Lexington Parks & Recreation is launching an Adopt-A-Park program, which was developed in partnership with Leadership Lexington Class of 2024. Adopting a park is not only about enhancing the community; it's also about helping the planet. By adopting a park, businesses and organizations have an opportunity to enhance a local park through cleanup and maintenance, access-to-play initiatives, programming, and beautification projects.
How do I get involved?
Review the handbook prior to completing the Adopt A Park application. Completed applications can be emailed to Laura Hatfield (lhatfield@lexingtonky.gov). For questions, contact Laura Hatfield, Superintendent for Community Engagement, at (859) 288-2921 or lhatfield@lexingtonky.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
See below for frequently asked questions about the Adopt-A-Park program.
Who can adopt a park?
Adopt-A-Park Partners are regular park users, neighborhood groups, and nearby residents and businesses who are interested in improving a park.
What are the expectations (investment, time commitment)?
A commitment to take ownership in the improvement of Lexington’s parks, which includes a variety of options. A business, organization, or community member will, at minimum, commit to the following:
- Organize a community-based group.
- Conduct outreach and encourage park users and neighbors to get involved.
- Coordinate and share opportunities with existing neighborhood associations, friends of parks groups, and other interested volunteer organizations as applicable to a project or park.
- Serve as a community stakeholder for the park.
- Work to improve, activate, and/or maintain the park.
- Continuously communicate with Lexington Parks & Recreation.
Lexington Parks & Recreation will offer a wide range of opportunities to better Lexington’s parks that best align with an organization or individual’s resources and availability. Adoption opportunities exist at varying commitment levels and can apply to parks, facilities, trails or specialized areas. Commitment can range from financial investment to volunteerism/in-kind opportunities.
What parks are available for adoption?
Lexington Parks & Recreation offers more than 100 parks, including Mini Parks, Neighborhood Parks, Community Parks, Regional Parks and Natural Areas. The Division also manages facilities that include community centers, pools, golf courses and visual and performing art venues. Lexington provides more than 70 miles of trails and many other natural areas.
The Lexington Adopt-A-Park Program is primarily focused on empowering our community to take an active role in caring for and enhancing our parks. The available list of parks and areas for adoption is maintained by Parks & Recreation and can be shared with Adopt-A- Park applicants.
What are the benefits of becoming an Adopt-A-Park Partner?
Most importantly, Adopt-A-Park Partners enjoy a sense of pride in championing our parks. Lexington Parks & Recreation considers Adopt-A-Park Partners a key stakeholder for the park and provides opportunities and support for volunteer maintenance and park improvement projects. Partners are eligible for certain resources provided by Lexington Parks & Recreation such as tools, and educational opportunities. Additionally, Partners will be recognized by Lexington Parks & Recreation via park signage and digital activation.
What kind of projects/activities can Adopt-A-Park Partners do?
Commitments entail one or more of the following:
Please inquire about specific opportunities.