Home » Lexington community to help build Shillito Park’s new playground

Lexington community to help build Shillito Park’s new playground

LEXINGTON, Ky. — On Sept. 18–22, Lexington Parks and Recreation will team up with the community and the original designers of Shillito playground to create a new space for play.

Twenty-six years ago, the Lexington community came together with Parks and Recreation to build the original playground at Shillito Park. It was designed by Playgrounds by Leathers. The same team will be building a new playground at Shillito this fall.

“The most important members of this team are our citizens,” said Monica Conrad, director of Parks and Recreation. “Everyone is invited to Shillito Park in September to help with the build.”

The playground will feature a similar design concept to the original. Improved building materials will be used for longevity, and there will be more accessible opportunities so all children can enjoy the facility.

“For more than two decades, Shillito Park’s unique playground provided the backdrop not only for recreational purposes for thousands of area families and children but also the opportunity to help make fond memories,” said Council Member Jennifer Mossotti. “Now it is time to roll up our sleeves to create a new and vibrant play space for future generations including everything loved about the former playground but with new adaptations to serve children and adults of all physical abilities.”

United Way of the Bluegrass is partnering with the city to help manage volunteer recruitment and sign-ups. There are a variety of volunteer positions available for community members, ages 16 years and older. The Community Build project will coincide with United Way’s annual Day of Action. “We look forward to partnering with the city and uniting our community around this important project,” said Katie Williams, vice president of marketing.

For updated information regarding the Shillito Playground Community Build and volunteer signups, please follow Lexington Parks and Recreation on Facebook, or visit www.lexingtonky.gov/shillito-park-playground-redesign.