Mayor Linda Gorton, Councilmembers, and Lexington Parks & Recreation staff this morning officially broke ground on a new playground coming to Gainesway Park.
“We are very excited about this fun new playground coming to Gainesway Park,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “This is one of many playground upgrades and redesigns we have been rolling out across the city in the past couple years. Here at Gainesway, families and kids will be treated to multiple motion play pieces, more swings, and a new climbing feature. The playground will be more interactive and accessible than ever before.”
The playground is expected to open in late spring. It will benefit the neighborhood and the nearby schools.
Other playgrounds recently upgraded, or slated to be completed soon, are located in Duncan, Elizabeth Street, Gardenside, Liberty, Mary Todd, Masterson Station, Meadowthorpe, Northeastern, Pine Meadows, Trailwood, Whitney Young, and Woodland parks.
“This is one of many needed changes coming to the Gainesway Park,” said Councilmember Fred Brown, whose district includes Gainesway Park. “I would like to thank several of my fellow councilmembers who joined me in supporting this project. I also appreciate the contributions of the private sector and the Lexington-Fayette Housing Authority.”
Gainesway Park playground was funded by 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.
“American Rescue Plan Act funds, and funds from councilmembers and donors, have allowed us to make some much-needed upgrades to playgrounds, facilities, and parks across the city,” Parks & Recreation Director, Monica Conrad said. “Through surveying kids who regularly visit Tates Creek Community Center and Gainesway Park, we not only will have a new playground, but one that includes features kids voted on, and selected themselves. We can’t wait to cut the ribbon later this spring and see kids of all ages playing in this wonderful park.”
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.
