Lexington Plans to Transform Old Water Plant into a Park

News Summary

Lexington, SC, is set to transform its old water plant site into a vibrant park, enriching the community and enhancing connectivity. This 3.5-acre project, estimated to cost around $5.5 million, aims to preserve the historic site while connecting with nearby parks. Town officials are leveraging impact fees from developers to fund this initiative, which began discussions in 2020. As Lexington’s downtown continues to grow, this park will be a vital addition, promoting community engagement and outdoor enjoyment.

Lexington Officials Look to Turn Old Water Plant into a Vibrant New Park

In the heart of Lexington, SC, exciting plans are brewing for a 3.5-acre patch of land at 503 S. Lake Drive. This site, currently home to an old water plant and a few crumbling buildings, is being eyed by town officials for a spectacular transformation into a new park. It’s part of a vision to enrich the community and boost the town’s charm.

History Meets Opportunity

The property carries a rich history, having served Lexington since the mid-1920s as a water plant until it was decommissioned in 2002. Incredible, isn’t it? The town bought the site for just $5 back in 1925, which translates to roughly $88 today. Since then, it’s seen relatively little action aside from visits from the parks department workers.

A Growing Downtown and New Potential

Over recent years, Lexington’s downtown has blossomed with new eateries, craft breweries, and even a town-funded amphitheater. Recognizing this growth, officials are determined to take advantage of the untapped potential of this aging water plant site. They’re considering a renovation that could cost around $5.5 million. These funds could come from impact fees collected from developers who aim to fund necessary infrastructure without putting additional financial burdens on the town’s current residents.

Connecting Communities through Nature

Imagine strolling through a brand-new park that not only preserves the historic building but also harmoniously connects to existing parks like Virginia Hylton Park and Gibson Pond Park. That’s the dream behind this renovation! Park department staff might even relocate to a new headquarters on-site, creating a vibrant community hub.

Funding the Future

So, how will this all be funded? The town has set aside approximately $2.1 million specifically for parks and recreation from the impact fee funds, plus another $3.8 million earmarked for upgrades to municipal facilities. Looking ahead, these funds are planned to be spent over a five-year period from 2027 to 2029.

A Vision Since 2020

Discussions about this park reimagining began back in 2020, right when the impact fee was enacted. The goal? To use these funds strategically to enhance infrastructure without raising taxes on residents.

Enhancing Connectivity

In a town where the daily average traffic on South Lake Drive hit 23,800 vehicles in 2023, creating more green spaces is critical. The planned renovation comes on the heels of the successful $9.8 million expansion of Virginia Hylton Park, which now proudly stands twice its original size.

Beyond Just a Park

This isn’t only about turning an old water plant into a park; it’s about enhancing the community’s quality of life. It’s about creating spaces where families and friends can come together, relax, and enjoy the outdoors. Additional plans for the impact fee funds also include improving parking areas at select parks and other necessary upgrades to town facilities.

Looking Forward

The proposed transformation of the old water plant into a new park is an exciting step for Lexington. It illustrates the town’s commitment to preserving its history while also embracing growth and development. As conversations continue and plans materialize, residents and visitors alike can look forward to enjoying more green spaces in this charming town.

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Additional Resources

• The Bay Net: Redevelopment of Millison Plaza
• LEX18: Record Investment in Lexington Parks
• Kentucky.com: Lexington News Article
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Lexington, South Carolina
• WLTX: Virginia Hylton Park Opening