Douglass Park 🇺🇸

Welcome to Frederick Douglass Park, also widely known as Douglass Park, a landmark destination rich in local history located in the Georgetown Street neighborhood of Lexington, Kentucky. Established in 1916, this site holds profound significance as the very first city park created for African Americans in Lexington. When you visit today, you are stepping onto grounds championed over a century ago by Jordan Carlisle Jackson Jr., who served as chairman of the creation committee, leading up to a festive July 4 dedication ceremony.

Although situated at the city's far western end—making it fairly inaccessible to visitors from other neighborhoods during its early years—it quickly grew into a vibrant community hub. In 1918, Mrs. Lee Christie was designated matron of the park, and sports traditions soon took root.

During your walkthrough, you can appreciate its deep athletic heritage, where coach Willie Williams once trained baseball players and where the famed Dirt Bowl summer basketball tournament brought intense competition to Lexington and Louisville. Be sure to see the historic swimming pool, an enduring feature that originally opened in 1939 and underwent renovations in 2025. Douglass Park offers you an honest, meaningful look into Lexington's historic public spaces.

What to see at Douglass Park

• Lexington's first park for African Americans, established in 1916
• Historic pool originally opened in 1939 and renovated in 2025
• Host location for the famous Dirt Bowl summer basketball tournament
• Rich baseball legacy associated with local coach Willie Williams

Visiting tips

Keep in mind that the park is located at the city's far western end in the Georgetown Street neighborhood when planning your visit.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Summer

How to get there & what’s nearby

Douglass Park is easy to reach on Lexington’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Lexington travel guide.