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Covington parks department reports strong participation, secures $4M+ for Jenkins Creek Trail
Summary
An agency official reported nearly 5,200 program participants and more than 92,000 aquatic visits in 2025, announced six new public-art wraps and the upcoming 'Karma' statue-leasing program, and said the city secured over $4 million in grants to advance the Jenkins Creek Trail.
An agency official with Covington’s Parks and Recreation Department reported that the department’s 2025 programs drew nearly 5,200 participants and that the Covington Aquatic Center recorded more than 92,000 in-water visits, calling parks “the heartbeat of a thriving community.”
The update, delivered as a departmental presentation, framed parks and recreation as one of the city’s most visible services and said those programs support health, connection and creativity across Covington. “They’re the heartbeat of a thriving community,” the agency official said.
Officials told the gathering that community events also drew attendance: more than 17,000 people participated in city events such as Covington Days and KidsFest, and newer offerings including a drive-in movie series and Family Fall Fest have become popular.
The department highlighted expanded arts programming in partnership with the city’s arts commission and art fund, noting six new utility-box art wraps and an annual student art show. Officials said they are nearly ready to launch a “Karma” program that will lease and display larger-than-life mascot statues as a public-art initiative.
On capital projects, the department said it secured more than $4 million in grant funding for the Jenkins Creek Trail in 2025. The funding has allowed staff to purchase necessary easements and to reach roughly 60% design completion, officials said, signaling continued progress toward expanding access to outdoor spaces.
Separately, the department completed and opened the first phase of Jenkins Creek Park improvements, which added a new main entrance off Wax Road, dedicated parking and restrooms.
The presentation closed with officials stressing that investments in parks and recreation are investments in community health and connection; department leaders said they will continue advancing design and easement work on Jenkins Creek Trail and rolling out the public-art and programming initiatives announced in the update.
