Going to Gatton Park in Lexington? Here’s where to park, hours and more
After a decade of planning and two years of construction, the 10-acre Gatton Park on Town Branch will open Saturday.
The privately funded public park includes walking paths, a 5,000-seat outdoor amphitheater, water and kids’ play areas, dog parks and public art.
Here’s some common questions and answers about the new park.
Where do I park?
The park is behind Central Bank Center and Rupp Arena, between Manchester and Main streets and Oliver Lewis Way Bridge. There are 20 free parking spaces along Manchester Street. People can also park in the High Street lot of Central Bank Center or find street parking around the park. Gatton Park on Town Branch is working on securing property for another lot soon.
There are also 10,000 parking spaces throughout downtown.
During Saturday’s grand opening celebration, there will be free parking at LexPark’s Helix Parking Garage on Main Street during the day. After 5 p.m., LexPark’s The Square parking garage is available at 350 West Short Street.
Where are the entrances to the park?
One of the main entrances is on High and Manchester Street next to Rupp Arena. The entrance features a handicapp accessible ramp and stairway entrance that leads to a tunnel into the park.
There is another entrance along Main Street, adjacent to the Mary Todd Lincoln House and the Central Bank Center.
Other pedestrian entrances are on Oliver Lewis Way and Main and Manchester streets.
Is it free?
Yes. There will be concerts and other events in the park that will charge a fee, but the public can use the park for free.
What are the hours?
The park will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day. On Aug. 23, opening day, the park will open at 11:30 a.m.
Who is Gatton Park on Town Branch named after?
Bill Gatton, who died in 2022, was a well-known philanthropist and University of Kentucky graduate. The Bill Gatton Foundation pledged $14.5 million toward the creation of the park.
Who runs Gatton Park on the Town Branch?
Gatton Park is run by a private nonprofit, Gatton Park and Conservancy. It is a public park, but funds to build and run the park were raised privately. Gatton Park does not receive any city appropriations for day-to-day operations.
Will it be staffed?
Gatton Park staff will rotate in and out of the park depending on activities and events in the park. There will also be at least two full-time park ambassadors during park hours. After 10 p.m. a private security team will oversee the park.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes. The park has two different dog parks — one for larger dogs and one for smaller dogs. The dog parks have small, wooden play areas for dogs.
Will Town Branch Commons be accessible?
Yes. Town Branch Commons, which connects Town Branch Trail to the Legacy Trail through downtown Lexington, runs through the park. The Town Branch Commons trail is wider and has darker concrete than the walking trails in the park. Bikes are allowed only on the Town Branch Commons trail through the park.
Will there be food and drink for sale?
Yes. The park has a snack stand behind the CommonSpirt Health Stage in a former RJ Corman railroad car. The days and hours the snack stand will be open is still being determined based on demand.
What about ADA accessible bathrooms?
The park’s bathrooms, located in the CommonSpirit Health Stage, are all handicap accessible.
Can I get in the Town Branch creek from the park?
No. Although the Town Branch has been daylighted — it was largely buried and hidden from view — the public will not be able to access the creek or the creek bed due to safety concerns. There is a water play area for kids and adults along the Town Branch.
Does the park close for concerts at the CommonSpirit Health Stage?
No. The park will still remain open and access to the Town Branch Commons will be maintained if there is a concert in the main ampitheater.
This story was originally published August 21, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
