A recent addition to the heart of Franklin, Youngs Creek Park, offers everything you could want in a park experience. Originally planned as a solution to the city’s flooding problems, Franklin went above and beyond in its design to include something for everyone. Within this 15-acre greenspace, you’ll find a splash pad, playground, pickleball courts, walking trail, vendor areas, an amphitheater, and more! This is a destination you don’t want to miss!
Youngs Creek Park Playground
Kids are usually awed by the size and variety of equipment on this playground! Older kids will love the climbers, ropes, nets, and double slides where they can race a friend. There are even expression swings where you can swing with a friend or an adult and a child can swing together. A favorite for many is the spinning rope swing. Up to three people can sit on the seats, hold onto the rope, and then spin in circles, sometimes going sideways if it’s going fast enough!
Two designated areas for children aged 2 to 5 have smaller slides, rope courses, and some musical instruments. All areas have a rubber surface, are bright and colorful, and have shade coverings. There are benches scattered throughout the space so you can take a break and watch your kids from every angle.
Splash Pad
Highlights of Franklin’s first splash pad include in-ground sprayers, overhead sprinklers, filling buckets, and even a spinning sprayer. Sponsored by The American Water Charitable Foundation, the splash pad is conservation-focused and uses a recirculation system that reuses some water in the splash pad and some in watering the grounds. There is educational signage to teach the environmental benefits of this project. It is open seasonally from dawn to dusk. To turn it on, simply touch the arrow on the yellow post on the edge of the splash pad.
Pickleball at Youngs Creek Park
On the west end of the park, you’ll find eight pickleball courts. Bring your pickleball racket and ball and either join a game or start your own. Older kids will love this simple twist on the game of tennis.
Walking Trail
The walking trail loops from the parking lot to the pickleball courts, past the playground and splash pad, and back to the parking lot. If you are looking for a longer trek, the new pedestrian bridge past the pickleball courts links to the Franklin Greenway Trail. This trail is 17 miles long and takes you through nine of Franklin’s parks. You’ll also travel through woods and wetlands, and follow along Youngs Creek.
Amphitheater
The DriveHubler.com Amphitheater places Young’s Creek Park in a class by itself. With space to seat 5,000 people, this area is a centerpiece of the park. From May through September, there are at least two free concerts held here each month. The inaugural 2022 Concert Series was sponsored by Festival Country Indiana and has featured Hairbangers Ball, My Yellow Rickshaw, and Boy Band Review, just to name a few.
There is also a free Family Movie Series and Free Kids Zumba that takes place here. On Saturdays during the Farmer’s Market, you can join a pop-up exercise class. Weekends throughout the year feature Franklin’s festivals, such as Hops and Vines and the Ice Cream Social. The schedule for events can be found on Franklin’s webpage and Discover Downtown Franklin.
Vendor Areas
One of the unique features of Youngs Creek Park is its well-designed vendor area. Stretching along both sides of the amphitheater, this area is complete with paved pathways, picnic tables, beautiful landscaping, and twinkling lights overhead in the evenings. On Saturday mornings from June through September, the Franklin Farmer’s Market sets up in this space from 8am until noon. You’ll find over fifty booths with Indiana-grown produce, flower bouquets, homemade juices, warm donuts, and unique landscape art.
During events at the amphitheater, food trucks set up in this area. It’s the perfect spot to browse for your favorite foods and then sit at a table and enjoy them.
Other Amenities at Youngs Creek Park
Restrooms are available in the red brick buildings on either side of the amphitheater. There are also currently three shelter areas with picnic tables donated by Mutual Bank. Bike racks are located on the east end of the park. Ample parking can be found at the main entrance of Youngs Creek Park off of Monroe Street. There is also parking off of Jefferson Street.
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Address
237 West Monroe Street
Franklin
IN
46131
Visit Youngs Creek Park is an Exciting Hub of Activity in Franklin