Erlanger breaks ground on Eons Park, an innovative multi-functional, ‘bold future’


By Patricia A. Scheyer
NKyTribune reporter

The city of Erlanger welcomed a who’s who of administrators, judge executives, a state senator, council members, commissioners, and benefactors to a groundbreaking ceremony for the long awaited Eons Park, a 1000 plus acre multi-functional area on the north to northwest side of the city.

“This park is not just another development,” said Erlanger Mayor Jessica Fette. “It’s a bold statement about the future we’re building here. It reflects a deep commitment to improving the quality of life in Erlanger and in Northern Kentucky by creating spaces where people can connect, explore, and thrive. And beyond that, this park is a catalyst for something much bigger–economic development. By investing in outdoor recreation, we’re positioning Erlanger as a destination, a place where families want to live, businesses want to grow, and visitors want to return.”

The ground has officially been broken for the new Eons Park in Erlanger. (Photo by Patricia Scheyer/NKyTribune)

Plans call for multi-modal paths for walking, or bicycling or scootering, and rougher trails for mountain biking or dirt biking.

But the paths are more than ordinary walking trails. They will be routes designed to have scenic overlooks or picturesque streams that meander along, just close enough that kids and adults can wander closer and even check the water temperature.

Features such as the Nest and other overlooks can be explored as well as the Streamside Classroom, and Learning Spaces. Tulip Poplar Tower pays homage to some local species of trees and the Canopy Trails suggest a quiet shaded pathway.

A map of the unusually shaped parcel of land that will be Eons Adventure Park (Photo by Patricia Scheyer/NKyTribune)

Last January, Fette had presented this idea at a council meeting, showing slides for a park on the old abandoned part of Erlanger road that runs across Houston road north, as the road heads up to the old cinema site, and extending all the way to Turfway road. At that time, she reminded council about a line item in the previous year’s budget designated for a master park plan for the area behind the Cherry Hill subdivision.

This was the start of something big, and Fette and her crew have worked very hard since then to make this park a reality.

The shape of the land in question is unusual, with a chunk of land along one side branching off into two peninsulas of land extending from that main part. It is behind the Cherry Hill subdivision and extends from Houston Road north to Turfway Road. Altogether, it was presented as about 40 acres of land and water.

“The 1000 acres is what is possible if we expand to all the different municipalities and cities,” said Director of Economic Development Mark Collier. “But first things first, phase one is the dog park, making old Erlanger Road one way, and opening up the spine, which will include shoring up the road, and clearing areas for trails, and parking.”

Erlanger Mayor Jessica Fette cited the Greek proverb: “a society grows great when people plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in’ (Photo by Patricia Scheyer/NKyTribune)

Funding for Phase one is a combination of public/private partnerships, and grant funding. Collier explained that one grant is the government resources accelerating needed transformation grant program of 2024 through the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. He said that Erlanger’s application was conditionally approved for $250,000 to help with the National Parks Service Department of Interior for the land and water conservation fund, a federal program.

“We are working on another application right now for the same amount,” Collier added.

Construction of the dog park will begin immediately, and it is touted as a modern, expansive dog park, with fences attaching to a concrete wall that shores up a hillside. Mayor Fette said there will be a mural across the expanse of concrete wall.

There will be changes in the Cherry Hill subdivision to help with traffic. The current road will become one way, and will be paired with a path to ensure safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

Old Erlanger Road will be revitalized and will reopen as a primary entry into the Dry Creek Valley Preserve.

Senator Chris McDaniel said that to make something work, it’s necessary to work as a region. (Photo by Patricia Scheyer/NKyTribune)

“Eons Adventure Park is more than a recreational space,” said Collier. “It’s an economic engine for Erlanger. We’re excited to have developers like Bill Butler of Corporex and local employers, who see this as a game-changer for workforce attraction. With the support of the public/private partnerships, this park will offer both recreational opportunities and long-term growth, providing another reason for businesses to invest in our city.”

He said that Eons will likely always be a work in progress, with the enormity of the area, so phasing will depend on funding, and there are no firm finish dates yet.

Mayor Fette and other speakers talked about how integral this park will be to the entire Northern Kentucky area, increasing the property values, promoting jobs, attracting businesses, promoting health and wellness, and increasing the quality of life.

“This will create a new standard for what a community space can be,” said Fette, who has put her heart and passion into this signature project. “It’s more than just building a park – it is creating a legacy, one that will benefit future generations. We are building something truly special here. I promise you, it will be worth the wait.”


4 thoughts on “Erlanger breaks ground on Eons Park, an innovative multi-functional, ‘bold future’

  1. That’s known as old “Pea Green” back there in that dry creek Valley to us old school Cherry Hill folks. We used to ride dirt bikes all through those woods and creek back in the 90s. The old swimmin hole is back there, it’s awesome. You can even catch fish out of it, it’s 12 foot deep when well fed. We had an incredible rope swing that went all the way to the middle where you’d cannonball in. There’s some sheer Rock cliff faces back there and eight different 100 – 250 yard power line hills you could climb! Open it back up to plated dual sport motorcyclists as well! We need opportunities too!

  2. There’s a reason why this land adjacent to Villa Hills is vacant and not already developed into million dollar homes. It’s down wind of the Water treatment plant. I drive in that area every day, it’s pretty unbearable.

    1. Truth. We in Villa Hills refer to it as ‘the valley’ and it is more like a canyon with very steep hillsides on both sides of Dry Creek. There is a significant amount of wildlife down there that venture up do our yards: coyotes, turkey, deer, mink, fox, etc – and I am confident others that are more elusive. Very excited to have access to this area!!

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