Campbell County’s $10 million restoration plan for AJ Jolly Lake is underway.
The project is to ensure the long-term safety and stability of the lake and dam. Beginning this fall, camping and lake access will be closed through the 2026 season, allowing crews to repair and strengthen the dam, dredge the lake and replace an aging culvert with a new bridge.
AJ Jolly Lake is a 200-acre fishing and recreational lake within the 1,000-acre AJ Jolly Park, the largest county park in Kentucky. The lake’s dam was constructed in 1960, and in 1983, a spillway (a structure that allows excess water to safely pass over or around a dam) and a bridge were constructed. Since then, sediment and other natural factors have gone without maintenance, lowering the water levels, in some places, to inches.
The county said 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 will create the conditions necessary for safe dam work, but also enable the county to complete other significant improvements simultaneously. 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,” said Verdantas engineer Frank Twehues. “The reduced water level also enhances conditions for dredging effectively. Performing both projects simultaneously is cost-effective, safe, and environmentally responsible for surrounding ecosystems.”
In February 2024, the Campbell County Fiscal Court approved the restoration’s first phase, which consisted of conducting an engineering study to identify and recommend lake restoration measures for the lake’s optimum depth, water quality and recreational opportunities. Verdantas, formerly known as CT Consultants, is serving as the county’s engineering consultant for this project.
Camping will close on Nov. 1 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 recreational activities will also be suspended during construction; however, an exact timeline for these closures has not yet been established.
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. Park 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 must 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.
The $10 million project is funded through county, state, and grants. Campbell County will share updates on closures, construction progress, and reopening plans on the county’s website, in the Fiscal Court newsletter, by email alerts, and through the AJ Jolly Park social media pages.
Read more about the project here.
