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\nBarren River Lake State Resort Park will undergo $9.5 million in renovations beginning in 2026 as part of a statewide capital improvement effort targeting Kentucky\u2019s park system.<\/p>\n
\nBarren River Lake State Resort Park will undergo $9.5 million in renovations beginning in 2026 as part of a statewide capital improvement effort targeting Kentucky\u2019s park system.<\/p>\n
According to Governor Andy Beshear\u2019s office, $6 million of the funding will be used to renovate the park\u2019s lodge.<\/p>\n
Planned upgrades include new finishes, flooring, bathrooms and mini refrigerators in guest rooms, along with updates to the lodge restaurant, lobby and meeting rooms. An additional $3.5 million will fund replacement of HVAC and mechanical systems, including installation of a new chiller.<\/p>\n
All lodge rooms will close temporarily starting in February 2026. The renovated rooms are expected to reopen in fall 2026 once construction is complete.<\/p>\n
The project is funded through legislation approved during the 2024 General Assembly.<\/p>\n
House Joint Resolution 56 released $71 million for capital construction projects across the Kentucky State Parks system, while House Bill 6 allocated more than $66 million for additional park upgrades statewide.<\/p>\n
State officials also announced $720,000 in new grant funding for Kentucky Trail Towns to support repairs, enhancements and promotion of recreational projects.<\/p>\n
The upgrades at Barren River Lake come amid continued investment in Kentucky tourism infrastructure.<\/p>\n
State data shows tourism generated $14.3 billion in economic impact in 2024 and supported more than 97,000 jobs, according to a news release. Since 2019, 33 tourism development projects totaling an estimated $1 billion in investment have received final approval statewide.<\/p>\n
Kentucky has 44 state parks, including 17 resort parks and 13 golf courses.
\nSource: WBKO<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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