Lake Barkley State Resort Park is among several state parks across Kentucky that will receive additional funding for infrastructure improvements. Governor Matt Bevin and Kentucky State Parks officials announced Thursday the kickoff of phase II of the Commonwealth’s ‘Refreshing the Finest’ initiative, which includes an additional $20 million in upgrades.
A release says the first phase of the initiative was launched in 2016 and has already invested $18 million in maintenance and operational improvements to the Kentucky State Parks system. The 2018 General Assembly allocated an additional $20 million to replace park lodge roofs, upgrade campgrounds, repair wastewater treatment plants, fix swimming pools and make other much-needed facility repairs.
As a result of the initial $18 million ‘Refreshing the Finest’ investment, state officials note some 133 projects are nearly complete. They say this has helped to significantly increase business among Kentucky’s state parks, yielding a $7.6 million revenue boost in 2018 compared to 2016.
As part of the phase II additional funding, utility improvements are planned at Lake Barkley State Resort Park. Several other parks will use the funding for new roofs and improvements to campgrounds. In addition, officials say all seventeen resort parks will receive hospitality upgrades that include items such as new furniture, flooring, paint, fixtures, and paint.
Kentucky State Parks Commissioner Donnie Holland says in the release this additional funding will help them maintain important parts of the park infrastructure. With 49 state parks and 1,800 buildings, Holland adds they have a long list of repairs and upgrades.
