Mill City Park - Partnerships and Whitewater Recreation

Mill City Park in the city of Franklin is New England’s first whitewater park built on a natural river, which transformed Franklin’s historic mill town identity into a hub for outdoor recreation, community revitalization, and water-based adventure. Anchored on the Winnipesaukee River, the park includes engineered whitewater features for paddling and surfing, adjacent trails and green space, a riverside campground, and gathering areas designed for events and festivals. Since its inception, the project has expanded beyond river enhancements to include new trail connections, community spaces, and youth programs. These investments highlight Franklin’s commitment to using water sports and riverfront development as a catalyst for recreation, economic growth, and community pride.

The Problem

For decades, Franklin struggled with vacant mill buildings, declining downtown vitality, and underutilized natural assets. Despite the Winnipesaukee River running through the city, its turbulent waters were largely overlooked as a recreational resource. The community faced challenges in diversifying recreational offerings, attracting visitors, and leveraging natural features for economic benefit. Without a bold investment in outdoor recreation, Franklin risked missing opportunities to reinvent itself as a destination and improve quality of life for residents.

The Solution

Franklin embraced the idea of a whitewater park as a transformative project that would celebrate the river while stimulating economic and community revitalization. Through strong partnerships with local nonprofits, private donors, and public agencies, the city developed Mill City Park—a destination for paddlers, tubers, anglers, and spectators. In addition to in-river wave features, the project included construction of riverside trails, camping facilities, a pavilion, and programming designed to bring residents and visitors together. By pairing river-based recreation with land-based amenities, Franklin positioned Mill City Park as both a local asset and a regional draw.

How They Did It

• Capital investments in river and land infrastructure: Designed and built engineered whitewater features, riverside trails, campgrounds, and a community pavilion.
• Public–private partnership model: Established Mill City Park as a nonprofit working alongside the City of Franklin to leverage funding, secure permits, and oversee operations.
• Collaboration with regional partners: Partnered with the Franklin Business & Industrial Development Corporation, local paddling groups, and statewide organizations to secure resources and expertise.
• Volunteer and community engagement: Engaged residents in clean-ups, fundraising, and event planning, creating a strong sense of ownership and pride.
• Phased implementation: Broke the project into manageable phases, allowing early wins to build momentum for long-term investments.
• Economic development alignment: Coordinated with downtown revitalization efforts to ensure the park supported local businesses and tourism.

The Goal

To transform the Winnipesaukee River into a community and economic development engine by creating New England’s first whitewater park, while building supporting infrastructure that fosters year-round recreation and stewardship.

What Makes It Work

• Effective partnerships: Nonprofit, city, business, and volunteer collaborations created a shared vision and sustained progress.
• Catalyst for revitalization: Linking the whitewater park with downtown development amplified both recreation and economic impact.
• Accessible, multi-layered amenities: Combining paddling features with trails, camping, and gathering spaces broadened the park’s appeal.
• Community ownership: Volunteer involvement and local fundraising fostered strong buy-in and long-term stewardship.
• Phased, adaptive approach: Incremental successes helped maintain momentum and adapt to new opportunities.

The Bigger Message

Franklin’s Mill City Park demonstrates how water sports and effective partnerships can spark community transformation. By reclaiming a river as the centerpiece of recreation and revitalization, Franklin created a destination that blends outdoor adventure with economic development. The project shows how collaboration between nonprofits, municipalities, businesses, and residents can turn natural assets into engines of recreation, pride, and prosperity.