Franklin has a diverse history. Downtown Franklin exists because of the rivers and mill buildings. We are now ready to reuse the rivers to repurpose and reinvent ourselves focusing on recreational activities and a true sense of community.

Although we are presently the smallest and poorest city in New Hampshire, we are poised and heading in the right direction with momentum to change that. We are ready to overcome common place issues such as obesity, drug addiction, crime, lack of economic opportunity and stigma that challenge many small towns by bringing in new opportunities. 

Our non-profit, PermaCityLife was founded in 2014 to act as a catalytic organization to bring Franklin Falls Revitalization Plan to life. We have acquired sufficient real estate in the heart of downtown, and are now positioned to carry forward the vision that has been laid out and supported by the community. Yet, the market alone will not drive development in downtown Franklin.

We need a catalyst to support our residents, visitors, restaurants and new businesses. This iconic outdoor destination will give that boost.

Vision for An Iconic Outdoor Destination

A diverse and motivated partnership of community members are planning to improve our community’s quality of life through getting dirty or wet at our new park:

• Community Garden, which will supply our residents with fresh and organic fruits and vegetables free of charge
• Whitewater Park on the Winnipesaukee River enabling whitewater kayakers, surfers, stand up paddleboarders to utilize our river year round
• Mountain Bike Pump Track winding through the hills and valleys adjacent to the river, designed for each and every rider

The combination of a whitewater park and a pump track in close proximity to a downtown exists nowhere else in New England, making Franklin the next stop for any outdoor recreationalist.

With Your Help

Our goal is to raise $45,000 in order to pay certified engineers from McLaughlin Whitewater and trail designers from Highland Trails. In return, these companies will provide conceptual designs, detailed designs and planning documentation to support the construction of this iconic destination.

By supporting us in the creation of an innovative community park you’ll be supporting the revitalization of this historic mill town - one that is rooted in the principles of sustainability and community development.

PermaCityLife is  a NH non-profit with Franklin Business and Industrial Development Corporation as our 501 (c) 3 fiscal sponsor. All donation made to our campaign are tax deductible. 

Our Project in Numbers

Whitewater Park Consultation Services with McLaughlin Whitewater: $28,000
Pump Track Master Plan with Highland Mountain Bike Park: $15,000
Indiegogo Campaign Fees: $2,000

The Impact

Through getting dirty and wet, we plan on having a positive impact on every person in town, even those who do not take full advantage of our park. Our project will:

• Increase the community’s quality of life 

• Increase property values 

• Develop a community identity & build a sense of pride 

• Create environmental attachment & promote Franklin as a regional outdoors destination
• Provide opportunities to community, business owners, sponsors, vendors & entrepreneurs

The community garden will not only provides a green space in the heart of downtown but also a place for people to socialize, and enjoy the edibles planted by our own community members.  Our partnership with Franklin Regional Hospital, the Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Coalition and Pay It Forward Farm will help increase access to local organic food grown right in our community.

The Winnipesaukee River is already a whitewater kayaker’s playground, However, it is only at a suitable level when dams upstream release water. Altering the mill infested river sustainably to improve the quality and safety of the rapids would provide the public continuous use of the river. This amenity - a 1.5 mile feature from Cross Mill Bridge to Trestle View Park-would be the first of its kind in New England.

While kayakers are running the rapids, bikers can be enjoying the Mountain Bike Pump Track adjacent to the river. Our neighbor and staple in the biking world, Highland Mountain Bike Park, will design a course enjoyable for people of all ages and skill levels.

Kayaking and Mountain Biking are sports which promote flow moments – a moment in which a person is totally engulfed in the activity. Flow moment sports have direct connections to personal happiness, and are being used to combat issues such as; PTSD, cancer and drug addiction in other parts of the country.

According to a recent study, Franklin's Outdoor Activities & Associated Economic Impact, developed with NH Department of Resources and Economic Development office, it was estimated that iconic amenities such as these would account for $6.8 Million in direct spending, and another $4.68 Million via indirect and induced spending into the local economy.

This park is a holistic solution to some of the issues Franklin’s residents live day to day.

Challenges

This campaign will provide the designs and engineering documentation necessary to start building. However, it will not provide the funds for the actual construction. Our collaborative team, will have to raise additional funds to begin the implementation phase. However, given our dedication and successful public-private partnership, we are confident that we will achieve our vision.

Another issue is perception, for a long time these buildings were closed, vacant and deteriorating. Seeing them vibrant with activity and construction is wonderful and it combats the idea that Franklin’s history is Franklin’s future.

About PermaCityLife

PermaCityLife, was formally created in 2014 to serve as the catalytic organization focused on bringing the Franklin Falls Revitalization Plan to life.

Our mission is to lead the charge for positive and sustainable economic growth in downtown Franklin while protecting past investments. We are working in partnership with local government, private investors, and the philanthropic sector to support and develop specific real estate projects in downtown Franklin. 

Our vision is to create a model for cities to become more self-reliant and to transition away from their dependence on fossil fuels with an emphasis on protecting our drinking water, creating renewable energy, ensuring local food supplies, and implementing zero waste measures. We hope to pioneer a new approach to building a collaborative and resilient downtown, turning downtown into a vibrant micro-­urban centerpiece.

This is the largest adaptive reuse project in Franklin’s history. We’ve acquired seven large block buildings and three of the mills. Carefully selected development projects are underway that will set into motion a new logic for our downtown. Reactivating our dormant mill buildings is a priority with the capacity to trigger a ripple effect of multidimensional change that will fundamentally remake the value and function of our downtown.

What We Have Achieved

Over the past 12 months, a host of residents, volunteers, local officials, non-profit organizations, business owners, entrepreneurs, social partners, colleges and high schools have collaborated on multiple projects.

A new Community Based Sustainability degree program was developed in collaboration with Colby Sawyer College. Funding was procured for a $12 Million renovation of a historic mill to provide 45 new rental housing units in downtown. Mill renovations and openings of multiple businesses; Toad Hall, the Franklin Studio coffee shop and the Franklin Clothing Company. Renovations are currently ongoing with team members and volunteers for Outdoor New England, Take Root Coworking and a new Franklin based brewery. Last but not least, a new downtown sculpture park where the artist upcycles broken car parts and transforms them into art.

We won't stop here. We have more projects and initatives lined up for the future. To learn more, visit: www.permacitylife.com

Please Support our Community

If you can’t donate, it doesn’t mean you can’t help. We need to make noise about our project and Franklin’s Revitalization!

Use Indiegogo’s built in tools to share and re-share this campaign to your social media network.

Every like and every re-share help our community get closer to our goal!