At its meeting on January 10, the Kenton County Fiscal Court approved J.S. Held to act as the owner's representative for a new park development in Independence. The firm will offer guidance and oversight during the planning, design, and construction phases.
In September, the County requested bids for an owner's representative. J.S. Held was chosen unanimously by a selection committee comprising Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann, Commissioner Beth Sewell, County Administrator Joe Shriver, Assistant County Administrator Scott Gunning, Independence Mayor Chris Reinersman, and recreation commission member Adam Davey.
"The new Kenton County park is a generational opportunity to improve quality of life in Kenton County," stated Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann. "Once complete, these 225 acres will be a space for families and neighbors to connect and thrive. With J.S. Held on board, we’re ready to bring this vision to life."
J.S. Held has significant experience in managing complex construction projects, making them a reliable partner for this endeavor. Their responsibilities will include advising on design development, monitoring progress, and ensuring alignment with the County's goals.
In late August, the Fiscal Court engaged design firm Human Nature to update the park’s master plan. This effort aims to refine project scope and provide updated cost estimates for creating a modern recreational area that meets community needs.
The new Kenton County park spans 225 acres and is the largest among the County's seven parks. Located next to Lincoln Ridge Park in Independence, it opened for passive recreation in 2020. With an updated master plan and J.S. Held’s expertise, the County plans to enhance this natural space into a vibrant community hub.