Fountain Park and Bandstand Park (Venango County)
The 1795 urban plan for Franklin City included an extra-wide main street bordered by two spacious parks in the heart of the City. Fountain Park and Bandstand Park provide the setting for the twin-spire Italianate Venango County Courthouse and together these treasures form the downtown cornerstone. Fountain Park’s most prominent feature is the 1896 Egbert Memorial Fountain, while Bandstand Park’s is the 1866 Venango County Civil War monument and the bandstand itself where Franklin’s Silver Cornet Band has been playing for over 160 years.  In the early days, the parks, known as the “diamond,” featured pastures, gardens, gathering places, and a playground, as well as a training ground for militia. Today, the Parks remain a popular place for bench sitting, people watching, strolling, chess matches, and picnicking. They are also the hub for many celebrations, festivals, and events that attract 175,000 visitors annually.