Shelterhouse Reservations in Kenton County Parks

February 4, 2008

Each year, Kenton County Parks and Recreation begins accepting reservations for the upcoming outdoor season beginning on the first Monday in February for all shelterhouses in the parks maintained by Kenton County Fiscal Court, including those located in Banklick Woods, Middleton-Mills, Richardson Road, and Pioneer parks.

This year, we will begin accepting reservations on Monday, February 4 at 7:00 am.  We will have coffee and doughnuts for those waiting in line!  After that first day, you'll be able to make reservations any weekday during regular business hours, between the hours of 7:30 am and 4:00 pm.

Reservations are just $60 or $75.  Because of their size, location, and amenities, shelterhouse permit fees for Middleton–Mills 2, Pioneer 1, and Banklick Woods 3 are each $75.  The remaining shelterhouses, which are Banklick Woods 1 and 2, Pioneer 2, Middleton-Mills 1, and Richardson Road 1, are each $60 to reserve.  With a $150 fee, you may reserve a shelterhouse up to one year in advance of your special event.

Call (859) 525-PLAY (7529) for shelterhouse availability.

Directions to the KCP&R office are easy!  We are located just inside the entrance to the Golf Courses of Kenton County.  From I-275, go south on Turkeyfoot Rd., past Industrial Rd.  Turn left on Richardson Rd. at St. Barbara's Church.  The entrance to the Golf Courses of Kenton County is down about a mile on your right.  As you turn in off Richardson Rd., look for a sign and driveway on your left.  Follow the driveway to the office.

Shelterhouses are available on a first-come, first-served basis EXCEPT when a reservations permit has been obtained in advance.  The non-refundable reservations permit fee entitles the permit holder exclusive use of the assigned shelterhouse, and is good from 9:00 am until dusk on the assigned day.  We recommend that you keep your shelterhouse permit in your possession while you are using the shelterhouse, as proof of your reservation, should the need arise.

Parks and park shelterhouses are excellent venues for company and family picnics, birthday parties, reunions, wedding receptions, and celebrations of any kind.

Kenton County Parks & Recreation has introduced a plan to assist organizers of special events.  This special event plan provides an opportunity for citizens to reserve a shelterhouse up to one year in advance of the event date.

Under this plan, a special event is defined as a non-profit event that requires additional space for tents or other apparatus, that requires use of large areas of the park (for car shows, festivals, large corporate functions, etc.), or that requires advance planning, such as a wedding.  Booking one of Kenton County's parks for a special event includes the exclusive use of one shelterhouse.  Reserving a date for a special event requires payment of a non-refundable permit fee and a completed application.  The special events permit fee is $150.

In an effort to preserve your safety, the safety of others, and the beauty of our parks, we wish to remind you that the speed limit in the parks is 15 mph and that parking in Kenton County's parks is restricted to specifically designated locations.

We are pleased that you may choose one of the parks maintained by Kenton County as the location for your event.  Your elected officials have placed a high priority on providing quality parks and recreation opportunities for the citizens of Kenton County.  An important part of this effort is maintaining the facilities, including green space and landscaping.

When making plans and deciding which shelterhouse will best serve your needs, please remember to consider available parking spaces.  Here is a breakdown of parking spaces located in the near proximity to each respective shelterhouse:

• Banklick Woods Park has a total of 134 spaces available for parking in two main parking areas.  Between Shelterhouse 1 and Shelterhouse 2, there are 67 spaces and there are 67 additional parking spaces near Shelterhouse 3.

• Middleton-Mills Park has a total of 632 paved parking spaces and another 100 or so available on gravel.  Near Shelterhouse 1, there are 81 parking spaces in the lower lot and 101 spaces in the upper lot near the Baseball fields.  There are 50 more spaces located over the outfield fence near the secondary park entrance.  There are 35 spaces in the lot near the Soccer field concessions and restrooms building to the right of the main park entrance and another 52 spaces at the Soccer field's lot.  At Shelterhouse 2, parking spaces for approximately 100 cars are available in the adjacent gravel lot. 58 spaces are available near the Basketball courts.  Through the woods and a short trail walk away, near the Football fields; there are another 255 spaces.

• Pioneer Park has a total of 278 total parking spaces; 117 spaces are situated in the proximity of Shelterhouse 1; 78 more are located near the bridge to the Kenton Paw Park, and another 83 spaces are located near Shelterhouse 2 and the Basketball and Tennis courts.

• Richardson Road Park has a total of 162 parking spaces.  In the area near the Shelterhouse, there are 86 spaces; an additional 76 are available in the lot off Thomas Drive near Baseball Field 1.

For specific shelterhouse current availability, call (859) 525-PLAY (7529).

For news of upcoming programs, activities, and events to be held in Kenton County's parks, click Programs and Events or call the Recreation office at (859) 525-PLAY (7529).