AJ Jolly Safety Repairs Project
Work Begins on AJ Jolly Park Safety Project: Lake Access Road, Equestrian Area and Trails, and Portions of the Disc Golf Course Close July 31
Campbell County, KY (July 31, 2026) - Work is now underway on the safety project at AJ Jolly Park. Beginning Friday, July 31, portions of the park will close to public access as crews begin lake dredging operations and spillway reconstruction. Most of AJ Jolly Park will remain open throughout the work.
Areas Closed Beginning July 31
- Lake Access Road: Closed beyond the turnoff to the pavilion and maintenance garage. This closure applies to all traffic, including vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, and joggers.
- Equestrian Area and Horse Trails: Closed until further notice.
- Disc Golf Course: Holes 7 and 8 will be closed. The remaining holes stay open.
- Dam and Spillway: Access is closed on both sides of the dam and spillway.
New safety signs and fencing are being installed in AJ Jolly Park and the dam area to restrict access to contracted construction crews. Visitors are asked to observe all posted signage, plan their visits accordingly, and use caution around work zones.
The County appreciates the patience and understanding of park visitors as these improvements are completed, and thanks the community for helping keep AJ Jolly Park safe for everyone.
Camping and Park Admission
Camping remains closed, and admission fees are still free.
About the Project
The driving reason for this work is safety. The dam is safe today, but proactive repairs are necessary to keep it that way for the future. Crews will repair concrete and foundations, improve the system that controls lake levels, and fix drainage to preserve the dam’s strength for decades to come.
To make these repairs, the lake was significantly lowered. Lowering the water not only creates the conditions needed for safe dam and spillway work, but also allows the County to efficiently complete other major improvements at the same time. Crews will dredge the lake to remove built-up sediment and replace the culvert near Flatwoods Road Cove with a new bridge.
Verdantas, formerly known as CT Consultants, is serving as the County’s engineering consultant for this project. The firm has decades of experience in municipal infrastructure and environmental design across Northern Kentucky and is guiding the technical work at AJ Jolly Park to ensure the improvements are completed safely, efficiently, and with long-term durability.
By coordinating these efforts, the County is reducing overall costs and shortening the project timeline. Lake access for fishing, kayaking, and other recreation is suspended for the duration of construction.
Most of AJ Jolly Park will remain open during construction. The golf course, Stapleton Pavilion, shelters, playgrounds, sports fields, tennis and pickleball courts, and the open holes of the disc golf course will stay available, though some areas near active work zones may be restricted for safety. Signature events will continue with scheduling adjustments as needed, including Jolly Thursdays, Music Nights, the Sun Valley Bluegrass Festival, Festival on the Lake, and Spooktacular.
The County will follow environmental guidelines throughout the project to protect wildlife and natural habitats. Removing sediment and deepening the lake will improve water quality, reduce harmful warming in shallow areas, and create better fish habitat.
This project builds on steady upgrades since 2021, when outdoor spaces became even more important for families. The County has added new campsites, yurts, and shelters, along with modern bathrooms and shower houses. Recreation was expanded with upgraded playgrounds and several new kayak amenities. Trails and lake access were improved, including a longer, safer boat ramp. A new RV waste disposal station was installed to support campers. Through a partnership with altafiber, free public Wi-Fi now covers AJ Jolly Park, the golf course, and Pendery Park.
The project is funded through county, state, and grant resources, with no new resident fees being added. Campbell County will share updates on closures, construction progress, and reopening plans on the County website, in the Fiscal Court newsletter, by email alerts, and through the AJ Jolly Park social media pages.
Replace Culvert with Bridge
Repair and Strengthen Dam
Lake Dredging
AJ Jolly Park 2026 Project: Frequently Asked Questions
Message from Campbell County Fiscal Court
Campbell County is committed to keeping AJ Jolly Park safe, beautiful, and thriving for generations to come. Crews are at work strengthening the dam, dredging the lake, and upgrading aging infrastructure. Camping and lake access are paused for the 2026 season, and several other areas of the park are closed while the work is underway. Much of the park remains open for families to enjoy. We know how much this place means to our community, and we appreciate your patience as the work moves forward.
What Is Closed Right Now
Q: What areas of the park are closed?
A: These areas are closed to the public:
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Lake Access Road past the turnoff to the pavilion and maintenance garage. This closure applies to all traffic, including vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, people walking, and people jogging.
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The equestrian area and horse trails, closed until further notice.
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Disc golf holes 7 and 8. The rest of the course is open.
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Both sides of the dam and spillway.
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Trails inside the marked construction area.
Camping and lake access are also closed for the 2026 season. New fencing and safety signs mark the closed areas. Please follow all posted signs and stay alert near work zones.
Q: Is the whole park closing?
A: No. Most of AJ Jolly Park stays open. The golf course, Stapleton Pavilion, shelters, playgrounds, sports fields, tennis and pickleball courts, and the open part of the disc golf course are all available. Some spots near active work may be blocked off for safety.
Q: What are the park hours?
A: The park is open daily from daylight to dusk.
Camping and Reservations
Q: Can I book a campsite during construction?
A: No. The work in that area makes it unsafe for visitors, so camping is closed until further notice. We will announce reopening and reservation plans once the schedule is set.
Q: Are group or scout camps allowed?
A: Yes. Scout groups with leased areas may continue using their designated space.
Q: Can Girl Scouts still use their area?
A: Yes. The Girl Scouts continue camping in their designated space, as they have for years.
Q: Are picnic shelters still available?
A: Yes. Shelters can be reserved by calling 859.547.3681 or 859.635.4423.
Events and Programs
Q: Will Jolly Thursdays, Music Nights, the Bluegrass Festival, or Spooktacular still happen?
A: Yes. Some may be adjusted to work around construction, but these traditions will continue.
Q: Will Festival on the Lake take place?
A: Yes. Crews will be working nearby, and adjustments have been made so the event can happen safely. It may look a little different this year, but the spirit of the festival stays the same.
Lake Use and Recreation
Q: Is the lake open for fishing, boating, or kayaking?
A: No. The dredging work requires the lake to be fully closed for everyone's safety. Once the work is complete, the lake will be deeper, cleaner, and healthier for recreation and fish habitat.
Q: Where else can I fish or boat nearby?
A: There are several nearby options through the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife and the state parks system.
Q: Can I store my kayak at AJ Jolly?
A: Not during the 2026 season. Kayak storage will resume when the lake reopens.
Trails, Sports, and Facilities
Q: Are walking trails open?
A: Many are. Trails inside the marked construction area are closed, and a few trailheads near work zones may be restricted. Please check the posted closure map before you head out.
Q: Can I ride horses on the trails?
A: Not right now. The equestrian area and horse trails are closed until further notice.
Q: Is disc golf open?
A: Most of it. Holes 7 and 8 are closed. The rest of the course is open.
Q: Are the tennis courts open?
A: Yes. The courts were resurfaced this year, and two new pickleball courts were added.
Q: Can we still play soccer or baseball?
A: Yes. The athletic fields are open for games and practices.
Safety and Environmental Impact
Q: Why does the lake need to be dredged and the dam repaired?
A: Over time, sediment has collected in the lake and reduced the water depth. Dredging restores the lake's health and improves water quality. The dam is safe today, and these repairs will keep it safe for decades to come.
Q: Is dredging safe for wildlife?
A: Yes. The project follows all environmental guidelines to protect fish, birds, and other wildlife.
Q: Will the lake be restocked?
A: Yes. Once the dredging is complete, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife will survey and restock the lake.
Q: What are the lasting benefits?
A: When the work is finished, visitors will find cleaner water, better fishing, safer boating, and a stronger lake that will last for generations.
Q: Will there be odors from dredging?
A: You may notice a mild natural smell from exposed sediment at times. It will be temporary and closely monitored.
Roads, Access, and Infrastructure
Q: Is the campground road open?
A: No. Lake Access Road is closed past the turnoff to the pavilion and maintenance garage. The closure applies to all traffic, including vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, people walking, and people jogging.
Q: Will the new spillway allow vehicle traffic across the dam?
A: No. Even after the repairs, vehicle traffic across the dam will stay restricted to protect the structure and keep everyone safe.
Park Services
Q: Do I need a park pass this season?
A: No. Admission fees are waived as a thank you for everyone's patience.
Q: Are bathrooms available?
A: Restrooms are limited. Portable restrooms are provided in certain areas. The bathhouses near Stapleton Pavilion, the accessible playground, and the private picnic areas are open for the 2026 season. Bathhouses in the campground areas are closed.
Q: Is the ranger station open?
A: Yes. Hours are posted in the park.
Q: Is free wireless internet still available?
A: Yes. Through our partnership with altafiber, free public wireless internet is available at AJ Jolly Park, the golf course, and Pendery Park.
Community Impact and Funding
Q: How is the project funded?
A: The project is funded through county, state, and grant resources, with no new resident fees being added.
Q: Will this affect nearby homes or traffic?
A: There will be more construction traffic near the park entrance. Crews will work to keep disruptions to a minimum.
Q: Will park fees increase after the work is done?
A: No. Fee structures will stay the same.
Communication and Updates
Q: How will I get updates about closures and reopening?
A: We share updates through:
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The Campbell County website
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The Fiscal Court newsletter and email alerts
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AJ Jolly Park social media pages
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Signs posted in the park
Q: Who can I contact with questions?
A: You can reach us at 859.547.3681 or parks@campbellcountyky.gov.
Media Questions
Q: Who can the media contact for more information or interviews?
A: Media questions can be directed to:
Justin Otto
Assistant County Administrator and Public Information Officer
Campbell County Fiscal Court
859 547 1806
jotto@campbellcountyky.gov
Q: Will media be allowed on site during construction?
A: Yes, with access coordinated for safety. Reporters or crews interested in visiting the site can reach out in advance to the Public Information Office.
Q: Are project renderings, maps, or visuals available for publication?
A: Yes. We can provide digital renderings, maps, and images upon request through the Public Information Office.
Q: Can we interview engineers or project partners?
A: Yes. Interviews with Verdantas engineers or Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife representatives can be coordinated through our office.
Q: Will there be press updates during the project?
A: Yes. We will send regular progress updates and media advisories as milestones are reached.
A Note of Thanks
We appreciate your patience and understanding as this once in a generation project moves forward. These improvements will protect AJ Jolly Lake, strengthen the dam, and add to the park's natural beauty for decades to come. When the work is finished, families, campers, and visitors will return to a park that is cleaner, safer, and ready to be enjoyed for the next 60 years.