Franklin Celebrates the Grand Opening of Bicentennial Park
June 18, 2025, marked a long-awaited milestone for the City of Franklin with the official ribbon cutting and public opening of Bicentennial Park. After more than two decades of planning and preparation, the 14-acre park, located between 3rd Avenue, North Margin Street, and the Harpeth River in downtown Franklin, was unveiled during a celebratory event attended by City of Franklin leaders, Parks and Engineering staff, Friends of Franklin Parks, and residents.
Once home to the Georgia Boot Factory, this reimagined site now stands as a dynamic public space, blending historic preservation, recreation, and civic vision. Several beloved community events are also being relocated to the new park, marking a new chapter in how Franklin gathers and celebrates.
“This is a great day in the City of Franklin,” said Mayor Dr. Ken Moore, welcoming attendees to the ceremony. “This milestone represents years of work, leadership, and perseverance. Good things come to those who wait, and we’ve waited a long time for this.”
A Park Years in the Making
The roots of Bicentennial Park go back more than 20 years. The idea first gained traction through the work of community members, Leadership Franklin graduates, and city planners with a vision of transforming the old industrial site into a usable and welcoming green space. Lisa Clayton, the City’s longtime Parks and Recreation Director, recalled being brought to the property shortly after she was hired two decades ago.
“It was drab, dark, and really, really huge,” she said. “But with a sketch in hand and determination, we began with community collaboration.”
That early master plan included features that have endured and evolved, incorporating pieces of Franklin’s history into the design. After the 2010 flood, which inundated parts of the park, plans were temporarily shelved and reimagined to ensure long-term viability. Engineers elevated key infrastructure and ensured the park could withstand future flood events.
Shahad Abdulrahman, a city engineer and project manager, explained that much of the park’s infrastructure was designed with flood resiliency in mind.
“All of the railings you see are removable in the event of flooding,” she said. “The electrical panels are elevated above the 100-year flood line. We had to work carefully within the constraints of the historic downtown district while keeping the integrity and safety of the project intact.”
Preservation, Progress, and Purpose
Following Mayor Moore, City Administrator Eric Stuckey stepped up to highlight how Bicentennial Park reflects Franklin’s guiding principles. “This is such a great example of how we plan preservation and progress,” he said. “Parks bring people together, and this one, in particular, connects our history and our future.”
Stuckey emphasized the park’s deep ties to Franklin’s past, from the original loading dock of the Georgia Boot Factory still visible onsite to the public plaza honoring the city’s once-busy interurban railway system. More than just honoring history, the park will strengthen Franklin’s walkability and trail access, creating a loop that connects visitors to The Park at Harlinsdale Farm, downtown businesses, and surrounding neighborhoods.
“This is a gift to our community,” he said. “It’s a gift to our future, and we’re so excited to cut a ribbon on a great new destination in Franklin.”
That vision is echoed in the park’s design. “This project is not just about recreation,” said Lisa Clayton. “It’s about reusing industrial land in a way that invites people in. It’s about telling our story through structures, art, and space.”
That storytelling aspect is evident throughout the park, from the use of original building materials in the pavilion to the thoughtful landscaping that blends natural elements with the site’s historic character. For visitors, it creates a place to play, reflect, and connect.
What the Park Offers
The new Bicentennial Park is more than just green space; it’s a purpose-built venue for both everyday enjoyment and large-scale community events. With infrastructure to host between 3,000 and 5,000 people, the park includes:
- A 22,000-square-foot open-air pavilion, constructed atop the original slab from the Georgia Boot Factory
- A 2,000-square-foot pergola
- An event lawn and amphitheater
- A public plaza commemorating the interurban railway history
- Shaded picnic areas
- New connections to Franklin’s existing trails
- Landscaped green space with full irrigation
- Parking for over 57 vehicles, including bus parking
- The restored dust collector from the former boot factory
The result is a multi-functional public asset that retains its industrial character while providing much-needed outdoor and event space in the heart of Franklin.
Planning Ahead for Events and Expansion
While the June 18 ribbon cutting marked the official opening, the groundwork at Bicentennial Park sets the stage for what’s still to come. The City of Franklin completed full grading and underground infrastructure across the entire 14-acre site, making it possible to add future amenities like expanded parking, upgraded utilities, and additional event features.
That forward-thinking design is already paying off. Among the day’s key announcements was the relocation of some of Franklin’s most popular public events to the new park. Parks and Recreation Superintendent Suzanne Carter shared that the space offers greater flexibility, improved infrastructure, and a more central, visible location for well-loved city programs.
“We’ve already scheduled city programs here,” Carter said. “We’re moving the Kids’ Art Festival and our Movies in the Park series to this location,” she stated.
With its new amphitheater, open-air pavilion, shaded seating areas, and strong trail connections, Bicentennial Park gives both organizers and attendees more comfort and accessibility. Families can walk or bike in from nearby neighborhoods or downtown without worrying about parking, making participation easier for all.
Teamwork Behind the Transformation
Almost every speaker at the event emphasized the teamwork that made the park possible. “I literally can’t name everyone,” Mayor Moore said. “But this project involved nearly every department at the city over many years.”
Even the neighbors surrounding the park were thanked. “We appreciate your patience and curiosity,” said Abdulrahman. “This park is for you now.”
The ceremony also included a nod to the original champions of the idea, community leaders and former elected officials who helped set the foundation for the project. Among them were graduates of the Leadership Franklin Class of 1995–96, who first incorporated the concept into their civic initiative.
Clayton ended the event with a short, lighthearted poem, recapping the 24-year journey from factory to park and inviting past and current leaders to gather for the ceremonial ribbon cutting.
“It’s time to cut a ribbon on Bicentennial Park!” she concluded.
A Downtown Destination
More than just a space for city events, the park is poised to become an everyday gathering spot. Covered picnic tables make it easy to stop by for lunch, and the trails and lawn offer a quiet place to stroll, meet up with friends, or enjoy a show. City officials hope it will quickly become a go-to destination, not only for those attending large festivals, but for residents looking for a peaceful place in the heart of town.
“This is going to be a gem in Franklin’s crown,” said City Administrator Eric Stuckey. “It’s not just the design or the programming, it’s the location. This park ties everything together.”
From concerts to food trucks, plays to family-friendly events, Bicentennial Park is now officially open and ready to serve the community for generations to come.
“Welcome to Bicentennial Park,” Mayor Moore added in closing. “I applaud our team who’s turned this into a destination. No longer will people be driving by to go somewhere, but they’re going to be driving to Bicentennial Park.”
Photo Gallery: Bicentennial Park Grand Opening
Take a look at scenes from the June 18th ribbon cutting of Bicentennial Park. Scroll through images of the new pavilion, plaza, amphitheater, shaded picnic areas, and more. See the community come together to celebrate the opening of this thoughtfully designed space, and get a closer look at the details that make it a unique addition to downtown Franklin.
More to Explore in Franklin
Bicentennial Park is just one example of how Franklin continues to grow while honoring its roots. If you’re looking for other ways to experience the city this summer, we’ve got you covered. For family outings, don’t miss School’s Out! 10 Kid-Friendly Things to Do This Summer in Franklin, TN, packed with ideas to keep kids active and entertained. History buffs can learn more about Franklin’s past at a newly opened attraction, detailed in Hayes House Museum and Event Venue Opens at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, TN.
Want to beat the heat indoors? Cool off with a film at one of the region’s most iconic theaters. See what’s showing in Summer Movies at The Franklin Theatre: Classic Films and Family Favorites. And for dog lovers, Dog-Friendly Franklin, TN: A Pet Owner’s Guide to Local Places, Parks, and Resources is a helpful roundup of where to walk, dine, and play with your pup by your side.
