The City of Franklin and Friends of Franklin Parks recently celebrated the completion of the Park at Harlinsdale Farm’s Main Barn renovations. The project has been a part of the ongoing efforts of a passionate community. The City of Franklin purchased Harlinsdale Farm with a vision to create a public park that would preserve its history. The Main Barn on the property, which greets you when you pull into the park driveway, sat in disrepair. But too many voices shared the same sentiment and goal—bring it back to life for the community and for the significance it has to the history of the farm. And, so, they have done just that.

“Fourteen years ago, they hosted the very first Raise the Roofs fundraiser to save the barn. That one evening sparked a tradition that has grown into Friends of Franklin Parks’ annual fundraising event,” says Torrey Barnhill, Executive Director of Friends of Franklin Parks. “Through the generosity of our community, Raise the Roofs has funded the restoration of the Main Barn, the creation of a multipurpose equestrian arena that brought horses back to Harlinsdale, the restoration of the Hayes House and soon, the return of the workers’ houses that share the stories of those who lived and worked here.”

The restoration was not only made possible by the Raise the Roofs event, but also key donors and community efforts that played a pivotal role in completing the project. Torrey says that friends of Harlinsdale stepped forward in extraordinary ways, and they understood that preserving this barn was not just about saving a building, but about ensuring a legacy for future generations. “As part of the project, donors were invited to sponsor specific horse stalls, each tied to a notable horse that lived here. Many families chose stalls with personal connections, creating a living bond between the farm’s history and today’s community.”

The barn, which was originally built in the mid-1800s, now includes several renovations and additions. Suzanne Carter, City of Franklin Parks and Recreation Superintendent, says that the restoration process took some time, but they were able to maintain the original look of the structure. “The biggest challenge was adding utilities to the structure, but, luckily, we were able to complete that task with little disruption to the unique look of the historic barn,” explains Suzanne. “The exterior siding and the interior horse stalls were all preserved during the project and remain today in their original state. The windows and doors were also maintained and restored. The overall floorplan of the Main Barn remains the same, and the feel when you walk into the barn resembles a working barn, but now allows the City of Franklin Parks and Recreation Department to welcome visitors each day in a comfortable manner.”

The goal of the Main Barn restoration is both a tribute to the past and a gift for the future. “It celebrates the farm’s significance in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry, housing trophies, memorabilia and artifacts from those who built Harlinsdale’s legacy. Walking through its doors allows visitors to step back in time and connect with Franklin’s history in a tangible way,” says Torrey. “At the same time, it is designed to be a vibrant community gathering place. The barn will be available through the City of Franklin as an event venue, offering a unique space for celebrations, community events and tourism. Friends of Franklin Parks has also collected original office desks, photographs and documents so that every visitor experiences the stories that make this farm so meaningful.”

Suzanne adds that the Main Barn will provide opportunities for city meetings as well as offer educational opportunities. “We also plan to have several city-sponsored events hosted in the Main Barn, including the Candy Cane Hunt that was formerly hosted at our Eastern Flank Event Facility. We foresee the Main Barn being a great opportunity to host a variety of events in the coming years,” says Suzanne.

Torrey feels that the restoration is so much more than saving a structure—it’s about preserving a story, a heritage, and a community treasure. “Walking through the barn now, knowing that every stall, artifact and photograph carries forward the legacy of Harlinsdale, is incredibly moving. To the Friends of Franklin Parks team, this project is a testament to what can happen when a community comes together with vision and heart. It represents not just Franklin’s history, but its future—one where we honor the past while creating spaces that bring people together. The Park at Harlinsdale is a public park and for everyone to enjoy,” says Torrey. “On a personal level, it’s deeply rewarding to know that generations to come will experience Harlinsdale not as just barns, but as a living, breathing part of Franklin’s story. That’s the true power of parks—they connect us to history, to nature and to each other.”