Will Naylor Smith Foundation awards $2 million to Town Branch Park

Children playing in a park splash pad.

Town Branch Park in Lexington, Kentucky, has received a $2 million gift from the Will Smith Foundation, according to the Lane Report

The gift will support construction of a water play area that will be named after Susan Moulton’s son, Will Naylor Smith, who died 16 years ago in a car accident at the age of 8. The play area will include equipment to address the diverse needs of children and a multilevel layout to keep kids cool while they play. In addition, the park will feature a bronze sculpture of Smith by artist Christine Turnbull. 

“Families and visitors will have access to a big park in the heart of Lexington,” Moulton told the Lane Report. “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.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/pic-a-boo)

"Town Branch Park receives $2 million gift." Lane Report 06/13/2023.