A remarkable transformation has taken place in downtown Lexington, Kentucky, where a new 12-acre green space called Gatton Park has opened on the site of what was once an expansive asphalt parking lot. The innovative urban park now features over 450 trees, thousands of native and adapted plantings, an adventure playground, a performance stage, and a great lawn capable of hosting up to 5,000 people for community events and gatherings.
Gatton Park was designed by renowned landscape architecture firm Sasaki in collaboration with local experts and Agora Partners, a national real estate consulting firm. The comprehensive design team also included Carman, Strand, EHI, Rabun Architects, and other specialists who contributed to the project based on an extensive community inclusion plan. The fully ADA-accessible space not only provides recreational opportunities but also helps reduce the urban heat island effect and offers numerous environmental benefits to the surrounding area.
One of the most significant features of the park is the restoration of the Town Branch stream, the historic waterway upon which Lexington was originally founded. This stream, which flows directly behind Rupp Arena where the University of Kentucky's basketball program plays, had been covered and hidden from public view for decades. Sasaki was specifically tasked with bringing this crucial piece of Lexington's heritage back to light, making visible the natural resource that has long been the city's foundation.
The Town Branch stream carries centuries of local history, having served as the center of industrial activity in Lexington while also being the source of periodic floods and cholera outbreaks that plagued the community. In 1934, city officials completed construction of a bricked barrel vault enclosure to cover the stream in an attempt to prevent further public health crises. Over time, additional sections of the stream were covered in various locations until it completely disappeared from view, following a pattern similar to what occurred in Baltimore during its industrial development period.
The park's design thoughtfully incorporates the site's rich history through the use of natural materials and placemaking strategies that prioritize both durability and environmental sustainability. Local historic preservation experts worked closely with the architects to rebuild centuries-old dry-stacked stone walls, ensuring authentic restoration techniques were employed. New interpretive signage throughout the park provides visitors with comprehensive information about the site's historical significance and evolution over time.
Gatton Park features several specialized zones designed to serve diverse community needs, including a dedicated dog park, public art installations, and flexible gathering spaces specifically designed for cultural events and activities. The adventure playground caters to younger visitors, providing safe and engaging recreational opportunities for children and families. These varied amenities ensure the park can serve as a community hub for residents of all ages and interests.
Ben Donsky, principal at Agora Partners, emphasized the transformative potential of the new park for downtown Lexington. He stated that Gatton Park will reshape economic development possibilities in the downtown area, create stronger emotional connections between the city center and Lexington residents, and provide generations of residents and visitors with a beautiful and vibrant place to gather, play, and connect with their community and its natural heritage.
