Lexington, Kentucky, September 20, 2025
News Summary
Phoenix Park in downtown Lexington has officially reopened after a $4.6 million renovation. The park now includes a state-of-the-art playground, expanded dog park, and the city’s first self-cleaning public restroom, making it a vibrant community space for families and events.
Lexington, Kentucky – Phoenix Park in downtown Lexington officially reopened on Thursday following a significant $4.6 million renovation. Located at the corner of Main and Limestone streets, the park has transformed from a site suffering from long-term neglect into a vibrant space designed with families in mind.
The revitalization of Phoenix Park comes after years of disrepair, characterized mainly by ineffective pools and fountains, and a predominantly concrete landscape. The park’s name pays homage to the Phoenix Hotel, which once occupied the site. During the ceremonial ribbon-cutting event, officials expressed excitement about the park’s rebirth and its potential to serve as a community asset.
The renovation updates have introduced a variety of new family-friendly amenities, enhancing its appeal as a destination for local residents and visitors alike. The park now features a state-of-the-art playground equipped with an obstacle course for children, as well as the city’s first NEOS 360 interactive game system, which offers eight different games to engage kids. Large swings have also been added close to the park’s corner, further catering to families.
Additionally, the existing dog park within the facility has seen substantial improvements and enlargement, ensuring pets and their owners also have dedicated space to enjoy the outdoors. New features include picnic tables, seating arrangements, and shade structures, which are all designed to enhance the park’s usability during warmer months.
As part of its cultural offerings, Phoenix Park will host a newly constructed raised stage for public performances under the “Phoenix After 5” series, set to commence on September 26 at 5 p.m. In further event programming, the park will feature “Lunch with the Arts” sessions every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from noon until 2 p.m.
One of the standout features of the renovation is Lexington’s first self-cleaning public restroom, strategically located near Limestone Street. This innovative toilet includes external lights to indicate availability status, providing a modern solution to public restroom cleanliness. Officials conducted extensive research to identify reliable self-cleaning restroom options that could be suitable for the community.
The park’s renovations began in June 2024 after thorough consultations with stakeholders from the downtown community, emphasizing the importance of parks as gathering spaces for residents. The construction took over a year to complete, culminating in the park’s grand reopening.
With operating hours from daylight until 11 p.m., Phoenix Park is poised to become a central hub for leisure, family activities, and community events, enhancing the vibrancy of downtown Lexington.
Key Features of the Renovated Phoenix Park
- $4.6 million invested in renovations
- Obstacle course and NEOS 360 interactive game system for children
- Expanded dog park and additional seating areas
- Self-cleaning public restroom, a first in Lexington
- New raised stage for performances
- Regular cultural events including “Lunch with the Arts”
Contact Information
Parks and Recreation Department, Lexington, Kentucky.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are newly available at Phoenix Park?
The newly renovated amenities include an obstacle course, a NEOS 360 interactive game system, expanded dog park features, picnic tables, seating, shade structures, and a self-cleaning restroom.
When are the park’s operating hours?
Phoenix Park is open daily from daylight until 11 p.m.
What events will take place at the newly renovated Phoenix Park?
The park will host “Phoenix After 5” performances starting September 26, as well as “Lunch with the Arts” events on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m.
Chart: Key Features of Phoenix Park Renovation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Investment | $4.6 million renovation |
| Playground | Obstacle course and NEOS 360 interactive game system |
| Dog Park | Expanded and improved |
| Restroom | First self-cleaning restroom in Lexington |
| Events | “Lunch with the Arts” and “Phoenix After 5” |
| Hours | Daily from daylight until 11 p.m. |
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Phoenix Park Renovation Announcement
- WKYT: First Inside Look at Phoenix Park Reimagined
- Transylvania Rambler: Lexington Plans New Downtown Parks
- Lex18: Construction to Begin on Reimagined Phoenix Park
- WTVQ: Phoenix Park to Open Downtown
- Wikipedia: Parks in Lexington, Kentucky
- Google Search: Phoenix Park Lexington
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Park
- Google Scholar: Parks Revitalization
- Google News: Lexington Kentucky Parks
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.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.
