Franklin Community Park

Specific Need

We are seeking support to help maintain and sustain Franklin Community Park, which became part of our organization following our merger with the Franklin Community Council, Inc. While volunteers play an important role, the ongoing needs of the park—maintenance, security, gardening, lighting, playground safety, and daily operations—place a significant demand on our resources.

Support for our Park Endowment Fund helps ensure that we can hire staff to keep the gardens cared for, the playgrounds safe, and all equipment and grounds well maintained for families throughout Southeast Kansas. Reservation records show that the park is regularly used by visitors from far beyond Franklin, underscoring its value as a regional gathering place. Your contribution helps us preserve this community asset for all who enjoy it.

Profile

Miners Hall Museum proudly maintains and operates Franklin Community Park, a beautiful public space open at no cost to visitors. The park sees consistently high usage from residents and families across Southeast Kansas.

Our walking path is one of the park’s most popular features. The trail encircles the park and provides a safe, accessible route for daily exercise (six laps equal one mile). The park also offers free pavilion reservations, ensuring that families and groups have access to the shelter, BBQ pit, and other amenities for gatherings and events.

Franklin Community Park serves as a true community hub. Visitors enjoy picnics, family celebrations, playground activities, basketball, horseshoes, and the bocce court. The Memorial Garden has even hosted weddings. The park’s thoughtful layout and diverse amenities make it a welcoming destination for people of all ages.

Historic features throughout the park tell the story of Franklin’s heritage. Informational signs highlight the significance of each artifact. The brick structures and entry signage—built by Ray Hamblin, John Nepote, and Melvin Patrick—reflect the craftsmanship of local residents. The Sacred Heart and angels, once part of St. Philip Neri Church, were generously donated by the Toschi/Pitts family and now adorn the park’s main sign. Many historic elements were preserved by dedicated volunteers led by Henry Ashbacher and Craig Stokes; Henry also oversaw the construction of the pavilion.

Following the devastating 2003 tornado, support for the community came from near and far. Actor and director Paul Newman contributed funds for the park’s storm siren, while New York jewelry designer Joan Hornig donated unique pieces to assist with rebuilding efforts.

The park is also home to a portion of the historic Franklin Sidewalk, listed on both the State and National Historic Registers. Visitors can continue their walk onto this 1.9-mile path—the longest continuous sidewalk connecting two towns (Franklin and Arma). We invite you to "Walk the Walk" along this historic site.  In addition, the park sits along the well-known Jefferson Highway, also recognized as the Frontier Military Scenic Byway.

Franklin Community Park remains a treasured gathering place, blending recreation, history, and community spirit for all who visit.