LEXINGTON, Ky. — Construction is well underway on a more than 10-acre park just off downtown Lexington. One year ago, crews broke ground on Gatton Park on the Town Branch, which is expected to open in 2025. 

Allison Lankford has been working on the project for nearly a decade, transforming what was once a parking lot into a $39 million, 11-acre park in the heart of Lexington.

“To be a part of all levels of planning and then to visually see it come to life as good or better than it looked in the drawings is really exciting," Lankford said. "I can hardly wait, honestly, for the community to come." 

Right now, the most visual construction is an entertainment stage on the great lawn, which can hold up to 4,500 people. Lankford said this past year, most of the work has been shaping the dirt and topography of the park.

“We will be beginning, in this next year, the actual construction of the play features, and that’s some of the work you can anticipate seeing in the near future," Lankford said.

Another feature of the park will be free, public Wi-Fi, making it a place people can work and play.

“It’s not something we have everywhere in Lexington, so we are just so excited about being able to offer it to the community at this space," Lankford said.

Crews broke ground on the park one year ago this past Thursday, Aug. 15. 

“Every day that I come out here, I am kind of just blown away," Lankford said.

The park will also have a water playground, designated dog park and walking trail.

“When you’re here, it does feel pretty expansive and massive," Lankford added.

The park is expected to open in 2025. It was funded through private donations but will be open to the public free of charge.