LEXINGTON, S.C. — People in the Lexington community say they want to know more about the renovation coming to Virginia Hylton Park.
Back in February, Lexington mayor Steve MacDougall, announced plans to make changes to the park. While the park was originally 6.5 acres, the town purchased an additional 8 acres making the park almost 15 acres total.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Upgrades coming to Lexington Park
Virginia Hylton Park is the town’s oldest green space.
The Town of Lexington started the Virginia Hylton Park Committee to help with funding for the popular park. In the town’s first Hops and Harvest Craft Beer Festival, they were able to raise $4,000.
The mayor said in his State of the Town address that the Lexington Beautification Foundation has committed $200,000 to the project.
After buying the new land, the town will be adding new pavilions, an all-inclusive playground, a small amphitheater, and a teen area.
So far, construction crews have completed the Pat Jeffcoat Serenity Park.
The last time the park was renovated was 1991, according to Mayor Pro-tem Hazel Livingston.
“It’s time for it to be upgraded and redone. Since we were able to add the land, we just come in and have a group of citizens that work on this and give us input on what they think is needed,” said Livingston.
Livingston says it’s important that they add the teen area to the park.
“We’ve heard from families that a lot of people with small children and having a place for the seventh and eighth graders to be able and hang out and play with the younger children in areas too,” explained Livingston.
Livingston believes Virginia Hylton Park is a hidden gem for the town and hopes the renovations help bring the community even closer together.
“I just hope it brings more people,” said Livingston. “People moving around all over the place and getting to know each other and being a family community.”
The town says they’re not sure when they will have all the construction done but they will be doing bits and pieces in stages.