When it opens in 2022, Lexington’s Town Branch Park will include an amphitheater. It could be considered a project almost 40 years in the making.
Lexington Mayor Jim Gray made the official announcement on what’s now the Cox Street parking lot next to Rupp Arena. “Today, with the Picnic with the Pops Commission I am announcing a $1.2 million gift to be used for an amphitheater in Town Branch Park. Right here,” sounded Gray.
The money has been accumulating since the early 1980’s. Picnic with the Pops Commission President Kip Cornett says the Lexington Philharmonic performs each August. But he said the amphitheater will be used more often. “This is going to be modular in that it can do everything from a performance like Picnic with the Pops which can draw 5,000 people all the way down to the spoken word and smaller concerts and so it will be a very versatile performance facility,” said Cornett.
Over the years, Cornett says other sites have been considered, but Town Branch Park proved to be the most compelling option.