Kenton County officials break ground on Fox Ridge Park in Independence

Kenton County officially broke ground Monday on Fox Ridge Park, marking the beginning of a major transformation of the former Fox Run Golf Course property into a 225-acre resource for recreation, adventure and outdoor exploration.

County officials, Fiscal Court members, project partners and community members gathered at the park Monday morning to celebrate the milestone and the next chapter for a property that will define Kenton County's recreational landscape for decades.

“This is one of those projects where you can see the future taking shape right in front of you,” said Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann. “Fox Ridge Park is the result of years of planning, public input and careful work to determine how we could preserve this property while giving our residents something they could truly enjoy. We’re taking a remarkable piece of land and creating a space that will serve our entire community for generations to come.”

The park's name reflects both its history and its future. “Fox” pays tribute to the former Fox Run Golf Course and the wildlife that has long been part of the property, while “Ridge” reflects the site's distinctive topography and the three ridges that will shape the park's design.

The project will bring together the former Fox Run property and neighboring Lincoln Ridge Park under the Fox Ridge Park name, creating the second-largest County-owned park in Northern Kentucky.

Approximately 70 percent of the 225-acre former golf course is expected to remain untouched by construction, aside from improvements to the trail system. The park is designed to balance new recreational amenities with preservation of the property's natural character.

“This park is about giving Kenton Countians more ways to enjoy the outdoors and more places to spend time together,” said Commissioner Beth Sewell. “Whether it’s a family at the playground, someone walking their dog, a resident fishing at the pond or a group of friends exploring the trails, Fox Ridge will create opportunities for people to connect with each other and with the place they call home. That kind of community space has lasting value.”

The park's design is organized around three distinct ridges, each offering a different experience.

• Discovery Ridge will serve as the primary family and gathering area, with an improved fishing pond, dog park, outdoor fitness area, destination playground, interactive water features, shelters and restrooms. Plans also include an observation tower and opportunities for visitors to experience the tree canopy.
• Adventure Ridge will focus on active recreation and outdoor challenges, with mountain bike trails, a pump track, climbing features, a four-season pavilion and a planned Go Ape aerial adventure course.
• Nature Ridge will provide opportunities for hiking, walking, exploration and connection with the property's natural landscape through an extensive trail network and nature-based experiences.

“As this Fiscal Court prepares to say goodbye at the end of this year, it is especially meaningful to see an investment like Fox Ridge Park take shape,” said Commissioner Jon Draud. “Projects like this are possible because of the financial stewardship and responsible decisions that have positioned Kenton County to make generational investments while continuing to serve our residents today. Knowing we’re leaving the County in a position to make investments like this for the future is something I’m very proud to be a part of.”

The vision for Fox Ridge Park was shaped through an extensive public engagement and planning process that began after the County converted the former golf course to passive public recreation in 2020. Human Nature was brought on to develop a comprehensive master plan, incorporating community input and the site's natural features into the long-term vision.

The County's project team includes design firms Bayer Becker and Human Nature, with J.S. Held serving as the owner's representative and Prus Construction serving as construction manager.

“Seeing construction begin is an important moment because it turns years of planning into something residents will eventually be able to experience,” said Commissioner Joe Nienaber. “We’ve had the opportunity to look closely at what this property can become, and the result is a park that respects what is already here while opening the door to new experiences. There is a lot of work ahead, but today marks a significant step forward.”

Construction began on the property Sept. 14. The park is closed to the public during construction for the safety of visitors and construction crews and is anticipated to reopen in August 2028.

Fox Ridge Park represents the most significant investment ever in Kenton County's park system and will become the largest of the County's seven parks. Once complete, the park will provide residents with opportunities to hike, bike, fish, climb, play, explore and gather in one of Northern Kentucky's largest public green spaces.

The transformation builds on the County's broader commitment to expanding recreational opportunities while preserving the natural spaces that make Kenton County unique.

“Today is really about what comes next,” Knochelmann said. “We know this property already means something to people who have walked its trails, fished its pond or spent time here over the years. We’re building on that history and creating something new without losing what makes this place special.”