The ribbon cutting for a new downtown park in Lexington signals one more phase of a neighborhood reemergence.
For years, lots of land along Oliver Lewis Way sat waiting, but now much of that land is being moved by heavy equipment. State and local officials participated in the ceremony to recognize Davis Park. Parks Director Monica Conrad said there is history to this park project.
“Bringing Davis Park back was one of the first projects I learned about nine years ago. Today we fulfill a commitment to the neighborhood but we also improve a corridor and provide improved amenities for our users,” said Conrad.
Construction workers are at nearby sites where affordable housing units, a community center, and workforce development center are being built. In addition to a playground Davis Park also features basketball court and multi-use trail.
Kenneth Demus has lived in what was once David Bottom for 60-plus years. While there is much going on with new construction, Demus admits a retail grocery store would also be great.
“We don’t know where we stand right now with a grocery store but maybe we’ll get something in the neighborhood to help the older folks that live here that can’t get out,” said Demus.
Demus said many neighbors he’s spoken with are happy with what’s going on. The park features a playground, basketball area, a multi-use trail and greenspace. Demus said the playground stays busy from sun-up to sun-down.
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