FRANKLIN — This is an excerpt from a blog, the title of which, “Surf’s Up,” is a slang phrase that means there are good waves for surfing and it’s time to get ready to ride them. It can also be used more generally to mean getting ready for something. For today, both of those concepts are true.
Within the pages of the March 6 Union Leader, there are a bunch of sentences that are exciting for the City of Franklin: the Whitewater Park’s Phase 2 Construction process with its first step, a Request for Proposal (RFP) from qualified contractors! The full RFP is also on the city’s website.
What this means for our community is very thrilling.
This construction phase will complete the whitewater park’s development and bring a host of new features to make Franklin a premier destination for outdoor adventure. And it’s not just about kayaking or rafting—this phase includes something unique: a river surf wave!
Whitewater parks and river surf parks have taken the world by storm, revitalizing local economies and attracting visitors from all walks of life. From the bustling rivers of Colorado, Oregon, Wisconsin, and yes, Iowa, these parks bring together people of all interests and skill levels. The river surf wave will make Franklin a go-to destination for surfers, adding a whole new dimension to what’s already an incredible recreational space.
It’s not just about surfers, though—this is a park for families, adventurers, anyone who enjoys getting outside and wants to see something different!
It’s also about sustainability… By creating a destination that will draw visitors year-round and help local businesses thrive, this enables downtown properties to improve, increasing the City’s tax base, so we can afford our schools, our city services and our aging infrastructure.
Imagine families and visitors from all over the region coming to Franklin to experience something new, surfers catching waves in the Winnipesaukee River with fellow whitewater kayakers! The ripple effect of this development will be felt across the region—from increased tourism to the growth of the local economy.
It’s easy to be skeptical about something new, especially when it’s as unique as a river surf park. But the reality is that Mill City Park and the Whitewater Park aren’t just for one demographic—it’s for everyone. It’s a space where families can gather, visitors can explore, paddlers, surfers and fishermen can play, and locals can feel a sense of pride in what’s being built right here in Franklin, which isn’t offered anywhere else in New England. The completion of Phase 2 will be a crowning achievement for our city, providing a legacy of outdoor recreation that future generations can enjoy.
So, let’s get ready to ride this wave!
P.S. For those wanting to see the project elements, check out the following!
What’s Coming in Phase 2 of the Mill City Park Whitewater Park
1.Whitewater Drop Structures: Two new drop structures will be added, creating ideal waves for kayaking, rafting, and river surfing. These features will enhance river recreation with controlled water flow and safe conditions for users.
2.Grade Control Structure: Positioned downstream of the first drop structure, this component will help stabilize water flow and dissipate wave energy.
3 Slalom Channel: A graded channel to improve navigation for boaters, especially during low-flow conditions, while removing any debris from historic dam sites. This will enable slalom competition within the Whitewater Park.
4.Walking Path: A 5-foot-wide dirt trail running along the riverbank, connecting the Winnipesaukee River Trail to the first whitewater drop structure, offering easy access.
5.Underpass Trail: A 6-foot-wide concrete trail will connect Trestle View Park to the Winnipesaukee River Trail, passing under the Sanborn Bridge for safe, uninterrupted access to the park or river trail.