(GILBERTSVILLE, Ky.)– Building on the New Kentucky Home initiative, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park has completed a $205,746 upgrade to its golf course, promoting sustainability and enhancing the golfing experience for local and visiting golfers. In 2024, legislation was signed that released $71 million for state park improvements, which was approved by the General Assembly during the legislative session.
“Team Kentucky is committed to investing in our state parks to create world-class recreational opportunities that bring families together and boost local economies,” said Kentucky State Parks Commissioner Russ Meyer. “These new greens at Kentucky Dam Village will provide golfers with smoother, more consistent putting surfaces while conserving resources, attracting new golfers far and wide.”
The project replaced the old bentgrass greens with Tifeagle Ultradwarf Bermudagrass, a warm-season turf designed to thrive in hot weather, requiring less maintenance and being more resistant to disease. Golfers can expect an improved playing experience, allowing for faster and more accurate putting.
“We’re proud to bring this upgrade to our golfers, making the course more sustainable and enjoyable year-round,” said Scot Ratzlaff, park manager at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park. “This investment not only improves play but also supports our commitment to environmental stewardship in one of Kentucky’s premier outdoor destinations.”
During the 2024 legislative session, House Joint Resolution 56 was signed, releasing $71 million for capital construction projects at various state parks, including building systems upgrades, accommodation improvements and recreational amenity enhancements. House Bill 6 was also signed, allocating over $66 million for state park upgrades for various parks.
The state announced that $720,000 in new grant funding is available for Kentucky Trail Towns to repair, enhance and promote recreational projects.
To capitalize on Kentucky’s historic economic momentum and record-breaking tourism success, the state launched New Kentucky Home, a strategic initiative to further drive economic investment, attract and retain talent and increase tourism across the commonwealth.
This year, it was announced that 2024 was the strongest year on record for tourism, generating $14.3 billion in economic impact and supporting 97,394 jobs. This milestone marks the third straight record-breaking year for tourism in Kentucky.
Kentucky’s impressive economic success over the last five years is a direct reflection of continued investments in the tourism industry.
In December 2024, the commonwealth achieved another historic milestone, marking a new record with 10 new tourism development projects set to generate an estimated $256 million in economic investment. These projects are also expected to create 1,696 jobs once operational.
In 2022, $75 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding was announced to boost the state’s tourism industry and economy. Previously, $5.3 million in federal funding was dedicated to 103 tourism and destination marketing organizations in 88 Kentucky counties.
Since the beginning of the current administration, 33 tourism development projects totaling an estimated investment of $1 billion have received final approval. Once operational, these projects will create roughly 4,825 jobs. This represents the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any administration in the commonwealth’s history.
Kentucky Dam Village Golf Course, designed by renowned architect Perry Maxwell and opened in the early 1950s as part of the park’s development following the construction of Kentucky Dam, spans 6,704 yards with a par of 72. For more information or to book a tee time, visit parks.ky.gov or call the pro shop at 1-(800)-295-1877.
Kentucky is home to 44 state parks, including 17 resort parks and 13 golf courses. For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit parks.ky.gov.