Phoenix Park has ‘risen with new life’ after $4.6 million overhaul
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- Lexington reopened Phoenix Park after a $4.6 million revitalization project.
- Upgrades include new playgrounds, an expanded dog park and self-cleaning toilet.
- Officials aim to boost downtown engagement with events and family-friendly features.
The $4.6 million, newly reimagined Phoenix Park officially reopened Thursday with new playground features, an expanded and improved dog park and the city’s first self-cleaning public restroom.
The triangle-shaped park at the corner of Main and Limestone streets has long needed a facelift. It was largely concrete, with non-functioning pools and fountains. Named after the Phoenix Hotel, which once stood on the site, the area in front of Lexington’s Public Library had fallen into disrepair in recent years, many had complained.
“Phoenix Park is living up to its name and has risen like the mythical phoenix with new life,” Mayor Linda Gorton said during the Thursday ribbon-cutting ceremony at the park. “With these updates and first-in Lexington features, it not only revitalizes this downtown park, but it makes it a destination for families to visit.”
Kids played on the new obstacle course and playground during Thursday’s ceremony. The play area also features the city’s first NEOS 360, an interactive game system offering eight different games that can be played solo or with others.
Also new are large swings near the corner of the park at Limestone and Main streets. An already-existing dog park was expanded and improved. There are also new tables, seating and shade structures.
A raised stage near the center of the park will soon welcome performers for a new Lexington Parks and Recreation series Phoenix After 5, which will feature live music starting at 5 p.m. Sept. 26. Lunch with the Arts will be noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, said Monica Conrad, director of the city’s park department.
But the feature that got the most attention?
The new self-cleaning toilet located near Limestone Street. The toilet has lights on the outside that alerts people when they can enter the restroom and when it is closed for cleaning. Before and after Thursday’s ribbon-cutting, attendees opened and closed the door and took tours of the new restroom.
Lexington-Fayette Urban County Councilwoman Hannah LeGris, whose district includes downtown, said the self-cleaning toilet is a first for the city. The city had previously looked at self-cleaning toilets but waited until it could find one with a proven track record of reliable service.
LeGris thanked multiple people who live and work in the downtown area who played a key role in pushing for the $4.6 million overhaul of the park. Conrad and LeGris said the city sought input from multiple groups before construction began last year.
“It’s more than just a public space,” LeGris said. “ It’s an investment in a stronger, safer and more connected downtown.”
This story was originally published September 19, 2025 at 5:01 AM.
