Mayor Linda Gorto, City of Lexington | City of Lexington website
Mayor Linda Gorto, City of Lexington | City of Lexington website
Mayor Linda Gorton, Councilmembers, Lexington Parks & Recreation staff, and members of Leadership Lexington officially opened a new playground at Gainesway Park, marking the launch of the city’s new Adopt-A-Park program.
“This great new playground is more interactive and accessible than ever before, and will greatly benefit this neighborhood and surrounding schools,” Gorton said.
The Gainesway Park playground is one of several that have been recently upgraded or are scheduled for future upgrades. Other locations include Duncan, Elizabeth Street, Gardenside, Liberty, Mary Todd, Masterson Station, Meadowthorpe, Northeastern, Pine Meadows, Trailwood, Whitney Young, and Woodland parks.
Funding for the Gainesway Park playground came from federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, contributions from Councilmembers, and private donations from Employment Solutions and Ohio Capital Corporation on behalf of the Lexington Housing Authority.
The newly announced Adopt-A-Park program was developed in partnership with the Leadership Lexington class of 2024 and will be managed by Lexington Parks & Recreation. The program provides opportunities for groups to contribute to local parks through various initiatives. The Leadership Lexington class has adopted Gainesway Park and will install signage that facilitates communication through pictures and symbols for early learners and those who are speech-challenged.
“Leadership Lexington is thrilled to partner with Lexington Parks & Recreation to launch the Adopt-A-Park program,” said Kevin Young of the Leadership Lexington class of 2024. “Through community involvement, we believe we can foster strong partnerships among our residents and create cleaner parks with better access to play.”
The Adopt-A-Park initiative builds on existing volunteer programs by offering structured commitments for stewardship activities. Adopters can enhance local parks through cleanup efforts, programming initiatives or beautification projects. Participants will be formally recognized in the community.
Interested businesses and organizations can find more information or fill out an interest form at lexingtonky.gov/adoptapark.
“We are so excited to launch our new Adopt-A-Park program,” said Monica Conrad, Director of Parks & Recreation. “Gainesway Park has become a destination park thanks to the volunteer work and activities established here.”
Additionally, recent improvements at Gainesway Park include enhanced drainage on a paved trail. Since taking over management of Tates Creek Community Center (formerly known as Gainesway Community Center) in fall 2022, Parks & Recreation has seen growth in programming attendance. This fall will also see additional tree planting around the park.
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