Site preparations are now underway on an imaginative public green space near downtown Winchester, Kentucky. The 30-acres, known as Project 1107 for its address at 1107 W. Lexington Ave., will be transformed into a park that establishes a legacy of well-being in Clark County. Today, board members from The Greater Clark Foundation (GCF) visited the site to celebrate the project kick-off. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2018.
Over the past several months, GCF has worked with design-build firm Dean Builds to develop final design plans. Those plans 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.
“What is truly special about the design of this park is it reflects what community members said they want to see, not just for their current family members, but for generations to come,” said Beth Jones, GCF program officer. “They spoke, and we listened. When the park opens, we’re excited to present a place that will bring people together from all backgrounds.”
Project 1107 will encourage the health and well-being of the community. There will be spaces for recreation, education, and cultural activities and opportunities for people of all ages to play, reflect, exercise and use their imaginations. The park will include a two-acre children’s playspace, nature trails and walking paths, a dog park, native plants and large lawns, and embraces Winchester’s unique location, “where the Bluegrass meets Appalachia.”
The park will be ADA-accessible and the playspace was designed with inclusivity for children of all abilities. The play features will offer opportunities for social and imaginative play, which help build problem solving abilities and cooperation skills. Features include climbing structures, swings, loose parts play and a stream that offer a throw-back to the nature play of the past when children played outside in creeks and went on hikes.
Construction is expected to take about six months. The community will be invited to get a first-look at how the new park is shaping up when GCF hosts “hard hat tours” in late summer. Dates and times will be announced at a later time.