Lexington City Council discusses $7.1M parks capital projects and community engagement plans

The Lexington Budget and Finance and Economic Development Committee convened on March 18, 2025, to discuss the proposed capital projects for the upcoming year, focusing on park improvements across the city. The meeting highlighted a plan for 14 projects totaling $7.1 million, with an additional $800,000 allocated for contingencies.

Director Conrad presented the proposed projects, emphasizing that they would comply with all relevant federal, state, and local laws. The projects aim to address life safety issues and code compliance while ensuring equitable distribution throughout the city. Committee members expressed concerns regarding the selection process for the projects, particularly the distribution of resources among council districts. Director Conrad explained that the projects were chosen based on the parks master plan, prioritizing areas with significant safety concerns and deferred maintenance.

Council members raised questions about community engagement and the transparency of the project updates. Director Conrad assured the committee that engagement would be a priority throughout the project lifecycle, with plans for annual reviews of the policy implementation. The committee discussed the importance of utilizing platforms like Engage Lexington to gather public feedback and keep constituents informed about project developments.

Specific projects discussed included the renovation of ADA-compliant restrooms at Whitney Young Park and improvements at the Castlewood Court Complex and Winburn Playground, which have been identified as critical needs. The committee acknowledged the importance of addressing under-invested areas and ensuring that all neighborhoods receive attention in the capital improvement plans.

As the meeting concluded, members expressed their commitment to fostering community involvement and ensuring that the proposed projects align with the city's broader goals for public safety and accessibility. The committee plans to continue discussions on these projects as they move forward into the budget approval process.