Franklin breaks ground on new park

FRANKLIN, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — Officials in Franklin have broken ground on the $9 million Youngs Creek Park project. Our partners at the Daily Journal report the park will include an amphitheater, expanded trails and a playground, among other amenities.

The park will be located southwest of downtown Franklin and is designed to help mitigate flooding concerns. The idea for the project goes back to 2008, when the city experienced a historic flood that damaged numerous businesses in the area.

“This Youngs Creek redevelopment area is really the icing on the cake,” said Krista Linke, community development director for the city. “As this area has had continued flooding issues, the business owners began to be worn down with constant worry, and the timing was finally right to relocate them to literally higher ground.”

The last of the flood-prone businesses moved out of the area last year with the assistance of the city, according to the publication. 

Part of the park’s design includes a 14-acre green space that the city says will help absorb flood water and also be used to host various types of events and festivals. 

Construction on the park is slated to begin Monday. Crews will first begin work on the amphitheater, which will continue into the winter. The remainder of the work, such as the playground, splash pad, trails and grass, will begin in the spring.

Franklin Mayor Steve Barnett says the goal is to have the park ready to open by the Fourth of July.

You can read the full story from the Daily Journal by clicking here.