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With numerous events, such as the Legacy Nights Concert Series at Legacy Grove Park, Legacy Greenscapes has left its footprint on the Winchester community. 

On Wednesday afternoon, Legacy Greenscapes Executive Director Deborah Jackson sought to elaborate as she spoke during the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Winchester. 

“We are a small nonprofit [organization] making a big impact,” she said. “I would like to…show you what we’ve done over the past several years and give you an idea of where we’re going in our future.”

As mentioned, Jackson – who was joined by Legacy Greenscapes Event and Marketing Coordinator Anna Campomanes – is no stranger to Winchester. 

At the 2023 Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce banquet, Legacy Greenscapes earned recognition as the Nonprofit of the Year. 

Jackson elaborated on the nonprofit organization, which opened in 2017. 

“Legacy Greenscapes and Legacy Grove Park [do] not receive tax dollars. So, we fundraise 100 percent,” she said. “It makes us just a little bit different.”

Legacy Grove Park, located at 1107 W. Lexington Avenue and operated by Legacy Greenscapes, is a 30-acre public park with several perks such as a play area, nature trails, walking paths, dog parks, and open lawns, and an ADA-accessible paved walking path.

They also utilize a service called the Adventure Playground. 

While visible to the community driving in and out of Winchester, Jackson noted that the park extends deeper. 

Using visual aids, she explained.

“A lot of people don’t know that when you drive down Lexington Avenue and you look into the park…you’re seeing only half of the park”, she said. “The park extends…from Lexington all the way back to Interstate 64.” 

Johnson also spoke of guiding principles for the organization. Among them are to be mentally and physically inspiring.

“That’s what we wanted it to be for the community….[also] geared toward family and individual activities, intergenerational, educational, incorporating public parts and environmentally friendly infrastructure, and adding cultural and economic values for the community,” she said. 

The organization has sought to make such guiding principles into a reality in multiple ways. 

Presently, they have 34 outdoor education sessions, 493 children attending programs, and 1,569 educational contact hours with youth. 

Upcoming events include rock painting with the Crystal Coven Mystic Cottage, a Critter Meet and greet with Dragon Greens Deli, and a Sunset Walk on Tuesday, July 30. 

On Wednesday, July 31, they will also host a drum circle – a recurring activity. 

As presented in a handout, Legacy Greenscapes has also fostered community spirit by having over 1,500 Legacy Nights attendees, 27 sponsors, 14 food and drink trucks, and 11 bands. 

They’ve also worked with 117 community sponsors, 109 park and event volunteers, and 755 volunteer hours. 

Looking ahead, Legacy Greenscapes looks to continue creating positive experiences. 

“All of our events are always free,” Jackson said. “As long as we can raise the money to make them free, we will keep them free for all children and families.”