Mold Remediation in Richmond, KY

RICHMOND, Ky. (WKYT) - Former parents of A Step Ahead day care in Richmond reached out to WKYT to share their experience. This comes after four arrests were made in connection with the treatment of students.

Summer Harper is a working mom whose child attended the day care for one year before she decided to remove him because of behavioral changes.

“EJ’s behavior started declining. He was getting violent, using really bad language, he was coming home starving,” Harper said.

She says she was worried her son was not eating enough at the day care. This is when her mom made a post on Facebook asking family and friends if one breadstick and a side of vegetables was enough for a two-year-old.

“I had gotten a call a few days later, basically threatening me with legal action and threatening to expel Elijah from the program for the Facebook post,” Harper said.

Harper says one of the last straws for her family was when she says the owner threatened to take legal action against her for voicing her concerns.

Another working mom, Alexandria Walters, says she had to quit her job to pull her kids from the daycare because she feared for her son’s safety.

“Just the fact that my child is friendly with anyone, and he was screaming that he didn’t want to go in the room,” Walters said.

Court records show there were text messages telling staff to lie to state investigators about a child getting out of the daycare and almost wandering onto a major roadway. Walters says she found her son outside the day care center on multiple occasions.

“You could see my child going out the door, balling. and my child was out the door fixing to step into the parking lot I whipped my car back into the parking spot I was in and grabbed my son before I saw any teacher,” Walters said.

Both parents say they are thankful they removed their children before it was too late.

Copyright 2025 WKYT. All rights reserved.

RICHMOND, Ky. (WKYT) - A new playground in Richmond was built by the same company that dismantled the chemical weapon stockpile at the Blue Grass Army Depot.

The new playground is on the backside of Betty Miller Park on Estill Avenue.

“This has been a piece of property that it was just kind of awkward. ‘What were we going to do with this?’ And the perfect solution was having this playground,” Richmond Parks and Recreation Director Erin Moore.

Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass Joint Venture donated about $55,000 for the park.

Bechtel Parsons is the company in charge of getting rid of the chemical weapon stockpile at the Blue Grass Army Depot.

The new playground will mostly serve the people of Smith Village who live nearby.

Bechtel Parsons Project Manager Joe Curcio says this is a way of giving back to the community that has supported them.

“On a very personal level, it makes me feel fantastic,” said Curcio. “I had the opportunity last night to actually see some video footage of the park occupied by the kids that will take advantage of this.”

Bechtel Parsons’ mission at the Blue Grass Army Depot will be fully completed in about two years. Right now, they are in the closure and clean-up phase, but in the city, they are in the building phase, leaving a positive legacy behind for the children.

“I’ve already seen them. I’ve seen the light in their eyes, the excitement as they run from one of the play areas to another of the play areas and back and forth, which said to me it’s already been successful,” said Richmond Mayor Robert Blythe.

Bechtel Parsons has constructed other community projects for the City of Richmond.

Copyright 2025 WKYT. All rights reserved.

Richmond, Kentucky may take its name from Virginia’s capital city, but this small town in the bluegrass region has its own important place in American history. The town’s past, from Daniel Boone’s early explorations to the Civil War’s Battle of Richmond, is nearly everywhere you look—state parks, historic buildings, monuments, and more.

Even if you’re not a history aficionado, there are still plenty of things to keep you busy over a long weekend, especially if you enjoy being in nature. Go horseback riding along a scenic trail. Explore cute mom and pop shops on downtown's Main Street. Head to a local vineyard and take in views of the rolling hills with a glass of wine.

Located about 30 minutes south of Lexington, this charming town is worth a stop or a stay, and these are the activities you can’t miss while you’re there.

Take A Look Into The Past

The Battle of Richmond, the second-largest Civil War battle fought in Kentucky, happened in Richmond in 1862. Today, the area includes a visitor's center (the building is a former home dating back to 1811), and a park that has a walking trail with interpretive signs. Mt. Zion Christian Church, which is also located here, dates back to 1852, and still has an active congregation. The church, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, served as a field hospital during the war.

visitrichmondky.com; 1546 Battlefield Memorial Hwy, Richmond, KY 40475; 859-624-0013

Daniel Boone is a major part of the state’s history because he was an early explorer and helped forge the Wilderness Road, which brought more pioneers to Kentucky. This park is home to the original fort site of Boone, which has been reconstructed with period furnishings and buildings to create a working fort from the 18th century. The Kentucky River Museum, which is also in the park, houses artifacts, images, and documents about the people who created a system of locks and dams in the 1900s. Explore more of the park on hiking trails, or stay the night at the campsite, which is right on the banks of the Kentucky River.

parks.ky.gov; 4375 Boonesboro Rd, Richmond, KY 40475; 859-527-3131

Spend The Day Outside

Much more than just a park, this 450-acre complex centers around a 75-acre lake that is open for kayaking, boating, canoeing, and fishing. Reel in species including large-mouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and red ear sunfish. Add to that picnic pavilions, soccer, baseball, and football fields, walking trails, a dog park, and an inclusive playground designed for kids of different ages and abilities, and you’ve got something to keep everyone happy.

visitrichmondky.com/listing/lake-reba-recreational-complex/; Gibson Bay Dr, Richmond, KY 40475; 859-623-8753

Located on the east side of Lake Reba, this park was designated as a bird sanctuary in the 1970s. Bring your binoculars as you’ll likely encounter native species as you walk the two-mile trail. If you’re into disc golf, there’s an 18-hole course here, too.

richmond.ky.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/Camp-Catalpa-Park-5; 2200 Catalpa Loop Rd, Richmond, KY 40475; 859-623-8753

Get Active

Just outside of Richmond, this 100-acre ranch has seven miles of picturesque trails for horseback rides with experienced guides. Riders must be eight years old and up (although there are pony rides for younger kids), and daily tours are available. You can also book private rides as well.

steppingstoneranchco.com; 2001 River Circle Dr, Richmond, KY 40475; 859-582-1149

Located at Lake Reba Recreational Complex, Gibson Bay is a 7,100-yard, par-72 public golf course and driving range. Golf carts are available to rent and junior golfers (17 years old and under) are welcome to play. Stop by on Free Fitting Friday to get your clubs professionally fitted and tailored to suit your swing.

gibsonbay.com; 2000 Gibson Bay Dr, Richmond, KY 40475; 859-623-0225

Visit A Vineyard

This family-run vineyard is known throughout the area as a popular spot for weddings and events, and when you see the property’s rolling hills, rows of grapevines, and inviting patio with sweeping views, you’ll understand why. Chenault Vineyards is open to the public, too, with guided tours and tastings. On Saturdays throughout the year, locals gather to hear live music and sip on reds, whites, and rosés, as well as wine made from peaches, cranberries, and other types of fruit. Check the winery’s calendar for additional classes and events, like yoga or floral designing.

chenaultvineyards.com; 2284 Barnes Mill Rd; Richmond, KY 40475; 859-328-7773

Shop Local In Richmond

Spend an afternoon shopping along Main Street in historic downtown Richmond. Many of the 19th century buildings have been carefully preserved, which adds to the area’s old-fashioned charm, but many of the tenants are decidedly modern businesses. Gallery On Main showcases work by local and regional artists. Stark Southern Boutique offers accessories and women’s clothing in a wide range of sizes, as well as candles, skincare products, and other items. Apparitions Vintage Village is a thrifter’s heaven that’s filled with clothes, home goods, and records. And Purdy’s Coffee Co.’s Main Street location is a cozy option for a latte and a bagel sandwich in the morning, or a salad in the afternoon. For more shops, explore the cross streets (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Avenues) just off Main.

Grab A Meal Before You Go

This friendly spot is a local favorite for its meat-and-three hot bar and its burger menu. That’s right—there is a whole section of the menu devoted to beef patties topped with ingredients ranging from bacon and blue cheese to hashbrowns and an egg. Don’t miss the dessert menu, which has an extensive selection of pies, cobblers, and cheesecakes.

jacksonsrichmond.com; 203 S 3rd St, Richmond, KY 40475; 859-623-2090

Locals love the gyros, falafel, hummus and other Greek and Middle Eastern specialties at this casual downtown spot. Expect bountiful servings at this eatery located on W Main Street.

facebook.com/babylongyrorichmond; 213 W Main St, Richmond, KY 40475; 859-625-1212