Town Branch Park announces milestones reached in 2020

Town Branch Park announces milestones reached in 2020

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Town Branch Park announced today that it has raised $25.4 million dollars – nearly double what was raised previously and more than 80% of the campaign’s initial goal. As a result, the project is moving to the final design and engineering phase. 

“We cannot be more excited about the community embracing the positive impact Town Branch Park will have on Lexington,” said Ann Bakhaus, chair of the Town Branch Park Board of Advisors. “Even in the midst of a pandemic, we have exceeded $25 million, which demonstrates the strong support for building the world-class park we promised from day one.”

Town Branch Park Executive Director Allison Lankford added: “We know that well-planned urban parks work as catalysts that spur and support private investment — both residential and commercial. During COVID-19, our parks have become even more highly valued assets — providing a sense of community, connection and recreation. As we look to safely reopen our community, Town Branch Park can play a critical role in the economic recovery.”

Each year, Town Branch Park reports to the community on significant milestones and accomplishments. In addition to reaching its fund-raising target, the Town Branch Park Board also selected a design consultant. 

International and local firms have been hired to bring the project to life. Following a unanimous choice of the selection committee and the full board, Boston-based Sasaki will be the lead designer, supported by a team of local firms -- EHI, Strand, and CARMAN -- as well as Atlanta-based Rabun. Dean Builds will serve as the local construction manager.

“Sasaki is a world-class design firm that has extensive experience working with nonprofits such as Town Branch Park, which is a crucial factor to ensuring a successful design and implementation,” Bakhaus said. “It has a long track record of creating imaginative, inclusive public spaces that stand the test of time. With its expertise and celebrated interdisciplinary approach, Sasaki is best positioned to build off of the foundational Town Branch Park master plan and concept design from SCAPE to craft a design that will serve all of Lexington.”

Sasaki has led the design of civic open spaces across the country, including award-winning landscapes like Cincinnati’s Smale Riverfront Park, the Chicago Riverwalk, Boston City Hall Plaza and Moore Square in Raleigh. The 300-person firm has more than 60 years of experience working across the nation and around the globe.

“Sasaki shares our commitment to advancing an engaged and inclusive process,” Lankford said. “We are confident that Sasaki is the best choice to take the community’s vision and turn it into reality with input from the community and a talented team of local experts. 

Dean Builds, a commercial and industrial construction company licensed in seven states, has expertise locally working with a variety of businesses, schools and universities. Dean Builds will work alongside Sasaki during the design phase to evaluate costs and budget and will subsequently oversee construction.  

Design work will begin immediately. There will be several additional opportunities for continued community input and involvement throughout the process. Community engagement sessions with Sasaki will be held in late winter/early spring. Details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Town Branch Park is being built by the community for the community with private donations. Led by civic leaders and philanthropists, Town Branch Park is working to transform acres of parking in the Manchester Parking Lot behind Rupp Arena into an inviting, dynamic, fun, and uncommonly beautiful green space that will reflect the culture and spirit of Lexington. The Park will be funded, programmed and maintained through private donations and grants.