Campbell County, KY - Campbell County is moving forward with a $10 million project at AJ Jolly Park to ensure the long-term safety and stability of the lake and dam. Beginning this fall, camping and lake access will close for the 2026 season so crews can repair and strengthen the dam, dredge the lake, and replace an aging culvert with a new bridge.
The driving reason for this work is safety. The dam is safe today, but proactive repairs are necessary to keep it that way for the future. Crews will repair concrete and foundations, improve the system that controls lake levels, and fix drainage to preserve the dam’s strength for decades to come.
To make these repairs, the lake must be significantly lowered. Lowering the water not only creates the conditions needed for safe dam work, but also allows the County to efficiently complete other major improvements at the same time. Crews will dredge the lake to remove built-up sediment and replace the culvert near Flatwoods Road Cove with a new bridge.
“Expert planning and review demonstrated that lowering the water level reduces costs and improves safety for dam repair crews. The reduced water level also enhances conditions for dredging effectively. Performing both projects simultaneously is cost-effective, safe, and environmentally responsible for surrounding ecosystems,” said Verdantas engineer Frank Twehues.
Verdantas, formerly known as CT Consultants, is serving as the County’s engineering consultant for this project. The firm has decades of experience in municipal infrastructure and environmental design across Northern Kentucky and is guiding the technical work at AJ Jolly Park to ensure the improvements are completed safely, efficiently, and with long-term durability.
By coordinating these efforts, the County is reducing overall costs and shortening the project timeline. Camping will close on November 1, 2025, and remain closed through the 2026 season, with reservations opening again in February 2027. Admission fees will be waived for the entire 2026 park season. Lake access for fishing, kayaking, and other recreation will also be suspended during construction, though an exact timeline for those closures has not yet been set.
Most of AJ Jolly Park will remain open during construction. The golf course, Stapleton Pavilion, shelters, playgrounds, trails, sports fields, tennis and pickleball courts, and disc golf will stay available, though some areas near active work zones may be restricted for safety. Signature events will continue with scheduling adjustments as needed, including Jolly Thursdays, Music Nights, the Sun Valley Bluegrass Festival, Festival on the Lake, and Spooktacular.
“We’re tackling this in one coordinated effort to reduce cost and inconvenience,” said Judge/Executive Steve Pendery. “We’re fixing the dam, cleaning the lake, and replacing a major culvert so families can enjoy this park for the next 60 years.”
The County will follow environmental guidelines throughout the project to protect wildlife and natural habitats. Removing sediment and deepening the lake will improve water quality, reduce harmful warming in shallow areas, and create better fish habitat.
“At the completion of this project, we will complete a fish survey to assess the fish population and resume stockings in an effort to provide anglers with a quality fishing opportunity at AJ Jolly Lake” said David Baker with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
This project builds on steady upgrades since 2021, when outdoor spaces became even more important for families. The County has added new campsites, yurts, and shelters, along with modern bathrooms and shower houses. Recreation was expanded with upgraded playgrounds and several new kayak amenities. Trails and lake access were improved, including a longer, safer boat ramp. A new RV waste disposal station was installed to support campers. Through a partnership with altafiber, free public Wi-Fi now covers AJ Jolly Park, the golf course, and Pendery Park. These updates set the stage for the deeper repair and restoration work now beginning.
The $10 million project is funded through county, state, and grant resources, with no new resident fees being added. Campbell County will share updates on closures, construction progress, and reopening plans on the County website, in the Fiscal Court newsletter, by email alerts, and through the AJ Jolly Park social media pages.
AJ Jolly Lake Project
Replace Culvert with Bridge
Repair and Strengthen Dam
Lake Dredging
AJ Jolly Park 2026 Project : Frequently Asked Questions
Message from Campbell County Fiscal Court
Campbell County is committed to keeping AJ Jolly Park safe, beautiful, and thriving for generations to come. Crews will begin important work to strengthen the dam, dredge the lake, and upgrade aging infrastructure. While this means the campground and lake will take a temporary break in 2026, much of the park will remain open for families to enjoy. We know how much this place means to our community — and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back to a cleaner, safer, and even more vibrant AJ Jolly Park in 2027.
General Access & Timing
Q: Is the whole park closing?
A: We’re happy to share that most of AJ Jolly Park will stay open during the project. Only camping and lake access will be paused for the 2026 season while crews make important repairs to the dam and lake. Trails, shelters, playgrounds, disc golf, the golf course, and most other areas will remain open for everyone to enjoy.
Q: When will camping and the lake close?
A: Camping and lake access will close on November 1, 2025, and will stay closed through 2026 while work is underway. We plan to reopen both in 2027, and we can’t wait to welcome campers and boaters back as soon as it’s safe to do so.
Q: What about winter park access?
A: Beginning December 1, 2025, our regular winter rules will apply — no bathrooms (portlets only), the ranger station will be closed, and no vehicle traffic will be allowed past the ADA fishing pier. You’re still welcome to enjoy the open spaces and trails during this time.
Q: What are the 2026 hours of operation?
A: The park will reopen to general visitors on March 1, 2026, with daily hours to be announced closer to spring.
Camping & Reservations
Q: Can I book a campsite during construction?
A: We truly wish we could keep the campground open, but the work in that area makes it unsafe for visitors. Camping will pause for the 2026 season, and reservations will reopen in February 2027 for a fresh start that spring.
Q: Are group or scout camps allowed?
A: Yes! Scout groups with leased areas may continue using their designated space. We’re grateful for their continued presence at the park.
Q: Will picnic shelters still be available?
A: Absolutely. Shelters can still be reserved by calling 859-547-3681 or 859-635-4423.
Events & Programs
Q: Will Jolly Thursdays, Music Nights, the Bluegrass Festival, or the Spooktacular still happen?
A: Yes. These events are part of what makes AJ Jolly so special, and we plan to keep them going! Some may be adjusted a bit to work around construction, but we’ll make sure families can still enjoy their favorite traditions.
Q: Will Festival on the Lake take place?
A: Yes! Festival on the Lake will continue as planned. While crews will be working nearby, we’ve made adjustments to ensure the event can still happen safely. It may look a little different in 2026, but the spirit of the festival — celebrating community, music, and the outdoors — will stay the same.
Lake Use & Recreation
Q: Will the lake be open for fishing, boating, or kayaking?
A: We’d love to keep the lake open, but the dredging work requires it to be fully closed for everyone’s safety. Once complete, the lake will be deeper, cleaner, and healthier for future recreation and fish habitats.
Q: Where else can I fish or boat nearby?
A: Great question! There are several nearby options through the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife and state parks.
Q: Can I store my kayak at AJ Jolly?
A: Not during 2026, unfortunately. We’ll resume kayak storage once the lake reopens in 2027.
Trails, Sports & Facilities
Q: Are walking trails open?
A: Yes, most of them will remain open! A few trailheads near construction zones may be temporarily restricted, but you’ll still have plenty of space to walk, run, and ride.
Q: Can I ride horses on the trails?
A: Definitely. The main horse trailhead will remain open, though there may be occasional limits in the far-back sections while work is active.
Q: Is disc golf open?
A: Yes! The course will remain open throughout the project.
Q: Are the tennis courts open?
A: Yes. There will be a brief closure in May 2026 while we resurface the courts and add two new pickleball courts — a nice improvement we’re excited about!
Q: Can we still play soccer or baseball?
A: Absolutely. The athletic fields will remain open for games and practices.
Q: Can Girl Scouts still use their area?
A: Yes. The Girl Scouts will continue camping in their designated space, as they’ve done for years.
Safety & Environmental Impact
Q: Why does the lake need to be dredged and the dam repaired?
A: Over time, sediment has built up in the lake and reduced water depth. Dredging restores its health and improves water quality, while the dam repairs ensure long-term safety for everyone who visits.
Q: Is dredging safe for wildlife?
A: Yes. The project follows all environmental guidelines to protect fish, birds, and other wildlife. Our goal is to leave the park even healthier than before.
Q: Will the lake be restocked?
A: Yes. Once the dredging is complete, the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife will survey and restock the lake to bring back a thriving fish population.
Q: What are the long-term benefits?
A: When it’s all finished, visitors will enjoy cleaner water, better fishing, safer boating, and a stronger, more resilient lake that will last for generations.
Q: Will there be odors from dredging?
A: You may notice a mild natural smell from exposed sediment at times, but it will be temporary and closely monitored.
Roads, Access & Infrastructure
Q: Will the campground road remain open?
A: Vehicle access will be closed in that area for safety, though we’ll allow limited pedestrian or bike access whenever possible.
Q: Will the new spillway allow vehicle traffic across the dam?
A: No, it won’t. Even after repairs, vehicle traffic across the dam will stay restricted to protect the structure and ensure everyone’s safety.
Park Services
Q: Do I need a park pass during dredging?
A: Not at all! Admission fees will be waived for the entire 2026 season as a thank-you for everyone’s patience.
Q: Will bathrooms be available?
A: Restrooms will be limited. Portlets will be provided in certain areas. Bathhouses near the Stapleton Pavilion, ADA-accessible Playground and Private Picnic areas will open in April for the 2026 Season. Bathhouses in campground areas will remain closed.
Q: Will the ranger station be open?
A: Yes, beginning March 1, 2026. We’ll post hours as we get closer.
Q: Is free Wi-Fi still available?
A: Yes — thanks to our partnership with altafiber, free Wi-Fi will continue to be available at AJ Jolly Park, the golf course, and Pendery Park.
Community Impact & Funding
Q: How is the project funded?
A: The $10 million project is funded through county, state, and grant resources, with no new resident fees being added.
Q: Will this affect nearby homes or traffic?
A: There will be more construction traffic near the park entrance, but crews will do their best to minimize disruptions and keep things running smoothly.
Q: Will Park fees increase after dredging?
A: No. Fee structures will remain the same when everything reopens.
Communication & Updates
Q: How will I receive updates about closures and reopening?
A: We’ll keep everyone informed through:
• The Campbell County website
• The Fiscal Court newsletter and email alerts
• AJ Jolly Park social media pages
• On-site Park signage
Q: Who can I contact with questions?
A: You can always reach us at 859-547-3681 or parks@campbellcountyky.gov. We’re happy to help.
Media Questions
Q: Who can the media contact for more information or interviews?
A: Media inquiries can be directed to:
Justin Otto
Assistant County Administrator & Public Information Officer
Campbell County Fiscal Court
(859) 547-1806 | jotto@campbellcountyky.gov
Q: Will media be allowed on-site during construction?
A: Yes, but we’ll coordinate access for safety reasons. Reporters or crews interested in visiting the site can reach out in advance to the Public Information Office.
Q: Are project renderings, maps, or visuals available for publication?
A: Yes. We can provide digital renderings, maps, and images upon request through the Public Information Office.
Q: Can we interview engineers or project partners?
A: Absolutely. Interviews with Verdantas engineers or Kentucky Fish & Wildlife representatives can be coordinated through our office.
Q: Will there be press updates during the project?
A: Yes. We’ll send regular progress updates and media advisories as milestones are reached.
A Note of Thanks
We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as this once-in-a-generation project moves forward. These improvements will protect AJ Jolly Lake, strengthen the dam, and enhance the park’s natural beauty for decades to come. When it’s all finished, families, campers, and visitors will return to a park that’s cleaner, safer, and ready to be enjoyed for the next 60 years — and we can’t wait to celebrate that day together.
