City of Lexington Invests Record Amount in Local Parks

Significant Funding for Park Maintenance and New Projects from a Variety of Sources

Lexington, Kentucky’s city, is making headline news by investing an impressive $26 million in its local park system. This record-breaking funding comes from the American Rescue Plan Act and is intended to improve the parks and bolster Mayor Gorton’s upcoming fiscal budget. Additionally, external donors, non-profit organizations, and a possible new parks tax are providing further financial support.

An Annual Commitment to Parks and Recreation

If the parks funding ballot is passed, it will generate a reliable source of income for the parks’ future, guaranteeing they receive $8 million annually for capital projects. This financial commitment could transform Lexington’s open green spaces and provide a much-needed boost to the community’s recreational facilities.

Positive Moves for Lexington Communities

Many community members, like Kenneth Demus, a long-time resident of Davis Bottom, see this investment as a long-time coming. “I feel like it was time for us to have something put back because we have been without a park since early 2005,” explained Demus. With local parks filled with kids looking for something to do every weekend, it’s easy to see why this investment is so important.

Impact of Parks on Younger Generation

According to Demus, “People don’t understand how important parks are.” He adds that the closure of parks due to lack of funding has led to kids getting into mischief, emphasizing the role parks play in providing healthy and constructive activities for young people.

Revitalizing Parks Across the City

For years, maintenance on several parks was held up due to insufficient funding. But now, funded by a grant from the Trust for Public Land and further backed by other partners, the “Parks Equity Accelerator” plan aims to level the playing field. No new park developments are expected from the plan, but the feedback and data collected will guide future projects.

Focusing on Equity and Access

Nubia Lattefa, a Lexington resident who secured a grant for creating “Drop Everything and Read” events in parks for her organization, The People’s Porch, stresses the need for access and fair investment across all parks. Lattefa’s events foster community engagement and aim to give every citizen a sense of belonging.

What’s Next for Lexington Parks?

With major project plans rolled out as part of the Mayor’s FY25 Budget, here’s what’s on the horizon for Lexington Parks: a $1 million development for Deer Haven Park, a $2 million revamp for downtown’s Phoenix Park, $500,000 to finalize Phase I of Kelley Park property development, and a $2.1 million replacement for the pool in Douglass Park.

Additional plans financed by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds and other sources include setting up new parks, upgrading existing park facilities, developing community centers, adding new playgrounds and sports courts, replacing existing pools, and conducting needed repairs and renovations to the existing infrastructure. The significant investment is set to leave a lasting impact on the Lexington’s parks and the community they support.