Provide varied, abundant, and connected greenspaces throughout Lexington’s urban and rural areas.
The Bluegrass identity sets Lexington apart from the rest of the world. It is vital that this identity be preserved and maintained through the designation and preservation of greenspace; growth should strike a harmonious balance between development and preservation. Lexington has and should continue to provide abundant new greenspace and greenways, while preserving existing natural areas that continue to foster and promote growth. Greenspace and greenways are essential to the quality of life expected by Lexington’s citizens and are imperative to attracting new businesses and skilled workers.
Greenspace should not be subjugated to the rural service area; rather, greenspace and greenways should play a prominent role in how the urban service area is developed. As the community continues to grow, more projects such as the Legacy and Town Branch Trails should be considered and implemented, and more neighborhood parks should be created.
Greenspace is more than horse farms, parks, and forests; it also includes streams, sinkholes, the Kentucky River, and the prime soils provided by Lexington’s karst topography. Greenways are linear corridors, not unlike roads and trails, which can provide critical linkage and protection of natural and cultural resources. Both new and existing corridors should be made complete with green infrastructure.
The natural topography of the Bluegrass offers abundant opportunities within the urban service area for greenspace. Greenspaces provide for recreational tourism, healthier living habits, and socially equitable open spaces. The scenic, environmental, and cultural impact of allocating greenspace and greenways is vital to a healthy and thriving urban environment.
The issues, concerns, and policy recommendations of both the 1994 Greenspace Plan and the 2002 Greenway Master Plan should continue to be considered and implemented. Both plans should be updated, taking into account new advancements in technology, growth, and development.