Success StoryJolly Parek Community Development Council



Jolly Parek Community Development Council

Author: Don Sorrell

Planning Unit: Campbell County CES

Major Program: Community Engagement

Plan of Work: Empowering Community Leaders

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

In the fall of 2012, the Campbell County Extension Service helped organize a citizens group called Jolly Park Community Development Council (JPCDC). The goal of this Council (ANR agent serves on the Council) is to increase the awareness and the public use of A. J. Jolly Park.  Prior to the Council being organized the Park had no oversite leadership group and the park activities were mostly limited to camping and fishing. JCDC meets monthly and has 4 working subcommittees. ANR agent chairs the Natural Resources Committee and co-chairs the Nominating Committee. 

The following are new projects/facilities that the JPCDC has been instrumental in developing since this leadership council was established. 

  • Received a $110,000 private donation to build a pavilion
  • Received a $100,000 grant to develop 12 campsites and a 28 stall barn for horse trail riders
  • Developed an additional 13 miles of horse trails 
  • Constructed two new shelter facilities and one new restroom facility
  • New recreation equipment: 12 kayaks, 2 canoes, 4 paddle boats, 2 standup paddle boards, and 6 bicycles 
  • Renovated boat dock and built a new kayak and canoe dock 
  • 3 miles of new paved walking trails 
  • Coordinated the testing of Jolly Lake (3 year study) 

Because of the increased use of A. J. Joly Park by the local citizens, the Parks and Recreation Department hired a program manager to plan and implement park activities. Annual programs at the Jolly Park include: 

•    Festival on the Lake event attracts some 5,000 to 8,000 participants. ANR Agent coordinates the archery and BB gun range as a part of the festival. 

  • Four music festivals and 3 movies in the park are held each year 
  •  A kids program (6 sessions) called Jolly Thursdays is attended by 300 to 600 youth and parents
  •  Annual Halloween Festival (Spookfest) attracted some 1,000 to 1,500 individuals 

•   ANR Agent is presently working with the KY Department of Fish and Wildlife to establish an archery range at the park. 


Based on a report made by the Campbell County Fiscal Court the following are recorded increases in park use and revenue for A. J. Jolly Park comparing 2012 to 2017.
• Daily park passes (1,414 to 2,351)
• Seasonal passes (740 to 2,351)
• Camping permits (1,535 to 4,097)
• Concessions and rentals ($4,725 to $66,442)
• Increase in park revenue went from $60,375 in 2012 to $189,992 in 2107)

These increases are based on no increases in park passes or camping fees. Much of this increase can be contributed to the work of the Jolly Park Community Development Council that helped bring about the increase in recreational opportunities at A. J. Jolly Park and the public responded.








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