Leisure & Outdoors
Working Hard and Playing Big
Whether it’s fishing on the Blackwater River, playing baseball on one of the many city fields, or just a walk through the park, the city of Franklin offers year-round recreation for children, families and senior citizens alike. Eleven, well-maintained and convenient facilities seem to be continually in use for weddings, softball tournaments and good old-fashioned barbecues.
Undoubtedly one of the most popular of Franklin’s parks is Barrett’s Landing, located within walking distance from downtown Franklin. Have lunch in the gazebo overlooking the scenic Blackwater River. With a wharf and foot bridge around the water’s edge, Barrett’s Landing is a perfect setting for a brisk walk, fishing, or just sitting and enjoying the peace and quiet. Barrett’s Landing is also the site of a diverse offering of summer concerts.
The many recreational parks in Franklin offer facilities for football, soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, tennis and swimming. Playgrounds and picnic tables abound. The city offers something for everyone with: Armory Drive Recreational Park, Bruce Street Park, College Drive Park, Hayden Sports Complex (multi-purpose fields for soccer, baseball and football), Memorial park, High Street Park, and Paul D. Camp field (softball).
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center is a community-based recreation center where children, adults, and senior citizens can enjoy arts & crafts, fitness, sports, life skills enrichment or family activities.
In addition to the city parks, Franklin enjoys an incredible YMCA facility. With two gymnasiums, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis, handball and racquetball courts, Nautilus center and Jacuzzi, the Franklin Y is second to none.
For golfers, the Cypress Cove Country Club sports an 18-hole, par 72 golf course with pro shop. Golfers can take a dip in the swimming pool, grab some afternoon tennis or relax in the elegant clubhouse.
For the fishing enthusiast, Franklin’s many ponds and rivers are home to bass, speckle, brim and catfish. Some striper fishing is available in the Blackwater and Nottoway rivers. Many hunt clubs are active in the fall and winter season. Franklin is exceptionally fine for hunting deer and duck.
Indoor recreational facilities include a 25 lane bowling facility.
Of course, Franklin wouldn’t be the true charm that it is without its numerous festivals, cruise in car show, summer concerts… you name it. When it comes to play time, Franklin’s Thinking Big!