Yesterday, the city announced its plans to build a new water play zone in Charles Young Park in Lexington’s East End Neighborhood.

Splash! will be the first water feature of its kind in downtown Lexington + is being designed to tell the life story of Col. Charles Young — the first African American to earn the rank of Colonel in the United States Army.

The city has been working closely with community members, neighbors + children to gather input on the new project with the hopes that the new feature will also educate visitors about the history of the East End neighborhood.

This new addition to the park will expand upon last year’s playground installment + the updates being made to the Town Branch Trail that runs parallel to the park.
Using recirculating water, the recreational water area will embody elements of the Bluegrass landscape — karst topography, water bubbling from stones, arches, and shallow creeks + streams.

Splash! is a privately funded project — costing $1.15 million, including a $900,000 grant from Blue Grass Community Foundation. The city has not yet released an estimated date for completion.