On a bright Saturday morning, a group of volunteers gathered at Constitution Park, ready to give the green space a fresh look.
Hospital employees from CommonSpirit Kentucky arrived alongside players from the Lexington Legends, the city’s minor‑league baseball team, forming a colorful mix of scrubs, caps and team jerseys.
Together they tackled litter, trimmed overgrown shrubs, and applied fresh coats of paint to benches and playground equipment, turning the park into a more inviting spot for families.
Expanding the notion of care
David Franz, Vice President of Mission Integration for CommonSpirit Kentucky, explained that the project was about more than cleaning; it was a way to live out the health system’s mission in the community it serves.
He noted that the effort reflects a broader vision of health that reaches beyond clinic walls, aiming to strengthen neighborhoods through partnership and service.
The park’s renovation is also tied to CommonSpirit Ballpark, the stadium that bears the health system’s name and serves as the home field for the Lexington Legends.
Vince Marucci, Chief Revenue Officer for Temerity Baseball, praised the collaboration, saying the partnership has sparked a wave of volunteer support that benefits both the team and the surrounding community.
Local leaders hope that such joint initiatives will inspire more cross‑sector projects, showing how sports franchises and health systems can together address community needs.
The faith‑based health network continues to seek out local alliances, using its reach to improve access to care and foster well‑being across the region.