Lexington, August 30, 2025
News Summary
Gatton Park, a 10-acre community greenspace in downtown Lexington, has officially opened to the public. This vibrant park features walking paths, an amphitheater for concerts, and extensive community engagement that shaped its design. The park transforms a former parking lot into a recreational area, promoting environmental health and community interaction, while preserving the historic Town Branch Creek.
Lexington
Gatton Park, a new 10-acre community greenspace, opened its doors to the public on [insert opening date], transforming a former parking lot in downtown Lexington into a vibrant recreational area. After a decade of planning, fundraising, and development, the park now invites residents and visitors to enjoy its diverse amenities.
Located behind the Central Bank Center and Rupp Arena, Gatton Park is the brainchild of collaboration among the city of Lexington, the Lexington Convention Center, and the Gatton Park and Conservancy nonprofit organization. With over $55 million raised—98% through private philanthropy—the project has succeeded in turning a once-neglected space into a lush urban oasis.
The development process of Gatton Park began during the administration of former Lexington Mayor Jim Gray, taking inspiration from urban parks across the nation. Central to the park’s design is Town Branch Creek, a historic waterway that played a crucial role in Lexington’s founding in 1775 but had long been buried under industrial development. Town Branch Creek has been daylighted within the park, effectively managing runoff while supporting local ecosystems through the implementation of three bioswales and the planting of 450 trees alongside over 4,000 native plants.
A Rich Array of Amenities
Visitors to Gatton Park can explore recreational offerings such as winding paths suitable for walking and biking, including a quarter-mile loop designed for leisure activities. A highlight of the park is a half-acre playground, inspired by historic gristmills, equipped with a 27-foot slide and inclusive, ADA-compliant features to ensure accessibility for all children and caregivers…