LEXINGTON, Ky. — Mayor Linda Gorton and city councilmembers gathered Wednesday at Belleau Woods Park to officially cut the ribbon on newly rebuilt tennis and pickleball courts, marking the completion of another phase in Lexington's multi-year initiative to improve recreational facilities across the city.

The rebuilt courts at the park, located at 3770 Forest Green Dr., are striped to accommodate both tennis and pickleball play. The ceremony included Parks & Recreation staff, neighbors, and members of both sports communities.

The Belleau Woods renovation is part of a broader parks modernization effort that began in 2023. Tennis courts at Belleau Woods, Constitution, Mount Tabor, Shillito and Woodland parks have been rebuilt and restored, while pickleball courts have been constructed at Constitution, Meadowbrook, Picadome, River Hill, Shillito and the new Cardinal Run Park North. The city completed similar renovations at Shillito Park last year, opening eight tennis courts and 20 pickleball courts there.

The city is using American Rescue Plan Act funds, local tax dollars and district reallocation funds to fund the upgrades. The city invested over $29 million in parks projects in 2025, including the opening of Cardinal Run North — the first large regional park opened in 25 years.

Pickleball has surged in popularity nationally and locally in recent years. The city now maintains pickleball courts at multiple locations throughout Lexington, with significant expansion projects completed or underway.