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Court hears tourism and recreation updates; Blackie Center demolition nears completion and youth league agreement approved
Summary
The EK White Heritage Foundation updated the court on trail design, environmental studies and airport work; Fish Pond improvements and Starlink Wi‑Fi were noted. The court also received a demolition update on the Blackie Center and approved the Letcher County Cal Ripken youth league continuing to use local ballfields.
Jeffrey Justice, representing the EK White Heritage Foundation, briefed the court on progress at Raven Rock (mountain‑bike trail design and environmental work), cabin design for a lodge, and airport preliminary engineering (core drilling and FAA/Kentucky Department of Aviation invoicing). He said environmental studies (bat study, wetland delineation) are underway and that trail bidding is anticipated in 2026 with completion possible in 2027.
Lee Adams updated the court on tourism successes at Fish Pond — a new bathhouse, picnic facilities and ATV trail openings — and reported high occupancy at RV sites, including visitors from multiple states. The court noted that Starlink broadband service is being rolled out (phase 1 and phase 2 live), which will help connectivity for park visitors.
On community facilities, the court said demolition at the Blackie Center is nearly finished and the project will move into remodel planning with FEMA funds involved. The court also approved a motion to continue Letcher County Cal Ripken baseball/softball’s use of Ernest Cook and Isom parks under terms similar to the former Little League agreement.
Practical effect: tourism projects and facility investments aim to increase visitation and recreation options while ensuring administrative compliance with state rules for tourism funds.
