Philanthropist Battles Park Over Naming Rights | Lexington News

Lexington News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 24, 2026 · 1m

A $2 million donation to Gatton Park for a water play area has turned into a legal showdown after philanthropist Susan Naylor claims the park reneged on naming rights promised in honor of her late son. The park insists it followed the contract, which also bars refunds if the agreement is terminated — a clause Naylor allegedly violated by stopping payments. But her legal team argues the state law the park cites to block the refund wasn’t in effect at the time of the deal, making it unenforceable retroactively. Judge Diane Minnifield sided with Naylor, letting the case proceed — though she…