Also established on May 26, 1857, Franklin Park, donated by the Gibson family, is another of the city's original parks. Similar to Jefferson Park, Franklin Park was enclosed by an iron fence in 1877 and later improved with diagonal walking paths in 1912. During the 1914 community improvement effort, 536 wagonloads of dirt were added to raise the park's grade. Over time, additional features such as drinking fountains, playground equipment, and flower beds were incorporated. An iconic slide in the shape of an elephant was added to the playground area in 1962 through fundraising efforts by the El Paso Women's Club. Plans for a gazebo to serve as a central gathering spot for events and visitors in the center of Franklin Park commenced in 2021 with completion of the gazebo in October 2022. Nicknamed "Elephant Park" due to its iconic elephant slide, Franklin Park remains a cherished recreational area in El Paso.
Also established on May 26, 1857, Franklin Park, donated by the Gibson family, is another of the city's original parks. Similar to Jefferson Park, Franklin Park was enclosed by an iron fence in 1877 and later improved with diagonal walking paths in 1912. During the 1914 community improvement effort, 536 wagonloads of dirt were added to raise the park's grade. Over time, additional features such as drinking fountains, playground equipment, and flower beds were incorporated. An iconic slide in the shape of an elephant was added to the playground area in 1962 through fundraising efforts by the El Paso Women's Club. Plans for a gazebo to serve as a central gathering spot for events and visitors in the center of Franklin Park commenced in 2021 with completion of the gazebo in October 2022. Nicknamed "Elephant Park" due to its iconic elephant slide, Franklin Park remains a cherished recreational area in El Paso.