Lexington Kentucky readying for the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games

Lexington Kentucky is readying for the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games by beginning work on many city projects that will help establish the city as a world leader.  $2.55 million was recently donated by the John S. & James L. Knight Foundation to help jump start those efforts.  For reference, the John S. & James L. Knight Foundation is named after the 2 brothers that purchased the Lexington Herald and Leader in 1973.

The primary focus will be for projects that will not only help the persons attending the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games, but also will continue to be of benefit for the residents of Lexington Kentucky once the WEG has ended.

These types of projects are typically called “legacy projects”.  An example of 1 such legacy project would be when in Atlanta in 1996 for the Olympic Games, the city constructed Centennial Park - and even though the games have long since past, the residents on the community are still able to enjoy the park.

The 2 most popular ideas for Lexington KY currently appear to be:

Rehabbing and improving 3rd Street which would include the building of a memorial art garden in honor of Isaac Murphy (a famous African-American horse jockey from the late 1800s that rode in 11 Kentucky Derbys, and was the first jockey ever to win 3 Kentucky Derbys.).

Construction of a biking/hiking trail for pedestrians that would go from downtown Lexington Kentucky to the Kentucky Horse Park.  The trail is expected to be approximately 22 miles long and would include various intersecting loops for persons to enjoy.

Various art projects would be a major part of both ideas.

This will certainly help get the public, even if they have no interest specifically in horses, involved in the event and should help promote a stronger community spirit long after the World Equestrian Games has long since gone.