Legacy Trail

The Legacy Trail is one of Lexington’s signature shared-use facilities, extending from downtown Lexington to the Kentucky Horse Park in northern Fayette County. This 12-foot-wide multi-use trail features numerous bridges over Cane Run, urban street navigation, and rural scenic views.

The project was delivered in partnership with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (District 7) and Lexington Parks and Recreation, supporting their shared vision of expanding safe, accessible, and connected trail infrastructure throughout the region.

Palmer Engineering was responsible for a 2.0-mile segment through the Kentucky Horse Park, with an aggressive schedule requiring design completion for:

• The multi-use trail and roadway improvements within the park

• Drainage system enhancements

• Expansion of three parking lots

• A new trailhead with bathrooms, showers, and parking

The project required avoidance of a 42-inch waterline and 8-inch force main along Ironworks Pike, as well as floodplain analysis at Cane Run Creek to ensure no rise occurred in the established flood study.

Additional highlights:

• Surveying services provided site control across six improvement areas and the trailhead using conventional ground survey methods.

• Roadway improvements along Ironworks Pike added turn lanes and realigned a segment of Nina Bonnie Boulevard, with careful coordination to minimize operational impacts at the Horse Park.

• Parking expansions near the Alltech Arena and Rolex Stadium utilized previous asphalt, improving stormwater infiltration, reducing runoff, and enhancing water quality without unsightly retention ponds.

Jacobson Park Trail

Palmer Engineering prepared design and construction documents for a 1.5-mile multi-use trail system within Jacobson Park, working in coordination with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, District 7, and Lexington Parks and Recreation.

Key features include:

• 10-foot and 12-foot wide asphalt trail segments connecting park amenities to the surrounding community

• Trailhead and wayfinding signage

• Retaining wall and drainage improvements

• ADA-compliant design in accordance with AASHTO guidelines

This project enhances connectivity while preserving accessibility and safety for all trail users.

Masterson Station Trail

Palmer Engineering designed the 2,000-foot extension of the Masterson Station Trail, linking two existing trails and improving access to the park’s playground, in coordination with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (District 7) and Lexington Parks and Recreation.

Project highlights:

• 12-foot-wide trail with a maximum 5% grade

• Required floodplain construction and Kentucky Division of Water (KYDOW) permits

• Completed design and construction within three months

Today, the trail serves a wide range of users — from walkers and runners to children and pets — as a vibrant connector within the community.

Raven Run Park Trail

Palmer Engineering developed a half-mile looped trail within Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, including a 1,200-foot connector between the Nature Center and the Nature Sanctuary, in coordination with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (District 7) and Lexington Parks and Recreation.

Scope of services:

• Trail design and construction plans

• Cost estimating and construction services

• Compliance with ADA accessibility standards

This project improves visitor experience and provides a low-impact recreational link within the park’s natural setting.

Whitney Young Park Trail

Palmer Engineering designed a 1,700-foot shared-use trail at Whitney Young Park in north Lexington, in coordination with the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.

Design elements include:

• A 12-foot-wide loop trail around the athletic field

• Connections to the community garden and playground

• An additional loop connecting to a nearby mobile home park

The design strengthens neighborhood connections and promotes healthy, outdoor recreation opportunities.