A new chapter is taking shape on the former Fox Run Golf Course property in Independence, as Kenton County leaders prepare to transform the site into a premier location for recreation, adventure and connection with nature.
During Tuesday’s Kenton County Fiscal Court meeting, County leaders announced the park’s official name: Kenton’s Fox Ridge Park.
The name pays tribute to the property’s history as Fox Run Golf Course, which closed in 2019, while also recognizing the wildlife and natural character that have long been part of the property.
“Fox Ridge tells the story of where this property has been and where it’s going,” Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann said. “We’re honoring the history of Fox Run while embracing the natural beauty of this property and creating something that will serve Kenton County families for generations to come.”
The “Ridge” in Fox Ridge reflects the site’s distinctive topography. The property’s three ridges are central to the park’s design and will help define the different experiences visitors will find throughout the park.
During Tuesday’s meeting, the project team, including owner’s representative J.S. Held, local design firms Bayer Becker and Human Nature, and construction firm Prus Construction, provided a deeper look at the future park’s programming and gave the Fiscal Court a sneak peek at what the project will ultimately look like.
For more renderings, click here.
The first ridge, currently called the Discovery Ridge, will serve as the park’s primary gathering area and family destination.
Planned amenities include:
• Improvements to the existing fishing pond
• Dog park
• Outdoor fitness zone
• Playground equipment
• Shelter houses and restrooms
• Interactive, nature-inspired water features
• Treetop experiences
Next, the Adventure Ridge will focus on active recreation and outdoor challenges. Potential amenities include:
• Mountain bike trails
• Pump track
• Climbing wall
• Additional climbing structures
• Four-season pavilion and restrooms
• Go Ape aerial adventure course
Go Ape is an internationally recognized outdoor adventure company known for elevated obstacle courses, zip lines and treetop experiences. If finalized, the attraction would make Fox Ridge Park one of only a select number of locations nationwide to offer the experience.
The last of the three ridges, Nature Ridge, will focus on trail access, exploration and connections to the natural environment.
Visitors will have access to an extensive trail network winding throughout the property. Interactive art installations and nature-based experiences will create opportunities for discovery while enhancing the outdoor environment.
Ultimately, officials plan for approximately 70% of the site’s 225 acres to remain untouched by construction except for trail system improvements.
“This park is really about creating a place where people can choose their own adventure,” Gary Wolnitzek, Human Nature’s co-founder, said. “Whether someone wants to take a walk through nature, let their kids explore a unique playground experience, drop into mountain bike trails, spend time with their dog or challenge themselves on an aerial adventure course, there will be something here for them, regardless of age or ability.”
The transformation of the former golf course into a community park is part of Kenton County’s broader effort to address a longstanding shortage of public greenspace.
Kenton County has significantly less greenspace than both its neighboring counties and many of its peer communities. The decision to preserve the property as a public park ensures the land will continue to serve the community while providing recreational opportunities that are currently limited in the County.
Fox Ridge Park will ultimately encompass both the former Fox Run Golf Course property and the neighboring 78-acre Lincoln Ridge Park.
Lincoln Ridge will adopt the Fox Ridge branding, bringing the two properties together as a unified park destination. Combined, the properties will create the second-largest County-owned park in Northern Kentucky.
Fox Ridge Park will officially close to the public for passive recreation on Monday, Sept. 14, as the project gets underway.
Teams from Prus Construction will be onsite beginning that day to prepare the property and begin construction of the new park. The site is expected to remain closed during the process for the safety of visitors and workers. The park is anticipated to reopen in late summer 2028.
While the community will temporarily lose access to the property, the closure marks the beginning of a transformation years in the making.
A groundbreaking ceremony celebrating the historic investment will take place Monday, Sept. 21, at 9:30 a.m.
Kenton County Fiscal Court