Jenkins Master Plan 

The Jenkins Master Plan was developed through a partnership between the Community and Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky (CEDIK) and the University of Kentucky’s Department of Landscape Architecture. This summer fellowship focused on supporting the City of Jenkins in envisioning how design and recreation could strengthen economic growth, community health, and overall livability. Through fieldwork, design analysis, and engagement with existing plans, the team worked to create a roadmap that connects Jenkins’ natural assets—particularly Elkhorn Lake—with its downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. 

Approach

The fellowship team conducted a comprehensive review of Jenkins’ existing strategic and planning documents and performed on-site assessments to understand the physical, historical, and social landscape of the city. Their approach emphasized connecting public spaces and recreational areas to promote tourism and enhance local quality of life. The team identified the area around Elkhorn Lake as a core opportunity zone and designed improvements to strengthen connections between key parks, trails, and civic spaces. 

Key Findings 

The study found that Jenkins has a rare geographic advantage, with a scenic lake located within walking distance of downtown. Despite this, the surrounding amenities—parks, athletic fields, and community gathering spaces—were not well linked or fully developed. The plan proposes three major focus areas for development: Robert Pud Shubert Park, Elkhorn Lake, and Jenkins City Park. Design concepts include enhanced pedestrian connections, new event and vendor spaces, an improved playground and pavilion, a fitness trail, and a boardwalk and dock system to encourage outdoor activity and tourism. These strategies also align with the city’s stated goals of promoting active living, fostering local enterprises, improving health and wellness, and addressing infrastructure needs. 

Next Steps 

Future actions include advancing these design concepts into implementable projects through phased development and community partnerships. Jenkins can pursue funding and technical support to carry out park upgrades, lake enhancements, and signage installations. Continued collaboration with CEDIK and local leaders will help maintain momentum and ensure that the master plan serves as both a vision and a working guide for revitalization. By investing in its outdoor assets and strengthening connectivity, Jenkins can position itself as a model for small-town recreation and design-driven community renewal in eastern Kentucky.