During the Feb. 6 Franklin Town Council meeting, Town Manager Amie Owens presented a contract for Artisan Skateparks to build the new skatepark on the Whitmire property (Sunnyside Park). The original estimate was for $294,750; however, Owens said the town will do the site grading, which will reduce the contract amount to $262,250. The contract was unanimously approved. Owens said the town will begin the grading work in March and construction could begin in May or June. The contractor has requested 150 days to complete the project.
Related to the skatepark, it was reported $101,674 had been collected through fundraisers, donations, and the $35,000 commitment from the county. The town also has a $50,000 grant to help with the costs of developing the park. Tim Shaw from Sk828 said they will continue fundraising to benefit the park.
Streets Supervisor Chris Waldroop reported he had done a walk through at the skatepark at First United Methodist Church and the town’s new signs have been put up there. At the January meeting, the council approved an agreement with the church for the town to operate the skatepark. The partnership was proposed as an option while the town’s new skatepark at the Whitmire property is under construction. The agreement is through December 2024 but can be terminated with 60 days notice.