New Connections Come to Life
Lexington’s civic commons 2021 in pictures
The past year has served to reconfirm the importance of a robust, nature-rich public realm that is welcoming to all. From health and wellbeing to environmental and economic resiliency, our parks, trails, libraries and community centers are critical civic infrastructure that provide multi-faceted benefits for communities. Today, the second in our series of photo essays reflecting on public space efforts in cities across the country features the civic commons work in Lexington, Ky.
Town Branch Commons Advances Apace
Construction for the Town Branch Commons, an urban park and trails system, continues to progress. The City’s trail construction remains ahead of schedule in some portions of the project due to increased productivity during the pandemic lockdown. The portions that are substantially complete are now facilitating safer pedestrian and bike activity. Construction remains underway and all portions of the trail are to be completed by the end of 2022.
The Town Branch Commons Park, a privately led project, witnessed a productive year as well as fundraising hit critical milestones to initiate design. Construction of the park is expected to begin later this year.
Progress and Play at Charles Young Park
There is no lack of energy or excitement at Charles Young Park and the adjacent neighborhood as the construction and ribbon cutting for the new playground took place in the summer. Following the playground’s ribbon cutting the park has seen a reappearance of visitors, old and new to the park, making it the most visited park within the commons in 2021.
Community members of all ages were invited to participate in water play days and various engagement events to inform the next phase of improvements at the park for Splash!, a nature-inspired water play area. This year, in an effort led by Blue Grass Community Foundation, $900,000 was secured through private grants to fund the design and construction of the water play area. The American Water Charitable Foundation and NRPA awarded an additional grant for $250,000 to Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government for construction of the splash pad. Design is underway and construction is planned to begin in spring 2022.
Vaccinations — Lex Do This!
As vaccinations became available within the state, Mayor Linda Gorton, Governor Andy Beshear and Fayette Commissioner of Health Dr. Kraig Humbaugh kicked off Lexington’s public campaign to educate and encourage citizens to get their COVID-19 Vaccine. The Lex Do This! campaign, co-funded by Blue Grass Community Foundation and United Way of the Bluegrass along with generous support from Team Cornett, Monster Color, Lynn Imaging and many media partners, got an immediate shot in the arm from a diverse group of ministers, who took part in the kick-off, then received their vaccinations at a clinic the Health Department hosted. Lex Do This! encouraged everyone to get vaccinated when it’s their turn. One focus of the campaign was to outreach to underserved communities, and the Charles Young Community Center served as a testing and vaccination site along the Commons.
Resurgence of Life Along the Commons
As warm weather arrived and vaccines were rolled out, we started to see a resurgence of life along the Commons. Treasured cultural facilities like the historic Kentucky Theater is making plans to reopen their doors and welcome visitors back in. Community-wide events took place in the streets welcoming visitors to the iconic Thriller Parade and popular road races throughout downtown. And activities were relaunched in neighborhoods and parks along the commons allowing kids to get out and play.
WORK in the Commons
“We learned during the pandemic with testing and vaccines how important it is to take services to the neighborhoods, where they are easily accessible,” said Mayor Gorton as she launched WORK-Lexington.
WORK-Lexington is the city’s new workforce resource center that opened its doors in the East End neighborhood this fall, with the goal of opening the door to employment to anyone looking for work. In addition to the city program, adjacent private developments along the commons has created a variety of diverse and equitable job opportunities. Jobs for neighbors, artists, and those needing a second chance as found at DV8 Kitchen at the MET and within the Artist Village steps away from the Town Branch Commons in the East End.
Image credits: Shaun Ring Photography, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, Community Ventures and DV8 Kitchen.
Reimagining the Civic Commons is a collaboration of The JPB Foundation, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, William Penn Foundation, and local partners.
