As Lexington, Kentucky transitions into the new year, Triangle Park continues to serve as a vibrant hub for the community. 

Nestled in the heart of downtown on West Main Street, next to The Square and Central Bank Center, the park has become synonymous with connection, activity and tradition.

As a central feature of the city, Triangle Park serves as an example of how thoughtful investments in public spaces can enrich the lives of residents and attract visitors. 

Each year, the ice skating rink at Triangle Park attracts thousands of visitors, solidifying its reputation as a staple of downtown life.

The rink, framed by the park’s iconic fountains and the city skyline, offers a picturesque backdrop for downtown activities year-round.

Now in its 14th season, the rink is more than just a place to skate, it’s a gathering space where people from all walks of life come together.

From local families to out-of-town visitors, the rink welcomes between 50,000 and 60,000 skaters annually, making it one of the most popular attractions in Lexington during the wintertime.

“Triangle Park is important, specifically for downtown, because it really is a spot where everyone tends to gather,” said Laura Farnsworth, director of development and events for the Downtown Lexington Partnership.

The park’s success as a skating destination stems from significant renovations that took place between May 2011 and April 2012. 

Structurally nothing changed, but the renovation included replanting grass, sodding and re-digging to add to the park.

“It gave us the opportunity to put in infrastructure for the rink,” Farnsworth said. “So a lot of people, even now, don’t believe me when I tell them it is ice. It is real ice.”

Today, the privately funded and operated facility can stay as a space for locals and visitors alike to come as a community spot. 

The popularity of the rink highlights the broader efforts to revitalize downtown Lexington, while bringing the community together. 

“Triangle Park is important, specifically for downtown because it really is a spot where everyone tends to gather,” Farnsworth said. 

Located steps away from major landmarks like Rupp Arena, the Lexington Opera House, and the Hilton and Hyatt hotels, Triangle Park is a key piece of downtown’s identity, according to Farnsworth.

According to Farnsworth, Lexington is focused downtown so many community members want to stay downtown and Triangle Park offers them that. 

“That’s just another opportunity for them to find joy and warm, safe family, friendly, fun,” Farnsworth said. 

The rink’s location between West Main, West Vine and South Broadway Street ensures steady foot traffic, with many visitors stopping to watch skaters glide across the ice as they head to basketball games, concerts or community events like the Holiday Lighting Festival.

Paul Jorgensen, a visitor from Allansville Baptist Church, has been enjoying Triangle Park for years coming with his family. 

“We came down here maybe a decade ago with the whole family from all over the country. It was a great experience, and we even made it onto ESPN’s highlights during a UK basketball game that night,” Jorgensen said. 

Jorgensen, now visiting with a youth group, praised the rink as an excellent spot for teens to enjoy downtown Lexington. 

“The ice skating rink down here at Triangle Park is an awesome opportunity for our teens to be able to hang out, enjoy downtown Lexington and experience some of the beauty that’s here for the Christmas spirit,” Jorgensen added.

Jorgensen also expressed his gratitude for the city’s efforts to preserve the historic feel of the city. 

“I like what the city has done with it, keeping it modern while still maintaining some of the historic feel,” he said.

On any given day, skaters of all skill levels can be seen navigating the ice, some gliding with ease, others cautiously taking their first steps. 

“Downtown is really everyone’s front yard,” Farnsworth said. 

Farnsworth highlighted that downtown serves as a shared space for the community with many life celebrations from birthday parties to weddings.

These events help bring people together, showcasing what Lexington has to offer. 

“So, it’s a place that so many people, locals, kind of have a sentimental connection to,” Farnsworth said. 

The popularity of the rink highlights the broader efforts to revitalize downtown Lexington, while bringing the community together.

Rebecca Palmer, a Clark County resident who lives about 30 minutes east of  Lexington, had passed the rink countless times before finally deciding to visit.

“I have walked by here many times going to events at Rupp Arena, but this is the very first time I’ve been here in Triangle Park trying to ice skate,” Palmer said.

Palmer, who visited the rink with her teenage daughter during a youth group event, described the experience as a special opportunity to create lasting memories.

“It’s exciting to finally experience it and share this moment with my daughter,” she said.

The visit was particularly meaningful to Palmer, as it was her daughter’s first time on the ice. 

Palmer watched with pride as her daughter quickly adapted to skating, calling her “a natural.”

In her day-to-day life, Palmer said the outing was an opportunity to focus on creating meaningful connections and memories with her daughter.

While the rink draws most of its attention during the colder months, its impact resonates throughout the year. 

For Palmer and her daughter, their visit to the rink was a chance to create lasting memories. For others, it’s a favorite tradition or a new adventure. 

Regardless of the reason, Triangle Park’s ice skating rink continues to be a source of joy, connection and community for all who visit. 

Whether they’re seasoned skaters or first-timers like Palmer, visitors leave Triangle Park with memories that will last long after the ice has melted.