Lexington, SC, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Lexington, South Carolina, has initiated the construction of Wingard Park, a 14-acre passive park donated by the late Willie Wingard. The park aims to provide natural beauty and recreational opportunities without competitive sports facilities. Phase one will see amenities like an inclusive playground, walking trails, and ziplines, representing a significant investment in community resources totaling $2.5 million. This project epitomizes a commitment to enhancing local spaces for relaxation and leisure.
Lexington Begins Construction of New Wingard Park
A new public park, Wingard Park, is currently under construction in Lexington, South Carolina, following a substantial land donation made by the late Willie Wingard. The park spans over 14 acres and is located at the intersection of Old Cherokee and Old Chapin roads.
Willie Wingard’s vision was to create a passive park, which will not include organized sports fields or gymnasiums, maintaining a focus on natural beauty and accessible recreational opportunities. This aligns with the Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission’s effort to enhance community spaces.
The current construction represents phase one of a broader development plan, which may see additional phases in the future, according to the commission’s executive director. The total cost allocated for the first phase of Wingard Park construction is $2.5 million, financed through bonds issued by the Lexington County Aging Commission in November 2024.
Amenities Planned for Wingard Park
Wingard Park is set to feature various amenities designed to engage families and encourage outdoor activities. Planned features include:
- Artificial turf
- Inclusive playground for children of all abilities
- Picnic shelters and tables
- A support building equipped with family-sized restrooms, accessible for handicapped individuals
- Two ziplines
- A walking trail with benches positioned along its length
- Fencing around the park for safety
Construction commenced in May 2025, and by July 2, 2025, a concrete slab was laid by Pyramid Contracting, marking significant progress on the project.
Additional Park Development
In addition to Wingard Park, another park is slated to open in early September 2025. This second park will occupy a two-acre plot outside Lexington’s town limits, also located near Old Chapin and Old Cherokee roads. The second park will be equipped with a picnic shelter, parking, and a fenced children’s playground featuring a zip line.
This additional land was donated by the Wingard family to the Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission in February 2020. The new park will comprise around 5,000 square feet of constructed features, and the total area owned by the commission at this site spans just over 16 acres.
On August 4, 2025, the Lexington Town Council voted to annex the property of the second park into the town, marking another step toward enhancing the local recreational offerings.
Conclusion
Both parks underscore a commitment to enriching community life in Lexington, providing spaces for relaxation and recreation without the competitive atmosphere found in sports facilities. As construction progresses, Wingard Park aims to create a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wingard Park?
What amenities will Wingard Park offer?
When will Wingard Park be completed?
Chart: Key Features of Wingard Park
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Corner of Old Cherokee and Old Chapin roads, Lexington, SC |
| Park Size | 14 acres |
| Construction Cost | $2.5 million |
| Planned Amenities | Inclusive playground, artificial turf, picnic shelters, walking trails, ziplines |
| Second Park | Opening September 2025, additional 2-acre space with playground and picnic shelter |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington Set to Open New Park This September
New Cook Out Restaurant Coming to West Columbia
Additional Resources
- Cola Daily: Wingard Park Expected to Open Labor Day Weekend
- Wikipedia: Lexington, South Carolina
- The State: Local News
- Google Search: Wingard Park Lexington
- WLTX: Marjorie Wingard Legacy Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Parks
- Dignity Memorial: Patricia Wingard Obituary
- Google News: Wingard Park Lexington
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.
