Voting is officially underway to select the 2026 Beautify the Bluegrass Governor’s Award from among five local finalists. The partnership between Kentucky Living, Kentucky Electric Cooperatives and the Kentucky Governor’s Office is celebrating its tenth consecutive year.
Among the finalists (and on the ballot for voting) is Boone County’s Cardinal Park, completed in 2025, a neighborhood park created from an unused parcel of land after the extension on Mount Zion Road. It features a walking path and landscaped gardens.
Beautify the Bluegrass showcases the pride and dedication Kentuckians pour into their communities across the Commonwealth, highlighting standout projects that demonstrate local spirit through efforts such as revitalized communal spaces, park cleanups and public art displays. Since launching in 2017, the initiative has given Kentuckians a voice in selecting the Governor’s Award recipient, with the winning project recognized by Governor Andy Beshear.
“Thank you to Kentucky Living and Kentucky’s Electric Cooperatives for highlighting people working to make a difference in their communities,” said Governor Andy Beshear. “We are always excited to celebrate Kentuckians who roll up their sleeves to make our new Kentucky home more beautiful. Congratulations to all these finalists, and good luck.”
Announced by Governor Beshear during Kentucky Living’s 2026 Best in Kentucky Awards Show, this year’s finalists were selected from an exceptional group of projects showcasing the creativity and commitment behind community improvements across the Bluegrass State.
Worthington Memorial Park
Jackson Energy Cooperative and others, Jackson County
Transformed through a two-day revitalization effort led by Jackson Energy Cooperative, Worthington Memorial Park received more than 400 hours of work from over 60 employees and volunteers. Playground, ballfield, landscaping, restroom and accessibility improvements, along with a new sidewalk, entrance sign and preparations for a future shelter, have given new life to the communal space.
Cumberland Falls Spring Cleanup
Kentucky Wildlands/Eastern Kentucky PRIDE, Whitley & McCreary County
Nearly 300 volunteers came together for the annual Spring Cleanup at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, collecting 430 bags of trash and 13 tires along Hwy. 90 and below the falls. The April cleanup brought communities together to care for one of Kentucky’s most scenic destinations, with McCreary County earning the event’s Volunteer Cup with 143 volunteers and the collective effort helping preserve the natural beauty of Cumberland Falls for visitors from across the Commonwealth.
Paula’s Garden
America in Bloom Lawrenceburg, Anderson County
Created in memory of Paula Mullins, a Capital Area Extension Master Gardener, mentor and founding member of America in Bloom Lawrenceburg, Paula’s Garden carries on her legacy through a peaceful space in Anderson County Park. The garden features seasonal plantings, chiming bells and benches, transforming an underutilized area into a dedicated community space.
Danville Mural Project
Danville-Boyle County Convention and Visitors Bureau and others, Boyle County
An 800-square-foot mural now brings a prominent downtown wall to life, celebrating Danville and Boyle County’s history and identity. Created by local artist Kirby Stafford in partnership with the Danville-Boyle County Convention and Visitors Bureau, City of Danville and other community partners, the mural features the Boyle County Courthouse cupola, Constitution Square and the community’s “Birthplace of Kentucky” designation, creating a vibrant new landmark in the heart of downtown.
Cardinal Park
City of Union, Boone County
An unused parcel left after the Mt. Zion Road expansion now serves as Cardinal Park, a neighborhood space created by the City of Union to add beauty and a place to gather along a popular walking route. Completed in fall 2025, the park features landscaped gardens and a peaceful setting for walkers, residents and visitors of all ages.
Readers can visit KentuckyLiving.com through Sept. 1 to learn more about this year’s projects, cast their vote for their favorite finalist and see community pride in action across the Commonwealth.
Kentucky Living