Get Fit with Parks & Rec
Coming soon to Shillito Park
One of the greatest ways to stay fit and healthy in Lexington is to use our abundant parks and trails. From Legacy Trail to the ever-evolving Brighton East Rail Trail, Lexington becomes more connected for walking and cycling everyday.
Lexington’s parks are an important part of our green network.
With its accessible location on Lexington’s southside, Shillito Park is a one-stop destination for families of all ages.
Lexington Parks and Recreation has now proposed a $10 million plan for an aquatic center in Shillito Park. The proposal includes transforming the Shillito Pool into a regional aquatic center, with upgrades like slides, a lazy river, a shallow water pool for small kids and more.
A Center for Senior and Therapeutic Recreation is also planned for Shillito.
The new center will provide new, accessible space for therapeutic programming, along with supplementing some of the services offered at the Lexington Senior Center.
Lexington Parks & Recreation is one of three recreation programs in the state that offers a Therapeutic Recreation program. The new center in Shillito Park will have equipment and space for Lexington’s Therapeutic Recreation program, which currently operates in several older buildings that bring challenges to the program.
“Recreation Therapy is an integral component of the health, wellness, recovery and quality of life for Lexington residents,” says Mayor Linda Gorton. “Therapeutic Recreation programs involve a variety of techniques, including recreation and leisure activities, arts, crafts, sports, games, and more.”
Along with the demand for more Recreational Therapy space, Lexington’s baby boomer population is getting older.
“Our senior population is continuing to grow,” Gorton says, “and we know there is pent-up demand for more services.”
She adds, “The Senior Center has taught us a lot of lessons about what seniors want and need. Number one on the list is exercise opportunities.”
From the new playground, dedicated in 2019, to the proposed aquatic center and therapeutic recreation center, Shillito is home to something for everyone.
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This article also appears on page 21 of the 2021 print edition of Lexington Families Guide.
