On July 12 at 9 AM, please join the Franklin community at Trestle View Park for a groundbreaking ceremony of the first whitewater park to be constructed in New England. Hear thoughts and reflections from team members and elected officials, as well as to see AJ Coleman Construction start work!

Benjamin Franklin, for whom our city is named, once said “Energy and persistence conquer all things.” There are very few things with more energy and persistence than a river with rushing rapids from New Hampshire’s largest body of water.

The public-private partnership between the City of Franklin, Mill City Park, and the many volunteers and residents has yielded success. Together, through their collective dedication our community is able to begin construction of New England’s first whitewater park. “It’s been an honor to work as part of this team. Together, we’ve achieved more than we ever could alone. The benefit of this hard work will be felt throughout our city, region, and entire state,” states Judie Milner, Franklin City Manager.

“We’ve done whitewater park projects all over North America and in all sorts of different environments. Every project is totally unique and totally different. The Winnipesaukee River and Franklin have all the ingredients for a world class whitewater park. The proximity to the downtown is critical. The fact that the river, with this much fall and this year-round flow, flows right by the downtown business district is the number one ingredient for a successful project,” states Mike Harvey, whitewater design engineer with Recreation Engineering and Planning.

Over the years, many themes have been discussed and reported on; community identity, economic development, economic vitality, individual pride and, of course, whitewater recreation. “Originally, I thought we were building surf waves. We are actually rebuilding our community’s sustainability, quality of life, and pride,” says Marty Parichand, Executive Director of the nonprofit Mill City Park and downtown business owner.

Franklin Falls’ industrial history is one of innovation, hard work, vibrancy, and creation. Of course, none of it would exist without the magnificent water power of the Winnipesaukee River. Finally, Franklin’s future will once again be linked with its most important asset…the energy and persistence of the Winnipesaukee River.