Jacobson Park is a 216 acre park off Richmond Road just outside Man O War Blvd in Lexington.
It’s a wonderful spot for all ages featuring a dog park, a lake perfect for fishing, pedal boats, a boat ramp, basketball courts, shelters and a newly redesigned playground for the kids!
We recently headed out to check out the new playground and rent a pedal boat and head out on the lake. I remember taking a pedal boat ride when I was a kid so I was excited to make new memories with my own kiddo!
Pedal Boats
Taking a pedal boat ride is totally fun and I recommend it for every family at least once. We had lots of laughs, saw plenty of ducks and geese and we got some great exercise. The pedal boat rental house is to the left as you enter the park. Just take a left as you enter and follow that road – go straight at the stop sign then you’ll be in the parking lot by the boat ramp. You can pay for your rental there and they have a small concession stand as well.
The pedal boats seat 2 or 4 (of course you can take three people out but you have to pay the price for a 4 seater). I got a two seater with my 9 year old. Consider it ‘leg day’ when you head out – it’s a workout for sure! If you are going out with a kid who isn’t going to be able to reach the pedals or can’t pedal well I would plan my trip accordingly – don’t get out too far with little time to get back because you’ll be more tired on your return than when you head out.
We went around to the side where we could see lots of people fishing as well as a gathering of geese. It was fun to watch them fly over our heads as we were pedaling across. We also enjoyed just floating and letting my legs rest for a bit 🙂 You’re on a boat so don’t bring your purse – I packed a cinch sak back pack and it easily fit in between our seats. I took my phone and set my timer to give me a ten minute warning before our rental time was up so we’d start heading back in time. I didn’t see how the boat attendants call you back because we were on time coming back in. A half an hour was perfect for us – the lake isn’t too big and you have plenty of time to check out a few areas. The seats are not very comfy so more than a half an hour and you may be sore.
Prices
Marina & boat dock
Prices
2-person pedal boats – $6 for 30 minutes, taxes included.
4-person pedal boats – $8 for 30 minutes, taxes included.
2-person kayak – $8 for 30 minutes, taxes included
Boat launch – $3.50, taxes included
CREDIT CARD & CASH ACCEPTED.
The Jacobson Park marina requires boat riders to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device (provided). Please bring a Coast Guard-approved lifejacket with you if you have one.
You must be 16 years of age or older to rent a boat. People under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a chaperone age 16 or older.
Hours
Opening Date
- April 27, 2024 (Weekends only until May 30, 2024)
Monday – Friday: 1 – 8 p.m. (Starting May 30, 2024)
Saturdays: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m
Sundays: 1 – 8 p.m.
- The last boat goes out at 7:15 p.m.
- Concession Stand: drinks, hotdogs, chips, candy & popsicles
Closing Date
- Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024
More information: https://www.lexingtonky.gov/jacobson-park
Playground
The Jacobson Park playground just got a big facelift (some folks were sad to see the old one go but the new one is fun too!) and it was on my list this summer to check out.
I had my 9 year old with me and he loved seeing all the new things there. His favorite was this giant circle swing and he liked climbing through the playground for the big kids. It was cool to see different structures made for all ages. They even left some of the old structure so kids will enjoy still having that to play on.
There were lots of swings in three different sections and they have some handicapped accessible ones as well. It’s spread out well so you can play and not feel like it’s too crowded. It’s fun to be playing beside the lake and it’s great to have such a pretty view within the city.
