27-03-2025
Franklin begins construction on inclusive park named after former alderman
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WKRN) — After ten years of planning, the City of Franklin has started construction on 'The Pearl,' an inclusive park named after former Alderman Pearlene Bransford.
Phase one of the project will include a playground for children of all abilities, lacrosse fields and football fields, which will serve as the home for the Franklin Cowboys.
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'Her [Alderman Bransford's] spirit is here and happy for this,' Jessica Bransford, Alderman Bransford's daughter, said. '…She was an outdoorsy person. She loved nature. She loved people. She loved all people and this is what this park is going to stand for and we're glad to be a part of it.'
The park's inclusive playground will be called Ellie G's Dream World and is named after a girl born with a terminal form of dwarfism. She passed away when she was four years old. Her legacy will live on in Franklin for years to come.
'Our boys know that she [Ellie G] is very much a part of our family … It's also going to be relevant to everyone in the community,' said Ellie G's mother, Samantha Castro.
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'Whether you're a 10-year-old and maybe you have a 15-year-old brother who is in a wheelchair — you guys can come and you can play together,' said Brandon Castro, Ellie G's father. 'If you have a father — maybe he's paralyzed from the waist down — it gives him the ability to come do stuff with his children also. It really provides an ability for all ages to come and play together.'
Construction of the park has been made possible by nearly $1 million in donations from people in the community. Future phases of the park will feature sand volleyball courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts and an educational walking trail.
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