A public park in Franklinton is undergoing several improvements thanks to the United Way, Franklin County and local businesses.
Leaders from Franklin County, United Way of Franklin County, Novonesis, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC ,Turf Grass Council of NC, Sunrock, K-FLEX, and community officials gathered today at Franklinton Innovation Park, formerly known as Franklinton Park, to celebrate the opening of a new basketball court. The court, with surface graphics designed by local students, marks a milestone in phase one of the revitalization of the community park.
United Way partnered with numerous businesses and community partners to make the basketball court and a new STEM playground possible. The science themed court features artwork created by two Franklinton High School students.
“At Novonesis, we believe in the power of STEM education to inspire future innovators and strengthen our communities,” said Mike Newcomb, senior director of operations at Novonesis. “By partnering with the United Way to revitalize Franklinton Innovation Park, we’re not just building basketball courts and playgrounds; we’re creating opportunities for local youth to connect with science in meaningful and exciting ways. Supporting projects like this reflects our commitment to empowering the next generation and giving back to the communities where we live and work.”
The United Way revitalization project at Franklinton Innovation Park is also being supported by local businesses K-FLEX, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, Sunrock, The Turf Grass Council of NC, Rian’s Paving, Hart’s Striping and Franklin County. Other planned improvements at the park include a music sensory wall and other hands-on learning activities, a sculpture, wildflower gardens, and a new running track.
“It has been a team effort by our community to create this amazing opportunity for our youth,” said United Way of Franklin County Executive Director Andrea Bell Wright. “The United Way of Franklin County has participated along with many other nonprofits in the Franklin County Prevention and Thrive Team to help build a safer community for our youth. We decided this was the perfect opportunity to work together to make a significant impact for the future of our children.”
United Way of Franklin County is leading similar projects in the towns of Bunn and Louisburg to transform important local hubs for each community. All park improvements in Franklinton are expected to be completed in April.
“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is proud to partner with the United Way of Franklin County to provide access to the new Franklinton basketball court,” said Mike Peterson, senior regional liaison for county government operations at BCBS of North Carolina. “This court, and others to follow, will give Franklin County residents an additional opportunity to improve their physical and mental health. We are excited to support their efforts, which aligns with our mission, to improve the health and well-being of our communities.”
Photo Caption: Leaders from the United Way of Franklin County, Franklin County, and local businesses gathered Monday to celebrate the opening of a new basketball court and other planned improvements at Franklinton Innovation Park. Pictured from left to right are Jay Blanchfield, Sunrock Soils Development Specialist; Jonathan Richardson with Turf Grass Council, Marcy Cottle, Strategic Consultant at Elucid8; Mike Newcomb, Senior Director of Operations at Novonesis; Mike Peterson, Senior Regional Liaison of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC; KP Kilpatrick, Parks & Recreation Director for Franklin County; Roxanne Bragg, Franklin County Commissioner; Christina Davis, Director of Human Resources at K-FLEX; Franklinton High School Student art contest winners Johnathan Porcella and Chandler Cowherd, Wyvette Gill of K-FLEX, and Andrea Wright, Executive Director at United Way of Franklin County. Credit: Novonesis
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