Franklin, Wisconsin

3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 9 sconsin I t used to be an eyesore. It was a landfill, after all. Unused. Unsightly. Unwanted. Several years ago, a developer saw the possibilities: he converted all those negatives into a super- positive recreational space. Today, that area is essentially a goldmine for the City of Franklin, Wisconsin. Aptly renamed The Rock, it represents everything about this thriving suburb of Milwaukee. It’s strong. It’s solid. And it is stable. The Rock is a hub of activity and the center of the Franklin community. It includes six replica major league baseball parks (think Fenway Park, Busch Stadium, and Oracle Park). “It started there,” says Steve Bobowski, Chairman of the Economic Development Commission. “And now, we actually have our own professional minor league team here. What a neat addition it has been for athletics, yes, but it’s also a fun place to go. It brings kids and parents and families to our community.” The Rock also features winter sledding hills, concert areas, dining, and outdoor fireplaces. Bobowski adds, “It’s an integral part of our community. It is a wonderful turnaround from a landfill into a real contributor.” It was a team effort to see The Rock come to fruition. “You surround yourself with good people, right?” laughs Mayor Steven Olson. Led by a team of smart and innovative individuals, ROCK SOLID RESILIENCE