09/10/2026
Tourist Commission Approves More Than $600,000 in Improvements for Anderson-Dean Community Park
HARRODSBURG, Ky. - New synthetic turf fields, a community dog park, shade structures, new signage and numerous other additions and upgrades are coming to Anderson-Dean Community Park as part of more than $600,000 in planned improvements and investments approved Wednesday by the Harrodsburg-Mercer County Tourist Commission.
The Tourist Commission Board of Directors approved the improvement plan during its September 9 meeting as the organization prepares to officially assume operational management of Anderson-Dean on October 1.
"This is an exciting first step in what we believe is going to be a transformational period for Anderson-Dean Community Park," said Daarik Gray, Executive Director of the Harrodsburg-Mercer County Tourist Commission. "Our goal isn't simply to maintain Anderson-Dean. We want to invest in it, improve it and continue building it into a park that our entire community can be proud of."
Turf Fields and Dog Park Coming
Among the most significant additions will be two new synthetic turf fields and a new community dog park, with both projects expected to begin moving forward in the coming months.
The turf fields will provide more consistent playing surfaces, reduce weather-related cancellations and strengthen Anderson-Dean's ability to serve local athletes while attracting additional tournaments and visitors to Mercer County.
"We've heard for years that a dog park is something people would love to see in Mercer County, and we're excited about the opportunity to make that happen," Gray said. "We want to continue adding amenities that give more people a reason to enjoy the park."
Improvements Throughout Anderson-Dean
The Commission also approved numerous improvements that visitors will begin seeing throughout the park, including new trash receptacles, updated picnic tables, additional benches, directional and wayfinding signage, entrance improvements, landscaping, field identification signage, building improvements, security cameras and continued tree and grounds improvements.
Approximately $40,000 in new shade structures are also planned over bleacher areas at the park's baseball and softball fields, providing additional comfort for spectators and families.
The Tourist Commission is also exploring a significant upgrade to the park's irrigation system that would benefit soccer, baseball and softball playing fields throughout Anderson-Dean. That expense has not yet received final approval, and additional information and pricing are being gathered.
More Than $600,000 Investment
Altogether, the projects approved Wednesday represent more than $600,000 in planned investments and commitments to Anderson-Dean facilities and upgrades. Some improvements will happen quickly, while larger projects will be completed and paid for over a longer period.
Under the agreement governing Anderson-Dean Community Park, any individual improvement or capital project exceeding $25,000 must receive final approval from both the Mercer County Fiscal Court and the City of Harrodsburg before proceeding. The Tourist Commission will work with both governments as those larger projects move forward.
The Tourist Commission officially assumes operational management of Anderson-Dean Community Park on October 1, 2026, although cleanup, maintenance and other improvement efforts are already underway.
"I think people are going to see very quickly how serious we are about Anderson-Dean and how much we value its importance to this community," Gray said. "We're excited about everything that's coming. This is only the beginning."
Additional project details and timelines will be announced as plans are finalized.
What Would You Like to See at Anderson-Dean?
The Tourist Commission's plans for Anderson-Dean extend well beyond the improvements announced today, and we want to hear from the community about what you would like to see next.
Residents and park users are encouraged to share ideas for future amenities, improvements and recreational opportunities at Anderson-Dean Community Park.
Share your ideas: https://visitharrodsburgky.com/about-contact/
"This is your community park, and we want the people who use it to have a voice in its future," Gray said. "We already have a lot of ideas we're excited about, but some of the best ideas may come directly from the people who use Anderson-Dean every week."
Media Contact:
Daarik Gray, Executive Director Harrodsburg-Mercer County Tourist Commission
[email protected]
