UK College of Design students partnered with Perry County officials this year to create community-centered infrastructure projects in Hazard and across the region, including a new kayak launch shelter and a contemporary reinterpretation of a historic bridge structure.

The collaboration between the University of Kentucky College of Design, Pathfinders of Perry County and the Perry County Department of Outdoor Recreation emerged from community conversations about local needs. "River access was a priority, and working with design students gave us the opportunity to turn that need into something tangible," said Desi Jarell, director of waterways and outdoor programs with the county and chair of Pathfinders of Perry County.

The first project, known as the "Paddler's Porch," is a red geometric kayak launch shelter located at Perry County Park's boat launch. Designed and fabricated by students during a summer studio, the structure was installed in October 2025. The shelter provides shade and seating for kayakers waiting for the county's kayak rental shuttle service.

In spring 2026, students turned their attention to downtown Hazard's historic center, working with remnants of a Works Progress Administration suspension bridge built in 1936 and demolished in 1987. The bridge once connected Main Street to the L&N rail yards and served as a defining feature of the town for generations.

Rather than reconstruct the past structure, students designed the "S Bridge Canopy," a contemporary installation featuring suspended white pipes connected by cables. The design echoes the original bridge's form while introducing integrated lighting that activates the site after dark.

The partnership was supported by Gray, an integrated design-build leader that includes Gray Construction and Gray AES. Associate Professor Bill Massie of UK's School of Architecture led the design-build studio.

These efforts are part of Studio Appalachia, a long-term outreach initiative through the College of Design that aligns local expertise, community leadership and design capacity to address opportunities and challenges across Eastern Kentucky.