WELCOME TO MILL CITY PARK AT FRANKLIN FALLS

Experience the beauty of nature in the heart of Franklin, NH.

At New England's first whitewater park and our land-based park, you are sure to find an an outdoor adventure! Learn more about the range of activities available, our ongoing project, community impact, and get involved today!

Our Story

Check out our new 2025 T-Shirt!

Discover MILL CITY PARK

Mill City Park at Franklin Falls is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to connecting the community to the Winnipesaukee River by creating access to outdoor recreation at the first whitewater park in New England and a land-based park. Our land and river park highlights the natural resources available in Franklin, and we encourage the community to explore all of the ways to recreate and enjoy nature on the Winnipesaukee River and on the scenic trails at the land-based park. We are committed to the conservation and stewardship of the land to ensure that the park is preserved for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity.

Master Plan

Strategic Plan

EXPERIENCE THE WHITEWATER PARK

EXPLORE NATURE ON THE TRAILS

GET INVOLVED: BE A PART OF THE PARK

Explore More

STAY IN THE LOOP

2025 Annual Meeting - President's Address

The President's Address at the 2025 Annual Meeting

I'm not going to lie...

I didn't want to host the 2025 Boat Bash Snow Crash this year. Rewinding to last year, I was defeated by mother nature on a few different...

Extraordinary Times with Extraordinary People

We live in extraordinary times, where technological marvels continue to reshape every aspect of our lives. Over the past four decades,...

UPCOMING EVENTS

From big whitewater festivals to chili cook offs to polar plunges to haunted trails to 5K races to yoga in the park... Our events are about bringing the community together!

Want to get involved, volunteer, or sponsor an event? Reach out!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Boat Bash Snow Crash - March 1 2025

UPCOMING - SAVE THE DATE

Winni River Days - June 13-14 2025

Festival del Taco - September 2025

Haunted River Walk - October 2025

SHARE YOUR ADVENTURES

Share your unforgettable moments at Mill City Park with the world.

Follow and tag us @millcityparkatfranklinfalls to be featured on our social media channels.

The Boatercross Race is definitely a crowd favorite at Winni River Days. This head to head competition really pushed speed, agility, endurance, and technique! The crowd cheered on as the kayakers battled to cross the finish line.

We love to see the community come together and get involved in the excitement! We are so lucky to have the Winnipesaukee River run through our great city and for all of the outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities it brings.

📸 @scottmartinimages

#community #whitewater #whitewaterkayak #boatercross #boaterx #newhampshire #getoutside @jackson.kayak @wernerpaddles @nrsweb

We are so incredibly grateful to the folks at @lakesregionconservationtrust for helping us on our conservation land to improve the trails and problem solve a very wet portion of the trail. Along with our board members and community volunteers, the LRCT crew taught us a lot about trail building so we can continue to improve outdoor recreation opportunities in our great city!

Did you know we have 18 acres of conservation land along the banks of the Winnipeasaukre River that we steward with the help of our friends at @lakesregionconservationtrust ? The trail connects Mill City Park to Cross Mill Rd!

Thank you again to Phil, Matt, Tessa and Shae from LRCT for all of your hard work. Thank you to our board members Christy and Nick, and our wonderful volunteers Sam, Liz, Tom, and Chip for getting dirty with us!!!

Check out our recap from Winni River Days 2025! Boats, bikes, trail races, entertainment, food, and community. A perfect weekend!

We love to celebrate all of the outdoor recreation available in our region and our great state of New Hampshire. Recently, Governor Ayotte proclaimed June 10, 2025 as NH Outdoor Industry Day to honor the vital role of outdoor recreation to the Granite State’s economy, workforce, and way of life.

“From our beaches to our mountains, to our lakes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in our state, and I’m so proud of the people and businesses who help showcase our natural beauty. Today, on New Hampshire Outdoor Industry Day, we’re honoring the businesses, nonprofits, and individuals who are building a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant Granite State through the power of the outdoors.”

As a 501(c)3 non profit organization, we are so proud to be a part of creating more opportunities and greater access to the great outdoors and to bring people together at our events. Thank you to all of our sponsors, supporters, and volunteers for helping us to strengthen our community through our continued work.

To read @kelly4nh proclamation, visit https://www.nheconomy.com/News-Press/Gov-Ayotte-Proclaims-June-10-NH-Outdoor-Industry-D

To help us continue to be a leader in the outdoor recreation industry in NH, visit https://www.millcitypark.com/get-involved

🎥Videography by @scottmartinimages

Check out the @highland_mtn Ride Zone at Winni River Days!

We are so appreciative of our friends at Highland Mountain Bike Park for showcasing mountain biking as one of the many outdoor activities available in our region. There are so many trails available for folks of all skill levels to experience! The @foothillsfoundationnh @nemba_mtb @franklinoutingclub @winnirivertrail and @highland_mtn are just some of the organizations that work on trail maintenance and extending networks throughout the region.

The range of outdoor activities available here makes our community so unique. We hope you choose to get outside today - on land or water!

📸 photography by @scottmartinimages

Winni River Days is a celebration of the Community of Franklin just as much as it is a celebration of the Winnipesaukee River.

A community is a group of people who share something in common, such as a geographic location, interests, background, or purpose. These shared ideals or circumstances lead to a sense of belonging. Maybe what connects you to our community is living in Franklin or perhaps it is wanting more opportunities for folks of all ages to recreate outside. Perhaps you enjoy having public parks and greenspaces to visit. Maybe you fish, paddle, or swim and the Winni is important to you. It could be that you enjoy events, getting outside, having a bite to eat downtown, and connecting with friends old and new. Whatever your personal reasons are for being a part of our vibrant community, we are thankful you are here.

Take a look at some of the smiles captured at Winni River Days. We are so grateful for the continued support of folks in Franklin and beyond. Thank you for coming to our events, bringing friends, lending a hand, volunteering, fundraising, or cheering us on. Together we can do so much for our community!

📸 photography by @scottmartinimages

Winni River Days is a celebration of our community and the Winnipesaukee River. The Winni is the epicenter of everything in Franklin and an important part of the history of our small but mighty city. The river connects the past days of the bustling Mill Industry to the present days of exciting outdoor recreation opportunities.

The first event of Winni River Days is always the Downriver Race. Individuals or teams can race from Cross Mill Road to the finish line at the Wave in kayaks, canoes, or rafts. Check out some of our favorite photos from the race and get a look into the excitement, smiles, and competitive spirit!

Mill City Park has been putting on Winni River Days for the last 7 years with the help of our generous sponsors, volunteers, and community partners. We are eternally grateful to everyone that lends a hand, donates, shares our events, attends our events, or cheers us on from the background.

If you wish to help us continue to improve the park and access to outdoor recreation in our region, bring free or low-cost events to the community, and steward the the conservation land, please consider donating or becoming a sponsor. Your support means we can keep going!
https://www.millcitypark.com/getinvolved

📸photography by @scottmartinimages

Thank you to our amazing community for coming out and supporting another successful Winni River Days!

A special thank you to The City of Franklin , the Franklin Fire Department, and the Franklin Police Department.

Thank you to our sponsors and volunteers - none of these community focused events would be possible without your support.

Thank you to the bands, food trucks, supporters, and everyone that came out to make our annual celebration of the river and community a success!

We had neighbors, partners, City Councilors, local residents, folks from out of state travel here for the event, and people coming to Franklin for the first time to enjoy the festivities. We are PROUD of our small city and the natural resources, businesses, and people that make our community so special.

We have many photos and videos to share with you after we take a few days off to rest.

Again, thank you for being a part of the weekend and we look forward to our next event!!!

The races and fun continue today!!!
Saturday at Winni River Days:
11AM Boatercross
12PM 5K Trail Race
2:30PM Freestyle Rodeo

Don’t forget, food trucks, @highland_mtn mountain bike pump track, vendors, and live music!!! Beer from @vulgarbrewingco and @kettleheadbrewing! The event opens at 11am. Come by and celebrate the Winnipessaukee River and our community!!!

Parking maps, event schedule, and tickets to participate in the races here ➡️ https://www.millcitypark.com/winniriverdays

🎶 Free Live Music at Winni River Days is back!🎶 this year the music is sponsored by our friends at @masonalarms 🙌

Friday night at 5pm we have Doug Thompson and Saturday evening at 4pm we have @thebackporchdevelopment to keep the celebratory vibes going! Bring your dancing shoes down to Trestle View Park June 13-14 🎵

Want more information or the whole schedule of events? Check it out here: https://www.millcitypark.com/winniriverdays

Woohoo! We have a lot of excitement, competition, and races over the Winni River Days weekend. Registration is now open!
This year, we are partnering with @newenglandslalomseries and added their Sunday Slalom Race to our ULTIMATE TICKET PACKAGE that gets you into every single event happening on the water (and even on land with the 5K trail race if you’re up for it). Check it out:

Downriver Race:
The downriver race runs from Cross Mill Rd to the wave at Trestle view park. Classes are based on participation, but typically include overall, women’s, short boat (9’ and under), and rafts.

Boatercross:
Heats of 4 kayakers race head to head through Zippy’s, around gates and each other. Mayhem ensues and the top paddlers from each heat advance to the next round. Length limit for boats is 9’.

Freestyle Rodeo Competition:
Kayakers surf the wave and see who can impress the judges with the best and biggest tricks in 60 seconds. Expert, novice, and women’s classes, other classes can be added as needed based on participants (ie juniors).

@newenglandslalomseries :
Feel like an Olympian while you race through gates against yourself, your friends, and the clock! Many classes available. Be sure to check out their website for more info!

Tickets here: https://www.millcitypark.com/winniriverdays

Check out the new 2025 tshirt and sweatshirt designs we have made to celebrate the Winnipesaukee River, the great outdoors, recreation in our region, and our community!

“The river connects us” design 🌊
The city of Franklin was built on the power of the Winnipesaukee River and our community has always depended on and relied upon the Winni. This design is a reminder that we are all connected to the river and each other.

“Get outside!” Design 🌲
There are wonderful things to do in Franklin, NH! Mountain biking, whitewater kayaking, fishing, bird watching, and more! We encourage you to get outside, appreciate the nature around us, and celebrate the natural resources that make outdoor recreation possible in our region.

These designs are available for sale now through @bonfire Check them out!! https://www.bonfire.com/store/mill-city-park-store/

We are so grateful to all of our event sponsors for their support and contributions to Winni River Days! To keep the festivities and entertainment free for everyone, we rely on the meaningful support of these community businesses and organizations to help Mill City Park offset the costs of such a large event. We are so excited for this years Winni River Days and all of the good vibes, neighborly connections, bands, food, vendors, and more!!!

@franklinsavingsbanknh
@masonalarms
@church.one
@highland_mtn
@mix941fm
@graniteoutdoor
@outdoornewengland
@blackfly.canoes

Woohoo!!! The first round of engraved bricks have been installed in Mill City Park under the timber frame pavilion. We are so grateful to the volunteers that helped out on Sunday!

We are opening orders for more bricks and will install the next round after we reach the threshold we need to complete the project. Please consider purchasing a brick to make your mark in the park or to honor a loved one. The bricks are a fundraiser to help Mill City Park continue with our mission to create and sustain an iconic land and river park along the Winnipesaukee River. Our vision is to continually develop and stewardship a unique riverfront destination within the City of Franklin.

https://www.millcitypark.com/shop

Thank you for supporting our work and helping to make this once abandoned industrial site a beautiful place for the community to get outside. 🌱

You may have heard, @choosefranklin Community Day will be on the same Saturday as Winni River Days! More fun, more community, more to do in Franklin!

Both events are still open to vendors and sponsors but the deadline is fast approaching and we have limited space.

To vend at Winni River Days next to Trestle View Park: https://www.millcitypark.com/winniriverdays

To vend at Community Day in Odell Park: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdl7VA8FVeO0b9EyaQcV5Udd-F3w1V22VYa8qSRBzq46yC0WQ/viewform?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwKURRZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHnCs-2nt2IWmXf4EkRWKxxH8Qara46p7gewq5NM8sX9YAsNykFekXd4k4jZ8_aem_vONx-RR7FQtz6Y5HC1AvDw

The park is alive with bird song! Have you tried using the @merlin.bird.id app to learn about which species are nearby? It can be really fun to learn the individual songs and calls of the birds in our region and then be able to pick them out on your next hike or walk.

We hope you take some time to enjoy this beautiful spring season ☀️ in our wonderful outdoor recreation areas along the Winnipesaukee River!

Thank you to everyone that took the time to come to the 2025 Annual Meeting, ask engaging questions, volunteering, donating, supporting, and being a vital piece of our story. We look forward to this next year of community events, projects, and growth!

Here is an excerpt from the President’s Address at the meeting,
“The first time I came to Franklin was for the Winnipesaukee River, but I keep coming back for the community. All of us who are
here tonight, and many who are not, are passionate about this community. I see that passion and commitment in the help we get for our work days in the park, the countless volunteers at our events, the art and beautification work put in by volunteers. I walk into a restaurant or business here not as merely a patron, but as a friend.

We also see that passion for the community in the discussions of the best path forward for Franklin, even if we don’t agree on what that path is.”

Keep reading here: https://www.millcitypark.com/post/2025-president-s-address

Turn up the volume for 20 seconds of peace. Better yet, get outside and enjoy the sounds of nature this Spring!

This little slice of paradise is located in the Mill City park conservation land along the banks of the Winnipesaukee River. Did you know that we work with @lakesregionconservationtrust to manage our 18 acres of conservation land?

We have some great trail improvements planned this spring and summer and hope it will inspire more folks out to enjoy this beautiful land along the river!

Join the Mill City Park at Franklin Falls Board of Directors and staff for our annual meeting on May 8 at the Elks Lodge starting at 5:30PM.

This meeting is a wonderful opportunity to meet the team, get the latest updates on our projects, celebrate our successes over the last year, learn how to get involved, and ask questions.

The event is FREE but you must RSVP to attend. Complimentary light refreshments will be available as well as a cash bar.

Learn more and RSVP here: https://www.millcitypark.com/event-details/2025-annual-meeting

We showed the @plymouthstate Ecotourism class around Mill City Park yesterday and discussed how we transformed an abandoned industrial site into an outdoor space for all to enjoy. We discussed the history of the paper mills, invasive species, ecology, land management, and tourism with the class while enjoying the sunshine!

The park is a unique place where nature meets the city and where history meets the present. We are grateful for the opportunity to steward this land and make something special for the region to enjoy. If you have a class or group that would like a tour, please reach out to us!

#ecotourism #newengland #newhampshire

We have so many new followers and wanted to take a moment to introduce ourselves:
Mill City Park at Franklin Falls is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to connecting the community to the Winnipesaukee River by creating access to outdoor recreation at the first whitewater park in New England as well as a land-based park along the banks of the river. Our park highlights the natural resources available in Franklin, and we encourage the community to explore all of the ways to recreate
and enjoy nature on the Winnipesaukee River.
On land and water, we will continue to develop
and steward a unique riverfront destination within the City of Franklin, as the centerpiece of a dynamic, thriving, and inclusive community.

We steward conservation land and work with our partners to remove invasive species, minimize erosion, and build trails. We have an amazing group of volunteers that help us keep the park clean as well as help make our super fun community events a success.

Check out our timeline to really grasp how we turned an abandoned industrial site into a place where people can get outside, hike, bike, paddle, fish, and enjoy.

If you find our work meaningful, please consider supporting us with a donation, volunteering, or sharing our events and news with your friends.

https://www.millcitypark.com/get-involved

#millcitypark #franklinfallsnh #whitewater #conservation #winnipesaukeeriver

The sun has been reminding us that Spring is actually here despite the snow we received on Monday!!!! What activities excite you most about the Spring? What new things might you try out this season?

Mill City Park is an outdoor space along the banks of and within the Winnipesaukee River for everyone to enjoy in their own way. Some of our favorite activities are hiking, paddling, fishing, bird watching, boogie boarding, and finding a peaceful moment to simply sit by the river. However you choose to get outside, we hope you make time to get some fresh air and sunshine while enjoying nature.

The sun is out and we love to see the different ways folks utilize the river, the park, and get outside!!!

Whether you fish, paddle, picnic, meditate, bike, walk, hike, or relax… the river is for everyone to enjoy!

#franklinnh #newhampshire #winniriver #winnipesaukee #millcitypark

It is almost Spring!!! Please consider supporting Mill City Park and the pollinators in your garden with beautiful flowers, seeds, bulbs, herbs, and plant kits shipped directly to your door from a local Franklin business, Three Rivers Wreath and Plant Company.

A portion of your purchase will go directly to Mill City Park to help us with our mission to connect the community to the Winnipesaukee River through an iconic land and river-based park in the heart of Franklin, NH.

Follow the link to the Three Rivers website to shop or use code D9C6EF at check out so that Mill City Park gets credit for your purchase.

Thank you for your support and (almost) Happy Spring! 🌼 🐝

https://threeriversfundraising.com/fundraiser/mcpff-s25/

Wow! What an amazing day we had with @franklinoutingclub at the Boat Bash Snow Crash!!!
Hundreds of you came out to enjoy the sunshine and snow at Veterans Memorial Recreation Area in Franklin, NH.
We had an absolute BLAST watching folks race down the slopes to the finish line.
We are incredibly grateful for all of the volunteers that helped plan this event and make it possible. There were many moving pieces and everyone happily jumped in to help wherever it was needed. We couldn’t be happier with the turn out, and all of the smiling faces remind us why we love to host events to connect the community to each other and the great outdoors. Thank you again to the @franklinoutingclub for being such wonderful partners.

Tag us in your photos and videos from the day so we can continue to smile and laugh about the great time!

The Boat Bash Snow Crash is right around the corner! In collaboration with our friends, @franklinoutingclub, we are bringing back this epic event of whitewater kayak races down the snowy slopes at Veterans Memorial Recreation Area.

Join us on March 1st:
EVENT SCHEDULE
11-12 Registration
11-12:30 Open Sledding
12:30-1:30 RACE: Best Time
1:30 - 2:30 Open Sledding
2:30 - 4:30 RACE: Head to Head

Tickets are on sale now:
TICKETS
FREE Kiddos age 12 and under
$7 Spectators only
$15 Open Sledding (no racing)
$25 Racing

Participants must bring and wear a helmet.
Discounted ski passes will be available for Boat Bash participants at the Vets counter.

All ticket proceeds benefit Mill City Park at Franklin Falls. All food, beverage, and ski pass proceeds benefit the Franklin Outing Club.

Want to help out? Share this post, connect with us to volunteer at the event, or bring a friend and join in on the fun!
https://www.millcitypark.com/boatbash2025

There are so many ways to get outside and enjoy our city and the Winnipesaukee River - even in the winter! We have amazing trails that run along the river that are free to everyone to enjoy. Walking (or skiing!) along the @winnirivertrail offers a unique opportunity to be in nature while also observing the historical remnants of the dams and mills that built the City of Franklin. We truly live in such a unique place that has historically revolved around, depended on, and celebrated the river.

Past and present, the river connects us all!

#community #winnipesaukee #newhampshire #franklinnh #franklinfalls #winnirivertrail

The Boat Bash is BACK! In collaboration with our friends, @franklinoutingclub , we are bringing back this epic event of whitewater kayak races down the snowy slopes at Veterans Memorial Recreation Area.

There will be open sledding, intense races, food, and SNOW CRASHES!

Discounted ski passes will be available for Boat Bash participants at the Vets counter. Get some runs in in-between races!
All ticket proceeds benefit Mill City Park at Franklin Falls. All food, beverage, and ski pass proceeds benefit the Franklin Outing Club.

EVENT SCHEDULE
11-12 Registration
11-12:30 Open Sledding
12:30-1:30 RACE: Best Time
1:30 - 2:30 Open Sledding
2:30 - 4:30 RACE: Head to Head
TICKETS
FREE Kiddos age 12 and under
$7 Spectators only
$15 Open Sledding (no racing)
$25 Racing

Get advance tickets here:
https://www.millcitypark.com/boatbash2025

Awesome video footage from 2017 by R. Mooney

Even though we have been a part of the community for almost a decade, it is always a good time to re-introduce ourselves to folks that might not know what Mill City Park at Franklin Falls is or what we do.
MCP is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to connecting the community to the Winnipesaukee River by creating access to outdoor recreation at the first whitewater park in New England and through the stewardship of a land-based park. Our land and river park highlights the natural resources available in Franklin, and we encourage the community to explore all of the ways to recreate along the banks of the Winnipesaukee River and on the scenic trails at the land-based park. We are committed to the stewardship of conservation land to ensure that the park is preserved for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity. We have a blast hosting events that bring the community together to enjoy the unique outdoor recreation activities in our region.

Have you visited Mill City Park? What are some of your favorite outdoor memories with us? We have big things coming this year and we are excited to host more events, finish the whitewater park, and enhance the land based park for everyone to enjoy. We hope you will come visit us, stay a while, see all that Franklin has to offer which is a unique outdoor experience found only here.

Learn more. Get involved. Join us at our next event or volunteer with us in the park:
https://www.millcitypark.com

What connects you to your community?
Our latest blog post is inspired by the unwavering dedication of Timmy Morrill who exemplifies the power of building real connections in the place you call home. Timmy’s lifelong dedication to his community, from his work at Veterans Memorial Ski Area to his involvement with Mill City Park, shows that meaningful impact comes from rolling up your sleeves and engaging with others in real ways. Let’s seek opportunities to be more like Timmy—actively participating in the world around us, fostering real connections, and helping to create communities where everyone has a place.

The limited edition sticker inspired by Timmy’s epic (and now regionally famous) New Year’s Day belly flop into the Winni is a playful reminder that we all have the power to make a splash in our communities. That splash leads to waves which will ripple out the lasting impacts of our dedicated work to improve the lives of those around us.

Read more here or grab a sticker:
https://www.millcitypark.com/post/extraordinary-times-with-extraordinary-people

We are getting increasingly excited about the Boat Bash Snow Crash at Veterans Memorial Recreation Area on March 1st!!! Folks are already scooping up race tickets and some epic head-to-head race rivalries are emerging!

Here is the schedule for March 1st:
11-12 Registration
11-12:30 Open Sledding
12:30-1:30 RACE: Best Time
1:30 - 2:30 Open Sledding
2:30 - 4:30 RACE: Head to Head

Food, beverages, and spectating will be available to enjoy all day long. Want to hit the slopes in a more traditional way at the Boat Bash? The Vets will be offering discounted ski passes for folks that want to get a few runs in that day, too.

Tickets:
FREE Kiddos age 12 and under
$7 Spectators only
$15 Open Sledding (no racing)
$25 Racing

@franklinoutingclub
https://www.millcitypark.com/boatbash2025

⚠️ CAUTION ⚠️
There are ice shelves at the whitewater park which makes the conditions hazardous and unsafe for use. Please use your best judgement and wait for a warmer day when the ice shelves are no longer present. Fluctuating water levels and warmer temperatures will break up the ice, and we will happily update when the conditions improve! Stay safe and warm, everyone!!!

“Franklin woke up to raw, damp weather on the first day of 2025, but the spirit of our community was anything but dreary. Despite the chill in the air, paddlers and community members gathered to celebrate Franklin’s First Day with the annual Polar Plunge - a tradition that reflects the resilience, unity, and passion that defines our city.

The sight of neighbors, families, and adventurers braving the icy waters of the Winnipesauke River wasn’t just a testament to our collective toughness; it was a reminder of how far we’ve come.”

Read more of our recent blog post here: https://www.millcitypark.com/post/a-raw-and-beautiful-beginning-polar-plunge-2025-and-reflections-on-the-year

#polarplunge #2025 #newhampshire #newengland #whitewater #franklinnh #livefree #getoutside #millcitypark

Wow!! 2025 started off with so much laughter, fun, and community. We couldn’t be more thankful for every single person that made Franklin First Day so spectacular!

The polar plunge drew quite the crowd! There were dives, dunks, and even belly flops! The polar plungers raised over $7K collectively to help Mill City Park continue with projects that support our mission to connect the community to the river.

Trestle View Park was packed with folks (and many cute dogs) all day, even in the drizzly rain. @downtowncrepes took home the Chili Cook off trophy!

Folks near and far came out to this celebration and we are thankful for everyone that cooked chili, helped set up, and brought the good vibes and smiles. What a great start to the New Year.

City of Franklin, we love you!!! Let’s keep the good times going!

#newhampshire #2025 #franklinnh #whitewater #winnipesaukee #livefreenh

We are so ready for Franklin First Day and to welcome 2025! Today was a great warm up. We have the tent ready to go (don’t let the predicted rain stop you from having a good time), chilis are simmering for the cook off, the river is running, and we are stoked to make a splash on January 1st!! Come one, come all! The chili cook off kicks off at 10am and goes until 1pm. Polar plungers dive in at noon. Whitewater paddling will be happening all day! See you at Trestle View Park tomorrow!

#whitewater #whitewaterkayak #winnipesaukee #riversurf #newyear #newhampshire

Kick off your New Year with a SPLASH!!!
The tradition of Franklin First Day continues with community fun, whitewater excitement, and more this year! We are adding a Chili Cook Off and continuing with the Polar Plunge and have many amazing community partners joining in on the fun. Come watch the whitewater paddlers run the Winni and play at the wave. There will be children’s activities in the warming tent, too! There is something for everyone.

The festivities kick off at 10AM in Trestle View Park:
🌶️ 10AM Chili Cook Off
🧊 12PM Polar Plunge
🌲 12:30PM Guided River Walk on the @winnirivertrail
🏆 1pm Chili Cook Off winner and highest fundraising Polar Plunger announced!

Want to get involved? Donate to the polar plunge teams, share this post, buy a chili cook off ticket, come help us set up at Trestle View Park on Wednesday morning at 9am, or come to the event and bring a friend!

We cannot wait to welcome 2025 with you!
https://www.millcitypark.com/eventspage

How lucky are we to have fresh fallen snow for the holidays? The quiet and the shimmering landscape of our winter wonderland is so special. We wish everyone a happy, healthy, and joyous holiday season!

#newhampshire #whitewaternh #newengland #snow #winterwonderland #winnipesaukee #franklinnh

Too cold to play in the wave? NO SUCH THING! ❄️

Even when there is snow on the ground and the river is low (260 cfs this day), there is still plenty of whitewater fun with friends to be had in Franklin.

One of the main goals of the whitewater park was to ensure that whitewater recreation in Franklin would be available 365 days of the year. As the Winnipesauke River minimum flow is 250 cfs, the project has met that goal.

Check out our newly updated website for more information on the whitewater park and the lower Winni.
https://www.millcitypark.com/whitewater

The Chili Cook Off is just one of the many fun festivities happening at Franklin First Day on New Year’s Day at Trestle View Park beginning at 10am.

Will you compete for the trophy or will you do the tasting and judging? We are excited to add this component to the First Day festivities and think it’s an awesome way to spice up the day!

Interested in competing? Or want to snag an early bird ticket for tasting? Check out the link to get all of the details.

Chili Cook Off
January 1st 10am-1pm
Trestle View Park
Part of Franklin First Day

https://www.millcitypark.com/event-details/chili-cook-off

🧊 Polar Plunge Update 🧊
The City Manager, The Director of Planning and Zoning, and The Police Chief of the City of Franklin have all volunteered to take the polar plunge and to raise money for Mill City Park at this years Franklin First Day! The catch is we have to raise $3,000 to get these brave community leaders to take the plunge. We are so appreciative of these folks for stepping up and supporting our continued effort to improve the park for the community. Help us reach our goal and get this City of Franklin Team in the icy waters of the Winni on New Years Day!!!

https://www.millcitypark.com/polarplunge2025

Want to take the plunge yourself or create your own team? Check out how to join in on the fun and take the plunge for a good cause. Be a part of the park and help us make this day a success!

We’ve had a busy week at Mill City Park!
Before the snow started, we had a walk with @lakesregionconservationtrust through the 18 acres of conservation land that MCP stewards. We discussed ways to minimize erosion, our continued removal of invasive species, and continued trail development.

We then had a snowier walk through the park with the Franklin Fire Department! We discussed safety, upcoming projects, and the history of the former structures.

It is a great privilege to steward this land and we are thankful to our community partners and supporters!

#franklinnh #explorenh #newhampshire #getoutside #conservation

A winter wonderland❄️
We love how each season gives us a new perspective and a new way to experience the outdoors!

#franklinnh #explorenh #snowday #winter #snow #newhampshire #franklinfalls

Franklin First Day is right around the corner! In addition to the traditional running of the river, we are excited to bring back the Polar Plunge and add a Chili Cook Off competition!!! So much fun for everyone!

👀 Spectating is always free and open to the public!

Want to take the polar plunge? Want to see someone else take the plunge???
There are a few ways you can get involved:
🧊 As an individual - fundraise money (don’t your friends want to see you freeze for a good cause?) or pay for a ticket up front. We will get you started with everything you need to fundraise!
🧊 Start a team! Get your coworkers, friends, and family involved. We will set you up with a fundraising page to make it easy.
🧊 Don’t want to take the plunge but want to support? Donate to the Mill City Park team fundraiser. If we hit our fundraising goal, the WHOLE board of directors are going in!!!!

🌶️ Want to enter the chili cook off and see if your famous chili recipe has was it takes to compete? All of the details are on our event page. We’d love to have you join in on the festivities!
🌶️ Want to sample and judge the chilis? Presale tickets are available now!

We are so excited for all of the First Day festivities and kicking off the New Year with our community!

https://www.millcitypark.com/event-details/2025-franklin-first-day-polar-plunge

#franklinfirstday #choosefranklin #franklinnh

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