LEXINGTON, Ky. — Town Branch Park announced that the Will (Naylor) Smith Foundation will make a $2 million donation to the park. The water play area will be named for Susan Moulton’s son, Will Naylor Smith, who died 16 years ago at age 8 in a car accident.
Moulton, who for the last 5 years has been splitting her time between San Antonio and a horse farm near Versailles, wanted to become more involved in the community – especially with children.
“I love the location of the park,” Moulton said. “Families and visitors will have access to a big park in the heart of Lexington. I was attracted to the water feature because Will loved the water and the outdoors. You don’t ever get over the loss of a child, but you get through it by carrying them along with you.”
“I believe that water heals. I hope people will go there and feel a sense of relaxation and release. Children will be able to play and learn as they play.”
Water play at Town Branch Park is about more than running and splashing. The diverse equipment and multi-level layout will entice visitors to think like engineers – pumping, channeling, and damming water while they keep cool.
The area also will include a bronze sculpture of Will by artist Christine Turnbull. The sculpture is based on a photo of Will and will be a replica of a sculpture at the DoSeum Museum in San Antonio and the Imua Discovery Gardens in Hawaii.
“This is truly a transformational gift,” said Allison Lankford, executive director of Town Branch Park. “The water play area will be one of the most treasured and active assets of the park. I can hardly wait to see children of all ages and abilities playing in this fun, safe and inclusive environment!”
Construction on the park will begin this summer.
