Welcome to McConnell Springs Park, the site of the founding/naming of Lexington, KY. Few large American cities can still point to the specific geographic site of their origin. But, thanks to a visionary partnership between Lexington civic leaders and businesses, and the willing support of hundreds of volunteers, the founding site of Lexington has been reclaimed and preserved for the future.
This site is sponsored by the Friends of McConnell Springs. We are a non-profit organization that works closely with the park. We provide funding, volunteers and guidance from our Board for several events and other park features. Join us in support of our park!
Founders’ Day
Two hundred and fifty years ago, Lexington and the surrounding Bluegrass was a beautiful woodland. William McConnell and a surveying party were camping down by the Springs when word came of the Battle of Lexington and the start of the Revolutionary War. In honor of that event, the explorers decided to name our community Lexington. Experience frontier life of 1775 for yourself!
There will be traditional musical entertainment, colonial crafts, wildlife, demonstrations and more.
And the usual 27 acres of woodland trails! This is a FREE event, come spend the day! As always, a rain or shine event; sunscreen, rain gear and insect repellent may be needed.
Spoon Carving Class
In this woodcarving class hosted by the Lexington Woodcarvers Guild we will hand carve cooking spoons using alongside the founders day celebration at McConnell Springs. This class is for adults and will be limited to 20 students, no previous experience or tools necessary. We will provide everything you need to take home your own hand made ready to use cooking spoon. We will have approximately 4 students per instructor and the cost per person is $30.
To sign up please send/drop off your name and email address with check made out to the Lex Woodcarvers Guild to McConnell Springs Park, 416 Rebmann Ln., Lexington 40504 OR pay with PayPal here. Sign ups are first come first served.
Roots for Remembrance
The Friends of McConnell Springs and Lexington Parks & Recreation are pleased to present Roots for Remembrance. This program is an opportunity for the public to have a tree planted in memory of or in honor of someone at McConnell Springs, while also helping to improve the diversity of trees in the park. After your donation has been received, a tree will be planted within one of the Roots for Remembrance Plots at McConnell Springs. The Honoree or donor will be notified of the species of tree and the plot in which it was planted. Names of Honorees will be displayed on the Friends of McConnell Springs website and also in the Activity Center. Individual trees will not have a plaque displayed with them in the park. Trees will be planted by park staff and volunteers regularly and will be maintained through watering, weeding, and mulching until they are established. All trees planted will be a native species that will be locally sourced, and species will vary based on location to be planted in the park and availability. Click here for more information.
Purchase your T-shirt!
Purchase your McConnell Springs T-shirt for $15 by contacting the Friends at: Friends@mcconnellsprings.org.
Indicate in your email the size(s), the number of each size requested and your telephone number. Your payment is due at the time you pick up your t-shirt at the park. The Friends will contact you when your order is ready.
Consider a Paver
Purchase a paver for $100 by contacting the Friends at: Friends@mcconnellsprings.org. Check out the newsletter for space limitations.
Learn the History of the Springs!