Lexington, August 30, 2025
News Summary
Lexington will soon unveil Wingard Park, a newly developed 14-acre green space, set to welcome the public on September 5, 2025. The park features a playground, picnic areas, and walking trails, promoting a tranquil outdoor environment. Funded with $2.5 million from bonds, the park’s design emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility. The Town Council has secured its public space status, with future developments planned to enhance community recreational options. Wingard Park is poised to become a beloved gathering place for residents seeking respite in nature.
Lexington is set to welcome Wingard Park, a newly developed green space, which will open to the public on September 5, 2025. Situated at the intersection of Old Chapin Road and Old Cherokee Road, this 14-acre park was generously donated by the Wingard family in 2020, reflecting a vision initiated by the late Willie Wingard for a “passive park”.
The park is designed to provide a recreational area devoid of organized sports fields, allowing for peaceful leisure activities. Key features include a fenced-in playground, a picnic shelter, picnic tables, and walking trails equipped with benches. The park aims to cater to families and individuals looking for a quiet space to relax and enjoy nature.
Construction of Wingard Park began earlier in the summer of 2025, managed by Pyramid Contracting, and has been completed in its initial phase at an estimated cost of $2.5 million. Funding for this phase has been secured through bonds issued by the Lexington County Aging Commission.
As part of its offerings, the park will feature artificial turf, inclusive playground equipment, and a support building that will include family-sized restrooms. Additionally, the park is designed to be accessible to all community members.
Prior to the park’s opening, the Town Council of Lexington voted on August 4, 2025, to annex this property into the town limits, ensuring that it will be maintained as a public space. The addition of Wingard Park is expected to enhance the quality of life for residents, providing a venue for community gatherings, picnics, and outdoor play.
While Phase One of the park is complete, there are plans for future development phases, though the specific number and timeline of these phases have yet to be determined. The excitement for Wingard Park within the community is palpable, as it addresses the need for more recreational spaces while honoring the Wingard family’s contribution to the town.
Features of Wingard Park
- Fenced-in playground
- Picnic shelter and tables
- Walking trails with benches
- Artificial turf areas
- Inclusive playgrounds
- Support building with family-sized restrooms
Budget and Funding
The initial construction phase of Wingard Park cost approximately $2.5 million and was funded by bonds issued specifically for this project. This investment reflects the city’s commitment to enhancing community spaces for leisure and recreation.
Conclusion
With its opening approaching, the community of Lexington anticipates Wingard Park to become a cherished public treasure for years to come. The thoughtful design and execution of this park demonstrate the town’s dedication to preserving green spaces and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Wingard Park open to the public?
Wingard Park is set to open on September 5, 2025.
Where is Wingard Park located?
The park is located at the intersection of Old Chapin Road and Old Cherokee Road in Lexington.
What features will Wingard Park have?
The park will include a fenced-in playground, picnic shelter, picnic tables, walking trails with benches, artificial turf, inclusive playgrounds, and facilities for family restrooms.
Who funded the construction of the park?
Construction was funded through bonds issued by the Lexington County Aging Commission, amounting to approximately $2.5 million for the first phase.
Are there plans for future developments at Wingard Park?
Yes, while the initial phase is complete, future phases of development are planned, though details on the number and timeline of these phases have not been confirmed yet.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Fenced-in playground | A safe area for children to play. |
| Picnic shelter | Covered area for community gatherings and picnics. |
| Walking trails | Trails for walking and enjoying nature, equipped with benches. |
| Artificial turf | Durable, low-maintenance playing surfaces. |
| Inclusive playgrounds | Play structures that accommodate children of all abilities. |
| Family-sized restrooms | Facilities designed for families visiting the park. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chapin Man Arrested After Strangulation Assault
Lexington Hosts Week of Competitive Sports Events
Lexington Begins Construction of New Wingard Park
Lexington Set to Open New Park This September
New Cook Out Restaurant Coming to West Columbia
Additional Resources
- The State: Wingard Park Opening
- Wikipedia: Park
- Cola Daily: Wingard Park Announcement
- Google Search: Wingard Park Lexington
- The State: Community Updates
- Google Scholar: Lexington Community Parks
- Cola Daily: DUI Charge in Lexington
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Park Design
- WLTX: Marjorie Wingard Legacy
- Google News: Lexington News
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
