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Board approves up to $40,000 for Festival Country Fun Plaza outside Toodly Doo Toys
Summary
Festival Country approved up to $40,000 to build a branded outdoor game plaza at Toodly Doo Toys, adding to $50,000 previously earmarked; plan includes concrete games, fencing, signage and maintenance contingencies.
Board members approved up to $40,000 for the Festival Country Fun Plaza, a public game plaza to be installed outside Toodly Doo Toys in downtown Franklin.
Danny Colsey of Discover Downtown Franklin presented the design and budget. Colsey described a plaza that will include concrete games (bag toss, connect‑4, foosball and adult game tables), fencing that can be hinged and moved for deliveries and seasonal events, branded signage and electrical work. He identified a contractor (Dodie and Sons, outdoor concrete games) and provided early cost estimates and a 10 percent contingency. Colsey said Festival Country branding and co‑branding with Toodly Doo Toys and Discover Downtown Franklin are part of the plan.
Colsey said $50,000 had already been approved from last year’s grant budget to pay for a game plaza element; the current request was to approve up to $40,000 tonight with the intent to spend about $35,000 or less. He said the owner of Toodly Doo Toys, Debbie Pearson, agreed to assume responsibility for storing loose pieces at night and would accept some additional insurance costs. Franklin Parks and Recreation agreed in discussion to assist moving large items when needed.
James Copp moved to approve $40,000 for the project; Joe Hubbard seconded. The motion carried by voice vote with no opposition.
Colsey said the group intends Festival Country to retain ownership of the purchased equipment so it can be removed or repurposed if business ownership changes. He noted recurring maintenance items (replacement bag sets, sealant) and included an initial supply of replacement pieces in the budget. Colored logo printing on some game surfaces would add roughly $600 per game if the board elects full‑color branding.
