Owner/Breeder Moulton Supports Lexington Park Effort

Owner/breeder Susan Moulton has helped bring a planned Lexington park one step closer to reality with a gift that also honors the legacy of her son Will. Town Branch Park has announced that the Will (Naylor) Smith Foundation will make a $2 million donation to the park. The water play area will be named for Moulton's son, Will Naylor Smith, who died 16 years ago at age 8 in a car accident. A release from Town Branch Park noted that Moulton, who for the past five years has been splitting her time between San Antonio and a horse farm near Versailles, Ky., wanted to become more involved in the Lexington 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 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." Moulton made headlines on the track last year with grade 2 winners Manny Wah and homebred Andthewinneris. Mill Ridge Farm's Headley Bell said the donation will make a lasting impression. "Susan is an inspiration for all with her love of horses and children. This gift to Town Branch Park is a legacy to her son Will and all children who will be touched by this park," Bell said. "No doubt this water feature will be most popular with the children and this Town Branch Park will transform our city and contribute to Lexington as The Horse Capital of the World." 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. The water play area at Town Branch Park is about more than running and splashing. Park planners said the diverse equipment and multi-level layout will entice visitors to think like engineers: pumping, channeling, and damming water while they keep cool. "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 is scheduled to begin this summer.