West Hickman Watershed. It is, however, a small part of the overall $570 million that will be spent repairing or replacing sanitary sewers over the next 12 years in order for Lexington to comply with the terms of the Consent Decree between LFUCG, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Energy and Environment Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
This being the first phase of rehabilitation in all of Lexington, there are sure to be hiccups along the way. If you have concerns that you would like addressed, please contact my office by any of the means listed below. More information and updates can also be found at www.lexingtonky.gov/EctonPark.
KEEPING IN TOUCH
During the next several weeks, council will do its work to see that the final budget approved for Fiscal Year 2013 responsibly meets the needs of the citizens of Lexington. As always, I welcome your input as we all face this challenge together. Please feel free to contact me directly with any comments you might have.