Our Mission
Friends of Ferrum Park is a nonprofit founded in 2023 by a group of Franklin County residents who share a desire to improve the quality of life in our local area. Our mission is to preserve the natural beauty of Ferrum, Virginia while providing a dedicated public space and amenities for our community.
The Friends of Ferrum Park is set to purchase an 84-acre parcel that belonged to Franklin County for the past 28 years. This property was originally ear-marked for an industrial park, and then a high-density subdivision. All the while, our community has never had any public space available for residents to use or enjoy. After an outpouring of community support for the plan proposed by Friends of Ferrum Park, the Franklin County Board of Supervisors agreed to sell the property to our nonprofit group in July of 2024.
Based on community feedback, majority of the property will be preserved in its natural state in order to serve the community of Ferrum as a nature park
and event space, open and accessible to all.
Currently, there are no public spaces in Ferrum- no public park, public restrooms, not even a single public bench. Franklin County has declined to provide a public space for our community, so our community decided to provide one for ourselves. This is YOUR park, Ferrum. And it is our greatest privilege to help make it happen.
Our Core Goals & Principles
Preserve Ferrum’s rural character
Provide community-driven amenities
Prioritize accessibility for all mobilities
Protect our local wildlife and their habitats
Focus on Appalachian culture and history
Promote and uplift local businesses and organizations
Foster a sense of community and appreciation for the natural environment in future generations
Join us in our efforts to make this vision a reality.
See our plan below.
Explore Our Plan
Park features we will be focused on include:
Preservation of the natural habitat and environment
A permanent location for our Ferrum Farm & Craft Market
Over 2 miles of wooded hiking trails
Outdoor fitness stations along select trails
Restrooms with shower houses
A limited number of both primitive tent camping and full hook-up RV sites
A pavilion and adjoining picnic areas
A nature-based playground
A uniquely designed dog park offering multiple separate runs for individual or group use
A small amphitheater for music, events, and educational uses
Designed with a focus on ADA accessibility
Join us every Thursday from 3pm - 7pm as the park, alongside Ferrum Forward, hosts the weekly Ferrum Farm & Craft Market at the future Ferrum Park location!
Location:10884 Franklin St. Ferrum