The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) hired us to complete the Legacy Trail project, effectively creating lasting legacies of the 2010 International World Equestrian Games (WEG) and highlighting the rich contribution of the East End Neighborhood to the horse racing industry. A project focus was revitalization of the Third Street Corridor and creation of a shared use trail and park system from downtown Lexington, Kentucky, to the Kentucky Horse Park; all to be completed in three phases. Prior to the WEG, we completed phases 1 and 2 (rural segment). The recently completed Legacy Trail Phase 3 (urban section) was selected for a Grand Award through the American Council of Engineering Companies of Kentucky Engineering Excellence Awards competition.

Project components:

• The project honors the rich history of Black Americans in the horse racing industry by celebrating Isaac Murphy, one of the greatest jockeys of all time and a three-time Kentucky Derby winner. The trail begins near his childhood home and ends at the Kentucky Horse Park where he is buried next to another all-time great, racehorse Man O’ War.
• The project corridor is within a Nationally Registered Historic District with limestone curbs that have been damaged and hidden by expanded sidewalks. Through careful planning and engineering, including environmental design, the prominent historic corridor limestone curb was preserved and re-established.
• More than 1 mile of solid green bike lane was implemented. The use of innovative green colorized pavement marking materials infused with glass beads for added traction provides a more durable finished product that will improve safety for bicyclists and reduced project cost.
• Intersection enhancements, including raised intersections, bicycle boxes, and bump outs improve safety and calm traffic.