Mill City Park

Franklin, New Hampshire

The City of Franklin has been undergoing a series of redevelopment efforts working to increase local economic opportunity, improve quality of life, and build a better connected, equitable, and sustainable city. Mill City Park at Franklin Falls is a non-profit organization based in Franklin whose mission is to create the City’s first whitewater and outdoor adventure park in the northeast. This project is centered around leveraging Franklin’s assets to create a one-of-a-kind experience in Franklin that will attract tourists, stimulate the local economy, create community gathering space, and embody ecological design principles. An 11-acre parcel of land along the Winnipesaukee River was secured for this project and in 2018, RP&D was hired to create a master plan for the future park. The Master Plan provided a concept layout for the site and a framework for planning, design, construction, and maintenance of Mill City Park that is grounded in permaculture design principles and sustainable land use techniques. The design includes trails, mountain bike pump track, parkour area, amphitheater, climbing wall, natural play spaces for children, and a community garden.