It’s been known as Project 1107 for its address at 1107 W. Lexington Ave. Now, the 30-acre park under construction in Winchester, Ky., has its official name: Legacy Grove. The public park is a gift from The Greater Clark Foundation to the community.
“The name Legacy Grove reflects our long-term intentions for the park and evokes a sense of tribute to the former community hospital,” said Ed Mastrean, GCF board member and Project 1107 committee chair. “We believe great communities have great parks. This park will provide beautiful space for the people of Winchester and Clark County to play, exercise, reflect and connect with their neighbors. And, just as the hospital was a place of healing, this park will continue that mission now and in the future.”
The urban park will be a place to connect with neighbors and includes a two-acre play area, nature trails, walking paths, a dog park and open lawns. The park will be ADA-accessible with a paved walking path throughout and the play area will have options for children of all abilities.
The park design and features stem from the input of nearly 200 Clark County residents over the past five years about how to repurpose the land where the former hospital once stood through discussions, committee meetings, and even a Youth Design Team made up of area youth.
The play area will include many unique features, including a custom-designed dulcimer climber. It pays tribute to the famous Appalachian string instrument and Kentucky’s most renowned dulcimer-maker, Homer Ledford, who called Winchester home. Children can climb on, in and throughout the dulcimer and make their own music, songs and dance.
Currently, construction crews are building the walking paths, lawns, dog park and other features at Legacy Grove. The children’s play area will begin to take shape in the coming months. This fall, more than 200 new trees will be planted, many of them forming a circular ‘grove-like’ pattern in the front of the park. Although rain has delayed construction, Legacy Grove is expected to be completed later this year.