Mayor Linda Gorton, Councilmember Jennifer Reynolds, and Lexington Parks & Recreation staff today officially kicked off construction on the renovation and expansion of the neighborhood center at Valley Park.
“Neighborhood centers like this one, located in parks around our city, play an important role in people’s lives, and in the life of the neighborhoods,” Gorton said. “They provide a space for people to celebrate, remember, offer programs, and have meetings that help shape and improve our community. The improvements at this center will have a substantial impact on this neighborhood.”
The neighborhood center at Valley Park is used frequently, with regular rentals and community meetings held there each week. The construction will expand the space, providing more opportunities for people in the Cardinal Valley neighborhood.
Eleventh District Councilmember Jennifer Reynolds, whose district includes Valley Park, said, “The expansion of this park building and shelter has been identified as a need by this neighborhood due to all of its cultural and community events. Today we gather to celebrate the collective win of finally being able to give this community what it needs and deserves - more communal space.”
The project includes a full renovation of the existing 2,300 square foot building, including creation of additional multipurpose space that can be subdivided into two separate rooms.
The 1,500-square-foot addition will add another 800 square feet of multipurpose space, two restrooms, changing rooms with a locker area, an entry vestibule, and mechanical and storage space. The exterior canopy will be increased from 1,300 square feet to 2,200 square feet to accommodate larger outdoor activities.
“Neighborhood buildings, like the parks they are located in, are critical gathering spaces for the community,” said Monica Conrad, Director of Lexington Parks & Recreation. “With additional space inside, and a larger covered space outside, this new building will allow for multiple meetings and programs to be hosted simultaneously – offering even more opportunity for community connection.”
Construction is expected to be complete by summer 2025.
