News Summary
Gatton Park, a new ten-acre public space in downtown Lexington, is set to open on August 23, featuring a performance stage, recreational facilities, and a playground. The park will host various events, including a concert by The Beach Boys in September. Funded through community support, it aims to enhance urban public space and provide essential resources for local gatherings.
Lexington – Gatton Park, a new ten-acre public park, is set to officially open to the public on Saturday, August 23, 2023, at noon. Located downtown behind Rupp Arena, the park has transformed a previously used parking lot into a vibrant community space that includes a performance stage, recreational facilities, and various entertainment options.
The centerpiece of the park, named the CommonSpirit Health Stage, has been established through a substantial donation from Saint Joseph Health, which is also recognized as Gatton Park’s official health care partner. This performance stage aims to host a diverse array of events, ranging from concerts to comedy shows, positioning the park as a premier entertainment venue in Lexington.
Initial programming for the park includes a highly anticipated concert featuring The Beach Boys, scheduled for September 17, 2023. Tickets for the concert will go on sale starting June 27 at 10:00 a.m. through Ticketmaster.com, marking a significant event for both the park and the community.
City officials have released aerial video footage illustrating the park’s progress over the last several months, showcasing its development and features. Additional offerings in Gatton Park include an ADA-accessible playground and a water play area designed to cater to families and children of all ages.
In terms of operations, the park will manage bookings for various non-profit and community events, providing an essential resource for local gatherings. DLS Events has been appointed as the official food and beverage provider for the park, further enhancing the visitor experience.
To ensure sustainability, Gatton Park’s design allows it to be self-sustaining, primarily funded through profits generated from performances and rental fees. As of mid-May 2023, over $55 million has been raised for the park’s construction, indicating significant community support and investment in this project. Oak View Group has been selected as the booking agent for ticketed events, adding to the park’s capacity to host high-quality entertainment.
The completion and upcoming opening of Gatton Park come nearly a decade after its initial proposal. The vision behind the park is to provide a public space that offers recreational, cultural, and community benefits, thereby enhancing the quality of life in downtown Lexington.
With its blend of natural space and modern amenities, Gatton Park is poised to become an essential destination for both residents and visitors, making the most of its downtown location and new facilities. Its opening marks an exciting chapter in Lexington’s ongoing development and commitment to enhancing urban public spaces.
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Additional Resources
- WTVQ: Gatton Park Opening
- Kentucky.com: Gatton Park Details
- Bedtimes Magazine: Donation to Gatton Park
- LEX18: Beach Boys Concert at Gatton Park
- Fox56 News: New Lexington Park Updates
- Wikipedia: Gatton Park
- Google Search: Gatton Park Lexington KY
- Google Scholar: Gatton Park
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gatton Park
- Google News: Gatton Park
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER 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.
