Texas Philanthropist Sues Kentucky Park Over Naming Rights for $2 Million Donation
Susan Naylor, president of the Will Smith Foundation, filed a lawsuit against Gatton Park in Lexington, Kentucky, seeking $800,000 in damages after alleging the park failed to properly honor her $2 million donation made in memory of her deceased son. Naylor had pledged the funds with a contractual agreement that a water feature would be named after her son, William Naylor Smith, who died in a car accident at age 8. The dispute centers on whether the park breached its naming rights agreement and whether Naylor is entitled to a refund of her contributions.
Susan Naylor, president of the Will Smith Foundation, has sued Gatton Park on the Town Branch in Lexington, Kentucky, over a $2 million donation made in memory of her son, William Naylor Smith, who died in a car accident at age 8. According to court documents, Naylor's donation agreement stipulated that a water feature would include signage reading "Thanks to Susan Naylor, on behalf of her son William Naylor Smith," and that the park board would consult with her before installation. However, the water attraction is currently labeled simply as "Waterplay," and Naylor claims an early version of the sign with the dedication was "hastily painted over and covered" shortly after installation. The park argues that the signage followed a uniform design standard to maintain visual consistency and that the donation agreement contains a clause making installments irrevocable and non-refundable. Naylor has paid $800,000 of her five scheduled $400,000 installments and is seeking a refund, while the park has refused, citing the non-refundable clause and noting that donors who default on payments lose naming rights.
What's missing
The articles do not provide the park's detailed explanation of why the signage was changed or covered, nor do they include independent verification of whether the initial sign actually contained Naylor's requested dedication. Additionally, there is limited context about standard practices in philanthropic naming agreements or whether the park's uniform design policy was established before or after Naylor's donation.
What different sources said
- The IndependentLeft
Donor who gave $2 million to Kentucky park sues after learning playground was not named after her son
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