New ADA-accessible parking available for upcoming Shelby County Fair

The City of Shelbyville's Livable Communities Coalition, operating under the Engineering Department, has completed a new ADA-accessible parking improvement project at the Shelby County Fairgrounds ahead of the 2026 Shelby County Fair and summer event season.

Photo: Keyen Macklin, Mayor Scott Furgeson, Don Collins, Lucas Shaw, Lisa Carpenter (Shelby Co. Recycling District), Kay Koenig, Mike Hackworth (City of Shelbyville Street Department), City Engineer Tyler Comstock, and Luke Schonfeld and Christa Weaver of the Shelby County Fair Board. Not pictured are Liz Renton, Buffy Powers, Kristen Jessie, Jenna Martin and Kevin Crim.

The project creates additional accessible parking opportunities for residents and visitors attending events at one of Shelby County's most frequently used community gathering spaces. Permanent ADA signage has been installed, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on May 28, to celebrate the project's completion.

The improvement was made possible through a collaborative effort involving the City of Shelbyville Street Department, Crim & Sons Paving, Shelby County Recycling District, the Shelby County Fair Board, and members of the Livable Communities Coalition. Local contractors were utilized throughout the project, and recycled asphalt was incorporated as part of the construction process.

"This project reflects what can be accomplished when community organizations, local government, and private partners work together to remove barriers and improve accessibility," said Mayor Scott Furgeson. "The Shelby County Fairgrounds serves thousands of residents and visitors each year, and these improvements will help ensure more people can comfortably access and enjoy events held there."

The Livable Communities Coalition works to identify and address accessibility needs throughout Shelbyville and Shelby County. Through education, advocacy, and collaborative projects, the Coalition seeks to create a more inclusive community for individuals of all ages and abilities.

Representatives participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony included Livable Communities Coalition members, City officials and staff, and representatives from the Shelby County Fair Board.