Pursuing a new waterpark and moniker downtown, N.H.’s smallest city hopes to make a big splash with tourists Jon Gorey © Sean Proctor One of the old mills along the Winnipesaukee River in Franklin, N.H
When Mill City Park, New England’s first whitewater park, opens in New Hampshire this September, it could mark another debut as well that of Franklin Falls, N.H. That’s what the city of Franklin is planning to rechristen its downtown district, which includes the new waterpark, in an effort to capture some of the energy and history inherent in its riverfront setting.
Pursuing a new waterpark and moniker downtown, N H s smallest city hopes to make a big splash with tourists
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N H city hopes to make big splash with whitewater park, new name
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New Hampshire Magazine
April 21, 2021
New Hampshire’s smallest city has big plans.
Once a thriving mill town, City Manager Judie Milner is hoping a big new project will help revitalize Franklin.
“I’m hoping that we will have a vibrant downtown as a result of this park, and more restaurants coming in, some storefronts filled up, people actually downtown, enjoying the downtown and enjoying the amenities that are there … just having excitement for the downtown and life after five o’clock at night,” she says.
Mill City Park, coupled with an innovative and unique white water rafting park, will bring in spectators and guests, hopefully stimulating the town’s economy, including attracting new restaurants, shops, tourism and infrastructure.
Great ready for some outdoor excitement. Coming this fall, Mill City Park is expected to open to the public at Franklin Falls according to Boston.com. An old mill town closed its mill back in the 1970s and the town has sort of faded into obscurity. That is all about to change. The construction of Mill City Park is expected to begin in July with some aspects open as early as this fall. This looks like so much fun.
The free park will feature kayaking, boogie boarding, whitewater rafting, and even surfing on the Winnipesaukee River year-round according to Boston.com. Marty Parichand, who is the founder of Mill City Park tells Boston.com, “There are 300 whitewater parks across the country and there’s not one here. It’ll totally change the game for Franklin, and it will do so with free outdoor recreation.” Free outdoor recreation sounds like just what is needed to revitalize the shops and restaurants in town.