Franklin, MA
This small park honors Horace Mann, a former Franklin resident. A bronze sculpture of Horace Mann by Robert Shure is the focal point of the park. The park was built by a private developer in conjunction with the redevelopment of the old Town Hall site. Green was responsible for the civil engineering and landscape architecture. Amenities for the public include an outdoor gathering space, an eating area, a trellis, walkways, planters, trees, and flowering plants. The cedar trellis with greenscreen panels for vines is designed to provide a green backdrop for the sculpture and to screen the adjacent building service entrances. The layout, plantings, seating, and specialty lighting are also designed to enhance visibility and provide a space for the sculpture. The scope of the work was expanded to include planting design surrounding the building and parking area. The hardscape materials and detailing complement the project’s historic surroundings. Horace Mann Park has contributed to the leasing of the adjacent commercial development. The Town of Franklin is extremely happy with this new community space and the adjacent development.