In 2017-18, the Boyle County Extension Council discussed, conducted a needs assessment, and collected information to create an expansion plan for the local Extension Service facilities.  Analysis of building usage indicated 25% of the year, all available meeting rooms were simultaneously in use, limiting the ability to serve Extension clientele currently and in the future.  Other identified areas of need included covered outdoor facilities, dedicated storage, additional workstations, a larger meeting room for maximum expected attendance, improved “messy” project space, and a facility-wide plan to accommodate large groups in educational events involving rotating groups such as Adventures in Ag or Healthy Kids Days.

Based on input from the County Extension Council, the Boyle County Extension District Board undertook a $7 million expansion of the local facility from 2019-2021.  Facility expansion included obtaining a $5 million loan from the Kentucky Association of Counties.  Multiple agents invested hundreds of hours in the full process from discovery through hiring, funding, construction, and completion.  Substantial completion was achieved in the fall of 2020.

The main office building, including all office space and meeting rooms, originally measured 10,951 sq. ft.  This building more than doubled in size with an additional 15,903 sq. ft. added, primarily in meeting space.  A dedicated SNAP-Ed teaching kitchen was created along with a second catering kitchen attached to the expanded meeting room space. Office and workspaces for staff assistants were enlarged and two offices for agents were added.  Existing workspaces for program assistants were reworked and a records room, dedicated storage room, staff conference room, work area, lab, consultation room, custodial closet, and staff shower were created.

The original storage barn, which doubled as an archery range, was originally 4,056 sq. ft.  That original space was reworked with multiple overhead doors and paved approaches to become a dedicated rough storage area.  Another 9,684 sq. ft. were added and includes a dedicated shooting range with safe storage, an office, multiple storage rooms, an outdoor plaza, and an easy to clean project room with kitchenette designed to accommodate horticulture, livestock, arts and crafts, and other potentially messy activities.

An open-air pavilion with sand footing and paved approaches was also built with 7,747 sq. ft. under cover.  A 981 sq. ft. building with restrooms and storage areas was built adjacent to the pavilion.

Finally, a one-mile trail encircling the property and connecting all the buildings, Mesonet station, horticultural installations and planned outdoor kitchen and camping facilities was also installed.  Signage, rest areas, and activity spots along the trail will be used for educational events as well as being open to the public as a walking trail with facilities.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a public opening has been impossible to date.  However, as the state opens, Boyle County Cooperative Extension will invite the public, clientele, and cooperating partners to use and evaluate these new community spaces.