Franklin Plans To Build Amphitheater, Expand Park In Area Known For Flooding

FRANKLIN, Ind. — The Mayor of Franklin says the city is planning to spend around $1.75 million to help relocate several businesses that are in an area that sees considerable flooding and renovate that space to build an amphitheater and expand a nearby park.

Mayor Steve Barnett says the city has purchased the land south of the Johnson County Courthouse near Province Park along Young’s Creek and develop 14-acres into a greenspace that would attract concerts and festivals, as well as host special events like the city’s farmer’s market.

According to The Daily Journal, the city has already agreed to spend $850,000 to buy Graham’s Wrecker Service and Generations Collision Services to help both businesses relocate.

“The plan is to tear down all those buildings that are flooded and kind of an eyesore and have an amphitheater with a park area and a place that the community can use for years,” says Mayor Barnett.

Since a major flood that nearly crippled the Franklin in June 2007, city leaders have focused on renovating many empty buildings, including Garment Factory Events, which opened in 2017 as an event center for wedding receptions and parties.  The building was the site of an old factory that made clothing and underpants and had been closed for more than 30 years. 

The proposed greenspace and amphitheater would be within parking and walking distance of Garment Factory Events.

“Our main goal is trying to get our children where they want to come back to Franklin, where they want Franklin to be their hometown,” says Mayor Barnett who says he would like to see those who come to attend Franklin College stay and make Franklin their home.

The businesses that are in that area will relocate next year with construction on the amphitheater and park planned to begin next summer.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ARTIST RENDERINGS OF THE PROPOSED AMPHITHEATER AND GREENSPACE IN FRANKLIN.

Photo: Courtesy of The City of Franklin