Statements

Mission

Friends of Franklin Parks exists to cultivate stewardship within our community, preserve our cultural and natural resources, enhance the park and trail experience and expand its legacy for future generations.

Background

The non-profit Friends of Franklin Parks was formed in 2012 as a way to leverage private support to enhance public parks. To date, we have raised more than $3 million to build and amend park facilities and trails for the public to enjoy across several Franklin Parks through private-public partnerships. This organization was created by a group of volunteers interested in trails, connectivity, and enhancing public spaces who got together and formed a Board and established an LLC under the non-profit Franklin Tomorrow. This group also saw a need at the century farm Harlinsdale and decided to help save the old Barn. The goal was to bring horses back to the farm, which became a public park in the city of Franklin in 2007, for the public to enjoy and preserve the equestrian heritage of Franklin. They started a fundraiser in 2011 called "Raise the Roofs" and brought dollars to the city which led to the iconic Main Barn being reinforced. Donations also came forward to bring the horses back through the building a multi-purpose arena.

In December of 2016, Friends of Franklin Parks became a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with 19 board members. The goal is to work across our entire park system and with our focus on connecting all of our parks through trails, sidewalks, greenways and a new bridge across the Harpeth River as well as add amenities in our existing parks. In light of our success, in December of 2017, the City of Franklin expanded the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Friends of Franklin Parks to specifically include other parks, trails and bridges.

In 2022 Friends of Franklin Parks and the City of Franklin launched a campaign to bring an all Inclusive Park to the City of Franklin. Friends has committed to raising $1.5 million of the Inclusive Playground's $3 million cost. In partnership with community sponsors and The City of Franklin, the goal is to build a space where everyone of all abilities will be able to play and enjoy the green space of Franklin. This park will be designed in two phases, including play structures, park amenities, pavillion and shade structures, fully accessible restrooms, changing rooms, nursing rooms, outdoor fitness areas, and an amphitheater.

We are a project-based organization providing volunteers and resources to continuously improve the park system for the benefit of our community.

Impact

Current Goals: Raise $1.5 million for Franklin's first Inclusive Playground - Ellie G's Dreamworld. Working with the city to build the 3-acre multi-use park.

Past Accomplishments: Fundraised $750,000 for restoration of the historic Hayes House at Harlinsdale Farm for community events and educational opportunities. Working with City of Franklin to install a trail-head and bridge across the Harpeth River, connecting Harlinsdale with the neighboring community in 2021. Fundraised $1.5 million for and opened the 150 x 300 foot Tractor Supply Arena in 2016 and a warm-up arena in 2017. Raised over $300,000 for the restoration of the iconic and historic Main Barn at Harlinsdale Farm. The project began in 2020. Installed Storybook Trail in Pinkerton Park. Complete fundraising and installation of permanent Ping Pong table in Pinkerton Park. Hosted community fireworks celebration annually that attracts 6-7 K attendees. Host over 12 equine events annually at the TSC Arena. Started a free community Run/Walk Club monthly. Hosted multiple park events with the local Boys & Girls Club. Hosted 2 annual park clean up days with our community. Worked with Pilgrimage Music Festival founders to hold the event at Harlinsdale Farm while showcasing the property's storied equestrian history. Raised over $2 million since inception

Needs

Project budgets for Friends of Franklin Parks are funded through private donations, the Raise the Roofs annual fundraiser, corporate partnerships, along with funding from the City of Franklin for specific projects. Additional funding is received through a Friends Program, including through the sale of commemorative pavers and benches in Franklin Parks and concessions at events. Current Needs: Monetary donations to ensure organizational goals move forward; Volunteers to assist with day-to-day operations; Financial sponsorship of events, including Raise the Roofs and the Fourth of July Celebration; and Grant research.

Service Categories
Primary Category:	Community Improvement, Capacity Building  - Community & Neighborhood Development
Secondary Category:	Environment  - Environmental Beautification
Tertiary Category:	Public & Societal Benefit  -

Areas Served

The Friends of Franklin Parks is a nonprofit organization that serves the City of Franklin, Tennessee. As a supplement to the City of Franklin Parks Department, the Friends of Franklin Parks main focus is park space and historic sites located in those parks and connecting parks to each other and other green spaces. The Friends of Franklin Parks has ongoing projects in Pinkerton Park, the future Inclusive Playground and restoring the historic structures at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm.

TN - Williamson

TN