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Highly-anticipated downtown Lexington park reaches fundraising goal

Screenshot from video flythrough of proposed Town Branch Park
Town Branch Park
Screenshot from video flythrough of proposed Town Branch Park

Backers of Lexington’s planned Town Branch Park are celebrating a milestone. In a fundraising effort spanning years, park supporters say they have now reached their fundraising goal and can begin construction.

It’s been called Lexington’s Central Park – a long-anticipated nine-acre greenspace next to the city’s Central Bank Center. The official private fundraising campaign for the project started six years ago – with then Mayor Jim Gray describing the vision as transformative.

"This park will be a destination. It will have gravitational pull," he said at the initial announcement.

Amenities are set to include an outdoor stage, art installations, a dog park, and several play areas. The design involved input from more than 16,000 people who took part in forums, meetings, and surveys.

Now, a crucial piece of the puzzle is in place, which officials announcing the $39 million needed for the project has been secured.

While questions remain about surrounding roads, safety, and ways to ensure the park offers an inclusive experience for all, the park’s groundbreaking is expected at the end of the summer — with builders aiming for completion in summer 2025.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.