A New Era for Lexington: Gatton Park on Town Branch Unveiled
Lexington, Kentucky, is set to welcome a new landmark that promises to transform the city’s downtown area. Gatton Park on Town Branch, a 10-acre public park, has been years in the making and is now ready to open its gates to the community. This project, which has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike, is more than just a green space—it's a vibrant hub of activity, art, and history.
A Vision Realized
The idea for Gatton Park on Town Branch originated from former Lexington Mayor Jim Gray, who envisioned a downtown park that would serve as a gathering place for residents and visitors. The park was part of a broader plan to revitalize the area around Central Bank Center and Rupp Arena. After years of planning and fundraising, the park finally broke ground in August 2023, following the completion of the convention center expansion and Rupp Arena renovation in 2022.
Allison Lankford, CEO of Gatton Park, has spent over a decade working to bring this vision to life. She described the park as a "living room" for the city—a place where everyone can come together. The park has raised $55 million through private funding, which includes construction, design, and ongoing operations. This effort marked one of the largest fundraising campaigns in the city’s history, with only minimal support from the University of Kentucky.
A Park with a Past
One of the most unique aspects of Gatton Park is its connection to the Town Branch creek, which once flowed through the heart of Lexington. The creek had long been buried, but the park’s design included a process called "daylighting," where the creek was uncovered and restored. This involved removing invasive species, widening the creek bed, and creating a natural habitat for wildlife. During construction, workers even discovered an old stone wall dating back to 1790, which was incorporated into the park’s design.
Despite these efforts, the creek itself will not be accessible to the public due to safety concerns. However, visitors can still enjoy the scenic beauty of the waterway as it flows through the park.
A Space for All
Gatton Park is designed to cater to people of all ages and interests. One of its standout features is the CommonSpirit Health Stage, a 5,000-seat amphitheater that faces the back of Central Bank Center and Rupp Arena. This venue offers a tiered grass seating area, allowing smaller groups to book specific sections. The park has partnered with the Oak View Group to bring major concerts to the stage, including performances by The Beach Boys and Kansas.
Above the amphitheater, the "Perch" offers a rooftop patio that provides panoramic views of the park. Visitors can rent this space for small events or simply enjoy the scenery. Nearby, the community room serves as a versatile event space, while a converted railroad car now functions as a snack stand.
For families, the park features a water play area with fountains, troughs, and slides, along with shaded tables for picnics. A four-story wooden play structure with multiple slides and climbing features ensures hours of fun for children. Safety inspections have been conducted throughout the construction process, and the structure is designed to engage kids of all ages.
Dogs are also welcome at Gatton Park, with two separate dog parks—one for large dogs and one for small dogs. These areas include wooden beams for dogs to climb on, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for pets.
Art, Education, and Community
Throughout the park, visitors will find various artistic installations that reflect the region’s history and culture. First Impressions by Studio Klimoski Chang is a massive Maclurite fossil made up of 117 precast panels, offering both visual interest and a place to sit. Blessing Hancock’s Petal-Drop-Flutter installation combines art and sound, welcoming guests as they enter from the High Street side.
Educational elements are also integrated into the park. Small animal prints along the walkways encourage children to learn about local wildlife, while signs provide information about the animals that once inhabited the area. The water play area also includes interactive educational components.
A Grand Opening Celebration
On Saturday, the park will host a daylong celebration to mark its grand opening. The event will begin at 11:30 a.m., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon. Concerts and performances will continue until 10 p.m., featuring artists such as Noah Thompson, who recently won American Idol. Food trucks will be available throughout the park, and free parking will be provided at several locations, including the Helix Garage and the West Short Street Garage.
The park is expected to become a cornerstone of Lexington’s cultural and recreational landscape, offering something for everyone. With its blend of nature, art, and community engagement, Gatton Park on Town Branch is set to leave a lasting impact on the city for generations to come.
