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The re-imagining of a downtown Lexington park is underway

Stu Johnson

The Fourth of July activities in Lexington attract thousands to the downtown area. An attraction in the making could be a show-stopper for next summer’s festival.

This week finds canvass fencing surrounding an under-construction Phoenix Park. The re-imagining project will amount to quite a transformation of the park adjacent to the Central Library. Parks and Recreation Director Monica Conrad says it will feature a first.

“It is going to have a fog system which will have some unique lighting opportunities and really Lexington’s first fog machines so that will be really cool to experience in the evening,” said Conrad.

 In addition, Conrad says the City’s investment will mean a new playground, improved dog park, better lighting, better landscaping, and some swings. And a place to stage a show.

“There will be a stage and we’ll be able to have performances and art and really utilize the space for a lot of different types of events in downtown. We anticipate that it will be open in spring of 2025.”

The redoing of Phoenix Park in the center of downtown Lexington carries a four-and-a-half million-dollar price tag.

Lexington Parks and Rec is a financial supporter of Weku.

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Stu Johnson retired from WEKU in November, 2024 after reporting for the station for 40 years. Stu's primary beat was Lexington/Fayette government.
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