Programming Associate

About Gatton Park

Gatton Park on the Town Branch is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit and land-reuse project transforming a 10-acre asphalt parking lot adjacent to the Central Bank Center into a signature green space that will serve as Lexington’s version of Central Park. Gatton Park will host a number of amenities such as walking trails, an amphitheater, playground and splash pad, dog park, outdoor reading room, public art, among others. The park is under construction and anticipated to publicly open late Summer of 2025, with a projected 1,000,000 annual visitors. For more information, please visit gattonpark.org.

About Gatton Park Internships

The Gatton Park on the Town Branch internship program prepares candidates for careers in parks and outdoor recreation, nonprofit organizations, venue operations, and program/event driven businesses through hands-on experience in marketing, programming, event production, and visitor experience. Interns gain insight into park operations while contributing to real-world projects that impact their community.

Ideal candidates are students or recent graduates in marketing, communications, event management, hospitality, or related fields with strong communication, organization, and multitasking skills. Experience in event logistics, operations, or customer service is a plus. Interns should be adaptable, comfortable with public engagement, and passionate about community spaces.

At Gatton Park on the Town Branch, the guest experience is built on a foundation of warmth, attentiveness, and community connection, inspired by the highest standards of hospitality. Every visitor is welcomed with a smile and a friendly greeting, setting the tone for a memorable and enjoyable park experience. Staff and interns actively seek out guest interactions, offering assistance, answering questions, and creating moments of personal connection. If challenges arise, immediate service recovery ensures that concerns are addressed promptly, reinforcing a commitment to excellence. Body language remains open and inviting, fostering an environment where all guests feel valued and appreciated. Every aspect of the park—from well-maintained trails to engaging events—preserves the “magical” experience of exploration and discovery. As guests depart, they are sincerely thanked for their visit, leaving with not just great memories but a lasting sense of belonging.

As an integral part of Gatton Park, interns receive hands-on training in event and program management within a dynamic, professional environment. This program offers valuable resume-building experience and practical skills applicable to various career paths. If you're eager to learn and make an impact, apply today!

Position Details:

• Location: Gatton Park on the Town Branch, 795 Manchester St. Lexington, Kentucky 40507. Requires reliable transportation to and from Gatton Park.
• Internship Type: Part-time (10-20 hours/wk), paid (academic credit available). This is a paid internship and requires someone located in/near Lexington, KY for the duration of the season.
• Duration: Fall 2025 (Projected Dates: August 4–December 19) with flexible start and end dates.
• Schedule: Varies based on role. Availability for some evening and weekend events is required.
• Internship Positions (4): Programming, Events, Marketing & Communications, and Park Operations & Guest Experience.
• Ideal Candidates: Current students or recent graduates in the fields of parks and recreation, event management, marketing, communications, urban planning, design, hospitality, environmental studies, landscape architecture, customer service, or a related filed, are a plus.
• Requirements: Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume. If selected, applicants must pass a criminal background check if 18+, attend an orientation, and be able to lift at least 25 pounds and stand for extended periods of time.
• Benefits: Hands-on experience in nonprofit operations, event planning, and hospitality; professional development in a fun, dynamic environment.Title: Programming Associate

Gatton Park on the Town Branch is looking for an enthusiastic and organized Programming Intern to assist in coordinating and staffing daily activities such as fitness classes, story times, art workshops, and other engaging public programs. The intern will help with event setup and breakdown, interact with participants, support instructors and performers, and ensure a seamless experience for attendees. Additional responsibilities include assisting with program scheduling, gathering community feedback, and contributing to promotional efforts. Ideal candidates should be proactive, adaptable, and passionate about creating inclusive, dynamic experiences in a public park setting. This internship offers valuable hands-on experience in event coordination, community engagement, and public programming.

Reports To: Erica Cook, Director of Programs & Engagement

Hours: 10-20 hours/week (flexible schedule agreed upon in advance)

Compensation: up to $1,000/month stipend paid monthly

Effective Date: Monday, August 4, 2025

Duration: Fall 2025 semester. August 4 through December 20

Internship Tasks May Include:

Program Coordination & Support

• Assist with setup and breakdown of daily park programs (e.g., fitness classes, art workshops, story times).
• Greet and assist participants, ensuring they feel welcomed and informed.
• Provide on-site support to instructors, facilitators, and performers during programs.
• Monitor events to ensure they run smoothly and troubleshoot basic issues if they arise.

Scheduling & Communication

• Help maintain and update the park’s programming calendar.
• Communicate with partners, instructors, and volunteers regarding program logistics.
• Assist in confirming attendance and preparing materials needed for each session.

Community Engagement & Feedback

• Distribute and collect participant feedback forms.
• Conduct informal interviews or surveys with attendees to gather input on programs.
• Track participation numbers and trends for reporting and planning.

Promotional & Outreach Support

• Contribute ideas for new or improved programs based on community interests.
• Help create or distribute flyers, posters, and digital promotions for upcoming events.
• Take photos and notes at programs for use in park communications and reporting.

General Support & Administration

• Keep storage areas, supply bins, and materials organized.
• Support park staff with visitor questions and general inquiries during program times.
• Attend weekly planning meetings and provide input on future programming.
• Assist with administrative support such as, but not limited to, the detailed aspects of recreation administration and operations, programming, events, front desk responsibilities as well as overall facility operations.

Additional tasks and responsibilities may be assigned as needed to support park operations and programming.