Legacy Trail Public Art Master Plan

The Legacy Trail crosses an extraordinary landscape and represents an important cultural moment in Lexington’s history. This plan for public art along the trail culminates several years of discussion about how the trail will be built and how it will transform the community. This plan provides a blueprint for celebrating the opening of the trail with artworks by artists from throughout the region, and for allowing art to find a unique place in the life of the trail as time goes on.

by Todd W. Bressi

In 2009, as the route of the trail was settled, easements were being secured and design plans were being finalized, public art advocates Marnie Holoubek and Christine Huskisson organized the Legacy Trail Public Art Consortium to plan and implement public art along the trail. Consortium members currently include the University of Kentucky, Department of Art, the Blue Grass Community Foundation’s Legacy Center, the Lexington Art League, LexArts, the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government and Holoubek.

The Consortium secured funding from the Legacy Center and LexArts necessary to undertake a master planning process and, after a national search, the Consortium retained urban designer Todd W. Bressi and artist Stacy Levy to develop a public art plan. Their work involved visits to Lexington in January, February and April; two public forums; a roundtable work session with a committee that is developing information about cultural, environmental and historic narratives along the trail; and various meetings and interviews with key stakeholders.

Attached document published April 2010

About the Author


Our public art planning, curating and project management combines urban vision, artistic integrity and technical soundness. Our projects have provided clients with innovative strategies for public art related to urban spaces, city infrastructure, private development, and environmental resources.

More articles in this category

September 11th National Memorial Trail to Offer Interactive Map

posted Sep 11, 2021

The September 11th National Memorial Trail is a 1,300-mile system of trails and roadways that link the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City, the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Art Ports Allow More Options for Public Art

posted May 18, 2021

This new products proposes infrastructural necessities of public art be decoupled from the work, and instead be a part of the Active Transportation landscape. This manifests in flexible, reusable, foundational footings designed with temporary and permanent public art opportunities in mind.

Art Along Trails & Greenways

posted Nov 5, 2020

A presentation by Owen Worozbyt, Trail and Environmental Program Officer of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail.

Santa Rosa Public Art Master Plan

posted Aug 18, 2020

The Plan describes what the Public Art Program’s priorities should be. The Public Art Program will catalyze new projects, provide guidance to projects undertaken by developers and others, and continue community outreach and education around public art.

268 views • posted 07/27/2020