Metro Lex News

Mayor Linda Gorton, Councilmember Jennifer Reynolds, and Lexington Parks & Recreation staff officially commenced construction on the renovation and expansion of the neighborhood center at Valley Park on May 29, 2024.

“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 stated. “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 frequently used for regular rentals and community meetings held weekly. The ongoing construction aims to expand the space, offering more opportunities for residents in the Cardinal Valley neighborhood.

Eleventh District Councilmember Jennifer Reynolds commented on the significance of the project: “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 involves a comprehensive renovation of the existing 2,300 square foot building. This includes creating additional multipurpose space that can be divided into two separate rooms. A 1,500-square-foot addition will contribute another 800 square feet of multipurpose space along with two restrooms, changing rooms with a locker area, an entry vestibule, and mechanical and storage space. Additionally, the exterior canopy will be expanded from 1,300 square feet to 2,200 square feet to better accommodate larger outdoor activities.

Monica Conrad, Director of Lexington Parks & Recreation remarked: “Neighborhood buildings, like the parks they are located in, are critical gathering spaces for the community. 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 anticipated to be completed by summer 2025.