LEXINGTON, Ky. — The recent restoration of an over 20-year-old park in Lexington is the driving force for a new “Adopt-A-Park” program in the city.

“There’s a lot of new inventions and new playground equipment and there’s a safety factor that they rule in there. So they make them extra strong and extra heavy.” Lexington Fayette Urban-County Government council member Fred Brown said of the newly restored Gainesway Park. 

Kevin Young and 20 others with the Lexington Leadership Foundation’s class of 2024, a group that highlights and encourages community stewardship, helped jumpstart the new adopt-a-park initiative by adopting this park. 

“Our mission in creating this program is to enhance the excellent work already being done by our parks and recreation system through greater community involvement for those who may only have access to one park. What can we do to ensure it’s a place for everyone to play and grow?” Young said. 

The Gainesway Community Park is located near Tates Creek Middle and High schools. (Spectrum News 1/Sabriel Metcalf)

Brown is a longtime council member of the area and says he’s excited to see the park come back to life. 

“It’s for the community and it’s dear to my heart. I live right down the hill. And my kids went to the Tates Creek school. And I’ve lived in this community for over 40 years and I’m vested in this area,” Brown said. 

While Gainesway is the start, Lexington plans to renovate several other parks and recreation spaces, including Douglass Pool, Phoenix Park, Mary Todd Park, Whitney Young Park and more.

The renovations and construction are funded by the federal American Rescue plan Act.