The Lexington Division of Parks and Recreation operates 105 parks consisting of more than 4,500 acres and green space areas with five golf courses, six community centers and 9 aquatic facilities. The division also maintains 300 other properties that range from medians and parkways to retention basins and undeveloped land.

Special events: As a support agency for many other government divisions, citizens groups and neighborhood associations, the Division of Parks and Recreation provides coordination and assistance in the production of special events such as the Bluegrass 10,000 Road Race, Lexington’s 4th of July Celebration, Trail of Terror and the Roots and Heritage Festival. Citizens also enjoy the many free special events and programs produced by the Division of Parks and Recreation throughout the year. They range from springtime events like KiteFest and Family Fun Fish Fest to summer and fall activities like Free Friday Flicks, Big Band & Jazz, the Woodland Jubilee, Little Goblins Galore and the Woodland Art Fair.

Extended School Program (ESP): Students in 17 Fayette County elementary and middle schools participate in the division’s Extended School Program (ESP) before and/or after school. Students attend on-site study hall or participate in sports, arts and crafts and other recreational activities.

Kiddie Kapers: Throughout the year, the division’s Kiddie Kapers Dance Classes offer basic, intermediate and advanced dance instruction for children and teens. Tap, modern, jazz, ballet, tumbling and dance team classes are available. Over the summer, Kiddie Kapers offers lessons in a summer camp format. For more information, call 288-2935.

Therapeutic recreation: The Division of Parks and Recreation also provides a wide variety of programming for children and adults with disabilities. Therapeutic recreation professionals program indoor and outdoor activities from horseback riding to cooking, swimming to summer camps. For more information about programs for persons with disabilities, call 288-2902.

Athletics: Children, youth and adult athletic teams, leagues, clinics and programs are offered year-round by the Division of Parks and Recreation. Adult softball leagues are available for men and women in the spring and fall. Youth baseball, softball and t-ball start in the spring with football leagues offered in the late summer and fall and youth basketball leagues in the late fall and winter. Tennis instruction and leagues are also available for children and adults. Please call 288-2920 for information about athletic programs.

Adult programs: Senior adult programs for those 50 and over are available throughout the year and include travel, fitness activities, ceramics, bridge, painting, piano, aquatics and more. Please call 233-0986 for information about senior programs.

Tubby’s Clubhouse: Middle school students can apply for a high-tech computer education program offered through Tubby’s Clubhouses located in the community centers. These smart classrooms are open for public use during community center hours. The Dell TechKnow computer education classes are available year-round. For more information, call 258-3905.

Golf courses: Five golf courses are available for play, including the former PGA Senior Tour site, Kearney Hill Golf Links. There are three other 18-hole courses: Tates Creek Golf Course, Picadome Golf Course and Lakeside Golf Course; and the 9-hole par 36 Avon Golf Course. All golf courses are available for corporate outings. For more information about golf facilities, call 288-2969.

Nature parks: Lexington has two planned natural areas with hiking trails and beautiful natural surroundings. McConnell Springs, located off Old Frankfort Pike on Rebmann Lane, is a 26-acre preserve with a historic natural spring. Raven Run, located in southern Fayette County off Jacks Creek Pike, is a 734-acre preserve with a wide variety of trails and terrain. Call McConnell Springs at 225-4073. More information on Raven Run is available by calling 272-6105.

Community Centers: Six community centers are part of the Lexington Parks and Recreation system, offering programs for children, youth and adults. Call 288-2953 for community center information.

Aquatic centers: During the summer months, Lexington has 10 pools and family aquatic centers that are open seven days a week. Call 288-2973 for pool locations, information about swim lessons and swim teams and rentals.

Equestrian classes: Horseback riding and equestrian skills instruction is available at the Masterson Station stable and show ring facility. Horsemanship lessons are also offered for children and adults with disabilities. For more information, call 253-0328.

Dog runs: Dog owners can exercise their pets at three facilities, located at Masterson Station Park, Jacobson Park, and Coldstream. These large fenced-in areas offer off-leash play areas at no charge. For more information about the facilities, call 288-2900.