It was a little more than 10 years ago when the Landscape Architects Network published its list of the best playgrounds in the world. Residents in my corner of the world were thrilled to learn that Owensboro's Lazy Dayz Playground was at the top of the list .

But it was only one component of the riverfront overhaul of Smothers Park, a name often ascribed to the playground itself. There's no data that I could find that tells me how many guests visit the park every year, but I'm sure the number would be off the chart.

I do wonder how many people give the park's name a thought, because it has a fascinating history.

How Smothers Park Got Its Name

William Smeathers was the first settler of Yellow Banks , which later became Owensboro, after being among the initial settlers in the Rough

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