Allison Lankford Will Step Down as Gatton Park COO
Gatton Park plans to search for a new CEO this fall as its longtime operating officer shifts to a new role.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Allison Lankford will step down from her role as chief operating officer of Lexington’s Gatton Park at the end of 2026. She will move into a strategic projects role, while the park initiates a search for a new CEO this fall.
Why it matters
The transition marks a leadership change for the 10-acre park, which serves as a major urban green space adjacent to the city’s primary entertainment hubs. The move follows a long-term plan established as part of the facility's development.
Gatton Park has drawn 280,000 visitors from 47 states since opening in August 2025. The 10-acre site was supported by $65 million in private capital investments.
The players
Allison Lankford
She has served as the chief operating officer for Gatton Park for nearly 12 years.
Jim Gray
He is the former mayor of Lexington who oversaw the initial planning of the park in 2014.
Laura Alexander
She was named the general manager of the Central Bank Center and Rupp Arena in September 2026.
The details
Lankford, who has been involved with the project for 12 years, will continue her day-to-day duties while overseeing a new strategic plan through the end of the year. The park was constructed on a former parking lot near Rupp Arena and the Central Bank Center as part of a wider renovation effort.
Timeline
The park concept was developed in 2014 under former Mayor Jim Gray.
Gatton Park officially opened to the public on August 23, 2025.
A search for a new park CEO is set to begin in the fall of 2026.
Lankford will conclude her current day-to-day duties at the end of 2026.
Market Landscape
This leadership shift follows the broader development trajectory established by the 2014 renovation and expansion of Rupp Arena and Central Bank Center. The transition positions the park to manage its long-term operations following its initial high-traffic opening phase.
The transition will not impact daily park access as operations continue through the end of the year. Visitors can expect continued activity at the site as leadership shifts to oversee long-term strategic projects.
The takeaway
The leadership change serves as a critical milestone for the park as it moves from its launch phase into established operations. Consistent executive oversight will remain vital to maintaining the high visitor engagement seen since the park opened last year.
What happens next
Gatton Park officials are expected to begin their formal search for a new CEO later this fall.
Further reading
For more information on local facility changes, visit the Lexington Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Lexington Herald Leader.
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