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THE TOP TEN FRANKLIN STORIES OF 2012: #6

Posted by Kevin Fischer on Dec. 26, 2012

THE TOP TEN FRANKLIN STORIES OF 2012

Ever since I moved into Franklin in 1992, I‘ve learned not to get too excited about promising new prospects. New developments, retail, restaurants…all too often high expectations are dashed.

An amazing bright spot materialized in 2012. Franklin’s Mike Zimmerman offered to put up Millions of dollars to build a multi-sports complex at the Crystal Ridge site at 7900 W. Crystal Drive, complete with baseball diamonds, indoor batting cages and soccer fields. The facility would be named Rock Sports Complex.

“This will put Franklin on the map," said Mayor Tom Taylor.

Groundbreaking for the project took place in November. The city of Franklin December newsletter reported:

“Construction is underway on the first phase of The Rock Sports Complex located at 7900 Crystal Ridge Drive in Franklin. The $4 million first phase will include six baseball fields consisting of a four-diamond, clover-leaf baseball complex with each field based on the design of a famous major league baseball field and two smaller fields for Little League and softball; a 3,500 square foot sports-themed restaurant; improvements to the ski hill; and a new BMX bike track. A second phase to start in a year includes four softball fields, upgrades to the ski hill chalet, and indoor/outdoor volleyball courts. A final phase could also bring four fields for Little League football and lacrosse.

“The Rock Sports Complex is a joint enterprise between Zimmerman Ventures, the City of Franklin, and Milwaukee County to promote youth and community development through a common passion for sports and recreation at both a practice and tournament level. The goal of the Rock Sports Complex is to provide a state-of-the-art sports complex that is affordable and accessible to the community.”

This sounds very exciting. Fingers crossed.

In a somewhat related story, the much-anticipated Drexel Avenue interchange opened last month. The new interchange, we’re told, will spur economic development in Franklin. The jury’s still out on that one.


THE TOP 10 FRANKLIN STORIES OF 2012

1) ?
2) ?
3) ?
4) ?
5) ?
6) PUTTING FRANKLIN ON THE MAP
7) A GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY
8) THE RISE OF THE CYBER BULLIES
9) FRANKLIN DEPARTURES
10) A BROCHURE? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?