Construction Begins on New England’s First Whitewater Park Less Than 3 Hours From the SouthCoast

A new destination for weekend fun is coming soon, just a few hours from the SouthCoast.

Mill City Park at Franklin Falls is set to become New England's first whitewater park with a wide variety of activities and something for everyone to enjoy. The park in Franklin, New Hampshire will sit along the Winnepesaukee River, a historically popular whitewater kayaking destination and will provide water enthusiasts of all skill levels the space to kayak, canoe and paddle.

The park will also feature climbing walls, trails, a community garden, cabin rentals and tent sites, and, my personal favorite, a parkour area.

Construction on Mill City Park officially began on April 3, but it will be a few more months until the park is open and ready for visitors. Park officials shared on Facebook that the construction cycle will begin on July 12 and should take anywhere between four to eight weeks, depending on how the weather cooperates.

Once Mill City Park is complete, it will consist of 13 acres and three whitewater features, and will sit alongside an additional 21 conserved acres, all with the intent "to connect the community to the river."

You can check out the full master plan for Mill City Park at Franklin Falls and start planning out your next family getaway from the SouthCoast on the park's website.