Mayor cuts ribbon on new playground at Gainesway Park

Mayor Linda Gorton, Councilmembers, Lexington Parks & Recreation staff, and members of Leadership Lexington today cut a ribbon to officially open a new playground at Gainesway Park, as they announced the city's new Adopt-A-Park program.

"This great new playground is more interactive and accessible than ever before, and will greatly benefit this neighborhood and surrounding schools," Gorton said.

Gainesway Park playground is one of many playgrounds all over town that have been upgraded recently, or are slated to be upgraded soon. Others are located in Duncan, Elizabeth Street, Gardenside, Liberty, Mary Todd, Masterson Station, Meadowthorpe, Northeastern, Pine Meadows, Trailwood, Whitney Young, or Woodland parks.

Gainesway Park playground was funded by federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, funds from Councilmembers, and private donations from Employment Solutions and Ohio Capital Corporation on behalf of the Lexington Housing Authority.

The city also announced its new Adopt-A-Park program, which was launched in partnership with Leadership Lexington class of 2024, and will be managed by Lexington Parks & Recreation.

The program, which is kicking off at Gainesway Park, provides opportunities for groups and organizations to give back and enhance local parks, building on Lexington Parks & Recreation's current volunteer program. The Leadership Lexington class, which has adopted Gainesway Park, will install signage that allows communication through pictures and symbols for early learners and those who are speech-challenged.

"Leadership Lexington is thrilled to partner with Lexington Parks & Recreation to launch the Adopt-A-Park program and create real and meaningful opportunities for businesses, organizations and community members to enhance Lexington's parks," said Kevin Young, graduate of the Leadership Lexington class of 2024. "Through community involvement, we believe we can foster strong partnerships among our residents and Lexington Parks & Rec that will create cleaner parks, better access to play, and sustainable green areas for all communities. Lexingtonians have incredibly caring hearts, and we hope this new infrastructure will open the door for everyone to help shape our parks that aligns best with their strengths and abilities."

Building on Lexington Parks & Recreation's already established program, Adopt-A-Park will offer partners a structured commitment to add value to Lexington parks via stewardship, technical expertise, in-kind donations and/or private resources. Adopters will have the opportunity to enhance a local park through cleanup and maintenance, access-to-play initiatives, programming, or beautification projects. All adopters will be formally recognized in the community.

Businesses, organizations, and community groups that are interested in participating in the Adopt-A-Park program can visit lexingtonky.gov/adoptapark to get more information or fill out an interest form.

"We are so excited to launch our new Adopt-A-Park program and appreciate all the work and passion that Leadership Lexington has put into building and piloting this program," Parks & Recreation Director, Monica Conrad said. "Between the amazing volunteer work and activities they have established, this beautiful new playground, and the many other amenities at this park, Gainesway Park has become a destination park and a must-visit for families in the area."

In addition to the new playground, a project was recently completed to improve drainage on a much-used paved trail that runs through Gainesway Park. Parks & Recreation took over management and programming of Tates Creek Community Center (formerly known as Gainesway Community Center) in the fall of 2022. Since then, the center, located within the park, has seen considerable growth in programming and attendance. This fall, additional trees will be planted at the park and around the playground.

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