225 River Street
PLAYGROUND / SPLASH PAD / BASKETBALL / PICNICKING
WILDLIFE VIEWING / NATURAL AREAS / LABYRINTH
Park Overview
Located in South Frankfort along the banks of the Kentucky River, this six acre park was opened in 1980.
The park is named and dedicated in the memory of Delores “Dolly” Graham. Dolly Metcalf Graham (1929-1995) was a life-long citizen of Frankfort. She attended and graduated from Mayo Underwood Elementary and High School, and received a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education from Kentucky State University (then College). Dolly subsequently received a Masters of Education and teaching certification from Georgetown College. Although she never physically relocated from Frankfort, after college Dolly started as a social worker in Covington, KY. Upon receiving her teaching certificate, Dolly taught elementary schools in Richmond, KY and Louisville, KY before accepting a position to teach in the Franklin County school district. She initially taught at Thornhill Elementary and Elkhorn Middle before finishing her teaching career at Peaks Mill Elementary. In the summer months, Dolly worked for the Frankfort Recreation Department for over 20 years. She began as the playground director of the Thornhill Summer Playground before assuming the position of Director of Playground Programming for all of the playgrounds in the city under the purview of the Frankfort Department of Recreation.
Park Amenities and Facilities:
The park includes several amenities for the local community. The park underwent a major renovation project in 2021 & 2022 including a new playground with poured in place safety surfacing, a new splash pad aquatic feature, new side walks and park amenities and a renovated basketball court. Additional upgrades including a new restroom facilities are in process and coming soon.
- Picnic Shelter with Restrooms, (Reservations accepted, 50 person capacity. Reserve Here.)
- A Splash Pad Spray Ground for all ages! (Open 8 AM - 8 PM, Memorial Day - Labor Day, extended days available, weather pending)
- A Second Small Picnic Shelter
- Children’s Playground
- Full Court Basketball Court
- Picnic Areas
- The Winnie A. Scott Labyrinth (A walking meditation tool) For additional info, visit the labyrinth project of Frankfort.
- Fantasy Forest & Community Garden
- Positivity Bench
South Frankfort Community Center
The park hosts a summer youth program operated by the South Frankfort Community Center, an organization dedicated to the children of the surrounding South Frankfort community. For full information on the South Frankfort Community Center and its summer program, please follow them on Facebook. Additional information concerning the program coming soon, check back for details.
Fantasy Forest
Fantasy Forest is located at the corner of Second Street and Logan Street just west of Dolly Graham Park playground. Supported by a grant from the City of Frankfort, the forest was planted by community members in 2010. Fantasy Forest is one of only a few urban micro-forests in Kentucky and contains over 150 species, including rare species, medicinal plants, and many butterfly host and nectar plants. Our location close to the Kentucky River attracts a diversity of interesting bird and beneficial insect species. Be sure to open the “Door to the Underworld” to see what insects you can find. The park has several picnic tables including one near the community garden—feel free to pick a fresh cucumber or tomato for your lunch.
The volunteer group Friends of Fantasy Forest helps maintain the park with regular work parties. Tours for up to three people can be scheduled by contacting the volunteer coordinator at 502-682-8279 or ConnieMay60@yahoo.com.
Winnie A. Scott Labyrinth
The labyrinth is an ancient path of contemplation. Unlike a maze, its single path leads to the center. The spiral symbol within a labyrinth is the universal representation of transformation. Labyrinths provide a sacred place which can be used for meditation, centering, and healing. They are open and accessible to people of all beliefs, faiths, and cultures. See below links for additional information.
View slideshow below to see this beautiful park!
