Mayor Linda Gorton, Councilmember Hannah LeGris, Lexington Parks & Recreation staff, several families, and even a pirate kicked off Lexington’s 2023 pool season today at Woodland Aquatic Center’s new “Paradise Lagoon.”
“We were sad when the U.S.S. Woodland, which sailed at Woodland Aquatics Center for over 30 years, was lost in the briny deep in 2021,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “Now it has washed ashore in Woodland Park’s new Paradise Lagoon, just in time for pool season, one of many new upgrades surfacing in city pools all over town.”
Woodland Park, Lexington’s oldest park, has served as a city aquatic destination since the early 1900s when residents enjoyed swimming in the park’s lake. This is the first year for Paradise Lagoon, a beautiful, accessible new oasis.
“The beloved U.S.S. Woodland was discovered ashore in this island paradise, where the ship’s parts have been repurposed for this much larger, redesigned play structure at Woodland Aquatic Center,” said Councilmember Hannah LeGris, whose District includes Woodland Park. “Paradise Lagoon provides multiple places for little sea dogs to play and swim. Coupled with other recent improvements, such as the new restrooms, Paradise Lagoon is part of the City’s continuing investment in the city’s oldest park. We are committed to providing quality greenspace and recreational areas throughout our community so that people can play and thrive no matter where they live. Thank you to Parks & Recreation staff members for your work in making sure this park is safe and accessible for all children. I just know it will be a great summer with smooth sailing for everyone!”
A total of $25.1 million in American Rescue Plan funds have been allocated to Parks & Recreation improvements, with $2 million going toward aquatics improvements across the six city pools. Locations and priorities were determined by the Parks Master Plan, which highlights parks and recreational needs.
“American Rescue Plan Act funds have allowed us to address much-needed upgrades to play features and infrastructure at pools across the city,” said Monica Conrad, Director of Parks & Recreation. “These are important locations for families to socialize, enjoy the outdoors, and get a break from the summer heat. Whether you’re swashbuckling here in Paradise Lagoon, splashing with the new turtle at Southland, or showing off your best cannonball on the new diving boards installed last year, there is a little something for everyone this pool season.”
Recent pool improvements this summer include new aquatic features at Woodland and Southland; repairs to the aquatic feature at Tates Creek; new filter tanks at Southland and Woodland; new pumps at Castlewood and Southland; and pool decking repairs at Shillito. Douglass Pool is in the design phase for a major renovation expected to begin this fall and open during the 2024 pool season.
For more information about the city aquatic centers, neighborhood pools, pool passes, swim lessons, and job opportunities, visit lexingtonky.gov/pools.
Parks & Recreation, a division of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, oversees the programming, maintenance, and development of over 100 city parks and natural areas, six pools, five golf courses, community centers, recreational programs, and three arts venues. To find out more, follow @LexKYParks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or sign up for the email newsletter.
