Franklin Gathers for Yoga in the Park 2025 to Support Ellie G’s Dream World
Free wellness event at Harlinsdale Farm raises awareness and funds for inclusive playground project in Franklin.
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, the Hayes House Lawn at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm was filled with movement and meaning as attendees gathered for Yoga in the Park 2025. The free event celebrated International Day of Yoga, a global observance adopted by the United Nations in 2014 to raise awareness of yoga’s physical, mental, and spiritual benefits, while raising funds for Ellie G’s Dream World, Franklin’s first public inclusive playground.
Organized by Friends of Franklin Parks, Be Well Mel, City of Franklin Parks, and a dedicated committee of local volunteers and wellness professionals, the event blended yoga, meditation, and community connection with a deeper purpose: building a space where children of all abilities can play together.
Honoring Ellie G’s Legacy
The inclusive playground project is named in memory of Elliott Grace Castro, affectionately known as Ellie G. Born with a rare terminal form of dwarfism, Ellie passed away in 2019 at the age of four. Despite the challenges she faced, Ellie inspired everyone around her with her joy, strength, and resilience. She is also the granddaughter of Franklin Alderman Brandy Blanton, who has been instrumental in efforts to honor her memory through this meaningful project.
“Ellie’s story reminds us that every child deserves the chance to play, connect, and be included,” said Melissa Mooney-Lopez, founder of Be Well Mel and lead ambassador for the event. “Yoga in the Park is a space for wellness and community, but most importantly, it’s a space where we come together to support something bigger than ourselves.”
Samantha Castro, Ellie’s mother, spoke to the crowd about the lasting impact of her daughter’s life and the continued support from residents. “We were always so moved by how supportive the community was, during her life and even after she passed,” she said. “The fact that Franklin continues to honor her through this project means the world to us.”
With construction underway, the family is looking forward to the playground opening soon. “It’s been over five years, and our family has been asking, ‘When do we get to go?’ It’s exciting that it’s almost here.”
The future playground will be housed within the Pearlene M. Bransford Complex, also known as The Pearl, on Carothers Parkway. Once complete, the playground will be larger than the current Tinkerbell Playground at Pinkerton Park and will feature fully accessible play structures, a pavilion, ADA-compliant restrooms, shaded areas, and sensory-friendly elements. Phase two of the park will add an amphitheater, outdoor fitness equipment, and court sports, including pickleball and lacrosse.
More than just a playground, Ellie G’s Dream World is part of a larger vision to create an accessible play destination for families in Williamson County and beyond. It represents an investment in the kind of place Franklin strives to be, where every child can be part of the fun, regardless of ability.
Community Moves for a Cause
The morning began with a collective grounding meditation, inviting participants to close their eyes, breathe deeply, and simply be present together in the open space of the park.
After setting the tone with mindfulness and presence, the event flowed into a rotating yoga sampler class led by featured teachers and leaders Melissa Mooney-Lopez, Caitlin Ferris, Sarah Moore, Mandy Luzinski, Autumn Trimble, Katherine Freeland, and Shea James. Participants also enjoyed guided meditation and sound baths, children’s story time yoga, and a kids’ zone with family-friendly activities. Local vendors set up booths promoting wellness products and services, offering information, giveaways, and opportunities to connect.
“This event is about more than yoga,” Mooney-Lopez said. “It’s about making space for wellness, community, and most importantly, inclusion.”
Many attendees came to unwind or explore a new form of movement, but left inspired by Ellie G’s story and the growing momentum behind the playground. Committee member and project manager Sarah Moore noted that the event’s turnout reflected a shared commitment to creating spaces where every child in Franklin feels seen, valued, and included.
Vendors and sponsors included a mix of fitness studios, health coaches, family wellness businesses, holistic practitioners, and lifestyle brands. Guests stopped by booths from BODY20 Franklin, Sounds of the Soul & Reiki PT, Fit4MOM, Heart Space Vibes, Southern Belle Birdies, Tiny Spoon Chef, Kendra Scott, Vuori Clothing, and other local vendors who shared resources and offerings throughout the day. The atmosphere was relaxed, with visitors lingering after class to connect with instructors, browse sponsor displays, and explore local organizations.
While the morning focused on intentional practice and calm reflection, the deeper intention, to support inclusive play and honor Ellie G’s legacy, remained central to the event’s purpose.
Local Support Makes It Happen
A wide range of businesses and organizations stepped up to champion Yoga in the Park 2025. Their sponsorships helped make the event free to the public while ensuring that funds raised could go directly to the construction of Ellie G’s Dream World.
Diamond Sponsors: Friends of Franklin Parks, Historic Franklin Parks, Be Well Mel, Yoga in the Park Committee, Vui’s Kitchen, Sounds of the Soul & Reiki PT, and Vuori Clothing Franklin.
Platinum Sponsors: Fem City Nashville, Gals Off The Grid, BODY20 Franklin, and Kendra Scott
Gold Sponsors: Nashville Yoga Events, Lifetime Franklin, Trader Joe’s, Ground Floor Yoga and Wellbeing, and LMNT
Silver Sponsors: Southern Belle Birdies, Fit4MOM, Tiny Spoon Chef, Heart Space Vibes, Young Family Farm, and The Hot Room TN
Bronze Sponsors: Moxie, Prime IV, and Twine Graphics
Their involvement highlights the strong support behind this project and the shared commitment to making Franklin a more inclusive place for all families. Sponsors were recognized throughout the morning, and several had team members on site to meet attendees and share their mission.
As the morning wrapped up, attendees gathered to hear closing remarks and enjoy one last opportunity to reflect. Melissa Mooney-Lopez acknowledged the strong turnout and the shared intention behind the event, expressing appreciation for the community’s support of Ellie G’s Dream World and the collective effort to make meaningful change through movement and connection.
A Space for Every Child
Ellie G’s Dream World represents more than just a new playground; it’s a symbol of what’s possible when a community comes together with empathy, vision, and purpose. With funds raised through events like Yoga in the Park, the dream of a place where all children can laugh, play, and grow side by side is gradually becoming a reality.
The project is a key initiative of Friends of Franklin Parks, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and enhancing the public park system in Franklin. Since its founding, Friends of Franklin Parks has worked to preserve green space, fund major park improvements, and promote wellness through nature-based initiatives. Their work on Ellie G’s Dream World reflects their broader mission to make parks more accessible and welcoming to all.
As the lead fundraising and advocacy partner for Ellie G’s Dreamworld, Friends of Franklin Parks is coordinating donor outreach, public engagement, and partnership development. The organization has helped secure matching funds from the City of Franklin and continues to mobilize the community to bring the project to life.
Once built, Ellie G’s Dream World will serve as both a tribute to Ellie’s life and a lasting resource for children and families across the region.
To donate or learn more about Ellie G’s Dream World, visit Friends of Franklin Parks.
Yoga in the Park 2025: Photo Gallery
Take a closer look at the moments that made this year’s Yoga in the Park special. From families gathered on the lawn to children trying yoga poses, these photos reflect the heart of the event and the momentum behind Ellie G’s Dream World. Scroll through the gallery to see how Franklin showed up in support of community, care, and inclusive play for all.
Explore More Outdoor and Wellness Stories
If you’re interested in more ways to stay active and connected in Franklin and Williamson County, check out some of our related stories. From fitness resources and running routes to outdoor dining and summer fun, these articles highlight local ways to explore and unwind.
Read about local fitness options in Getting Fit in Williamson County, Tennessee: Gyms, Studios, Recreational Facilities, and More, or find your pace with Ready, Set: Resources for Runners in Franklin.
Looking for seasonal ideas? Cool off with Beat the Heat This Summer in Franklin and Williamson County With Fun Activities & Cool Refreshments, or discover one of the city’s newest green spaces in Franklin Celebrates the Grand Opening of Bicentennial Park.
You can also learn where to enjoy meals outside with Outdoor Dining at The Factory at Franklin: Where to Eat Al Fresco, or gather inspiration for entertaining in In Good Company: Host the Perfect Summer Cookout in Williamson County, Tennessee.
