New Park Coming to Franklin: The Pearlene M. Bransford Complex
Franklin, Tennessee is set to welcome a major addition to its parks system with the Pearlene M. Bransford Complex, a multi-use recreational space on the city’s southeast side.
The City of Franklin and the Board of Mayor and Aldermen will officially break ground on the project on Wednesday, March 26, at 11:30 a.m. at 3452 Carothers Parkway. This milestone marks the start of a significant investment in expanded sports facilities, inclusive play areas, and scenic green space for the community. Construction is expected to begin in March 2025.
The first phase of development of the complex, known as The Pearl, will feature football and lacrosse fields, an inclusive playground called Ellie G’s Dream World, and a paved perimeter trail. Future plans include additional sports fields, sand volleyball, pickleball, and basketball courts, as well as an educational walking trail and a clean water facility. The project also encompasses the Robinson Lake Dam & Park capital project, which will enhance the existing dam and develop a park around the lake with a parking lot, lakeside trail, canoe drop-off zones, and a boat ramp to improve outdoor recreation access in Franklin.
Named in honor of Pearlene M. Bransford, a longtime public servant and community advocate, the park recognizes her lasting impact on Franklin. Bransford served as an at-large alderman from 2007 until her passing in 2020 and was a champion for education, historic preservation, and affordable housing. She worked to protect Franklin’s traditionally Black neighborhoods, leading efforts to place the Natchez Street area on the National Register of Historic Places. Mayor Ken Moore, who championed naming the park in her honor, described her as a dedicated leader with an unwavering commitment to her community.
Once complete, the Pearlene M. Bransford Complex will provide a vibrant space for recreation, learning, and community connection, ensuring Bransford’s legacy continues to inspire future generations.
