Town Branch Commons

Town Branch Commons Corridor is all-inclusive of Gatton Park on the Town Branch, Town Branch Trail, immediately adjacent parks, pedestrian spaces and connections to other downtown parks, plazas, etc. This comprehensive system is made possible by a public-private partnership between the City of Lexington and the Gatton Park's Non-profit organization.

The downtown trail was officially opened during a celebratory event on Oct. 13, 2022. 

Along the Town Branch Commons corridor, you may experience:

• Town Branch Water Walk is an online education walking tour of the Commons. You can check this out while walking along the trail or from the comfort of your own home. Visit the trail signs website to read and watch videos to learn more about water quality and the history of Lexington.
• Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden is the first park in the United States to honor the earliest African American professional athletes – the Thoroughbred jockey. The garden is located on land once owned by Murphy in the historic East End of Lexington. The park features art and a small outdoor classroom. It is the trailhead for the Legacy Trail and the Town Branch Trail – the first stop on the Town Branch Commons!
• Charles Young Park is a longstanding East End Neighborhood landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was established in 1934 as the city’s first indoor public recreational facility for African Americans, and the adjacent park was only the second outdoor public recreational facility for African Americans in Lexington. The park is named after Charles Young – who was a soldier, diplomat, and civil rights leader and his life's story is embedded into new renovations in the park. The park has a recently upgraded playground and a new water feature. Splash! is a nature-inspired splash pad designed for a wide variety of age groups and offers comfort for caregivers and those stopping in off the trail. Learn more about Charles Young Park.
• Northeastern Park is a .65-acre neighborhood park featuring a newly renovated playground. An aging playground was replaced with fitness-oriented play equipment, including climbing and bouldering features requested through rounds of community input. This allows the sport of climbing to be experienced in the urban environment, making it more accessible to everyone.
• Thoroughbred Park is a 2.5-acre park dedicated to the Thoroughbred industry that contains seven bronze racehorses streaking toward the finish line while broodmares, foals, and the great stallion Lexington graze in a nearby field. Celebrated artist Gwen Reardon created all the sculptures. Forty two plaques honoring historic figures in the industry are placed along winding walkways. Thoroughbred Park is a great spot to wander and get some great photos!
• Reinventing Phoenix Park (COMING SOON!) is in the geographic center of downtown and is located adjacent to the Central Public Library. A robust community-wide design process was conducted, resulting in a park design that will be more inclusive and incorporates the essence of downtown Lexington. The park will add innovative amenities encouraging intergenerational activities and connecting directly to the Downtown Public Library.  Construction started in spring 2024 with federal and local government funding and private sponsors.
• Henry A. Tandy Centennial Park is a block off the trail. It was named for an African American stone mason, Henry Tandy. This green space and pavilion host many events, such as Thursday Night Live, Lexington's Farmers' Market and Latino Live. The entertainment area is surrounded by bars and restaurants and adjacent to the historic Courthouse Square.
• Triangle Park is a hub of activities for chess and backgammon, special events, surfing the net with free WiFi, and enjoying the rushing fountains. The outdoor cafe and ice rink are open seasonally. Learn more about this park's design and offerings on the Triangle Park website.
• Central Bank Center & Rupp Arena has over 200,000 sq. ft. of versatile banquet, exhibition and meeting space. The Convention Center and two attached convention hotels occupy a common corner, within easy walking distance to shopping, dining and entertainment destinations. Home to the 2012 NCAA Men’s Basketball Champions, the University of Kentucky Wildcats, Rupp Arena offers dozens of staging and seating configurations for all events. Check out the Central Bank Center's website for upcoming events and to plan your visit!
• Gatton Park on the Town Branch (COMING SOON!) is the signature park at the western most part of the Town Branch Commons. As both a green oasis in downtown Lexington and an active space that will serve all kinds of users, this park will be the anchor to Town Branch Commons. The park will occupy more than nine acres of space between the expanded Lexington Convention Center and Oliver Lewis Way. This signature park is being funded by private donors committed to the success of the park, and efforts are being led by the Gatton Park on the Town Branch non-profit, a private organization. Construction is currently underway. Learn more about the status of this project at the Gatton Park on the Town Branch website.