In 2007 the Meadowthorpe Neighborhood Association (MNA) undertook a major renovation of the Neighborhood Center at 333 Larch Lane in the Meadowthorpe Louie Mack Park.  This building, which once served as the office building for the division of Parks and Recreation, desperately needed an overhaul.  A leaky roof, a termite damaged decaying front wall, a damaged and dated tile floor, a cramped unusable kitchen and unattractive cinderblock walls were some of the problems the association faced when it took on the task of updating the center.

This was a huge job for an association that funds its activities with voluntary dues collected once a year from neighborhood households!  To make the project a success required the involvement of the wider community.  In addition to funds from the MNA treasury and the volunteer labor of residents (both skilled and unskilled), the MNA solicited and received generous gifts from Lexington’s business community and the support and assistance of the LFUCG, especially the division of Parks and Recreation.  This was truly a community partnership for a community center!

Under the leadership of MNA Vice President/ Park Committee Chair Greg Stratton, the renovation committee worked for seven months from the demolition of the old interior in March to the finishing touches, completed in early October, and even longer before that in the planning stages.  The result was an amazing transformation!  The cinderblock walls were covered with drywall. The kitchen was moved and totally replaced.  The existing fireplace featured a new stone façade and gas logs.  The crown jewel was the new floor – a commercial vinyl with the look of hardwood!  In the eyes of Meadowthorpe Residents, the center is now as beautiful as any private clubhouse.   On October 6, 2007, the MNA celebrated the official reopening and dedication of the center with Mayor Newberry, Second District Councilman Tom Blues, employees of the Division of Parks and Recreation, business donors, and special guests.

This renovation will not only benefit the people of Meadowthorpe.  This lovely community center is still owned by the LFUCG and is a resource for people throughout Lexington seeking an affordable space for meetings and social events.  The MNA is proud to contribute to Lexington by beautifying and maintaining our little corner of the city!