The fundraising goal has been met and now the work begins on Town Branch Park in the heart of downtown Lexington. It took seven years to gather private commitments totaling $39 million. Challenges included a pandemic right in the middle of that campaign. Allison Lankford is the executive director of Town Branch Park.
“In some ways, we wanted to change the culture of philanthropy and grow philanthropy in Lexington with this project. You know, there were a lot of doubters in the beginning. But, we’ll never be able to say again in Lexington…that we can’t do something like this,” said Lankford.
The Town Branch Park, to be constructed on what is now the Cox Street parking lot near Central Bank Center, will cover 11 acres. It will include a permanent stage and amphitheater, children’s play areas, a dog park, and a highlighted Town Branch Creek. Lankford said the early emphasis will be on-site work.
“We’ve got to get the asphalt out of here, bring in good rich dirt that can handle our great lawns that will be highly utilized and activated but also all the plantings. I mean, we’re bringing in over 400 trees to this space,” said Lankford.
A public groundbreaking is expected later this summer. The park is scheduled to be completed in 2025.
Here's the conversation with Allison Lankford:
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