Franklin Park is a borough in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 14,290.
The town was founded in 1814, and it was named after Benjamin Franklin. Franklin Park was en route to the area's first oil well. The town's first hotel, The Franklin House, opened in 1815, and the first store, tavern, and blacksmith shop followed in 1816. By 1830, the town had a hat store, a butcher, a shoemaker, and a post office. By 1834, the Franklin and Tokenstreets were paved with brick, and oil street lamps illuminated the area. A school was built in 1835. The village gained independent borough status in 1853. Two historic sites in the borough, the Franklin Park Historic District and the J.S. Mellon Institute of Industrial Research, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Franklin Park enjoys outdoor spaces, including the 200-acre Franklin Park, which features sports facilities, walking and biking trails, a playground, and picnic areas. The park hosts various events and festivals year-round, including an annual SummerFest. Residents also can enjoy nearby state game lands and parks.
Franklin Park's population is 14,236 people, according to the 2020 census. $30,654 is the median household income, and $83,586 is the median home value. 61.3% of the population is White, 32.41% is Black or African American, and 2.28% is Asian. Individuals under 18 years old make up 21.1% of the population, and 16.2% are 65 or older. Franklin Park's median household income is $87,147. Males had a median income of $62,051 versus $42,457 for females. The town is renowned for its strong feeling of community, and various year-round events reflect this. An annual Christmas parade, a summer festival, and weekly community events in the park are all instances of this. It is also common for neighbors to host block parties and other events. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Franklin Park because of its proximity to several colleges, universities, parks, and nature preserves.
Franklin Park was founded on land that was initially occupied by the Delaware Indian tribe. In 1772, George Washington and his men came through the region to protect the area from British attack during the French and Indian War. Later, oil was discovered in the area, leading to an oil rush. The first oil well in the area was dug in 1884, and the oil industry flourished for decades. Today, remnants of that industry can still be seen.
People in Franklin Park, Pennsylvania, enjoy a variety of cuisines, including Italian, Asian, and American. The town is home to several well-known restaurants, coffee shops, and taverns. Among the most well-liked locations are Herman's Bistro, Shannoh's Cafe, and The Royal Inn. Franklin Park also has a thriving farmers market where locals can buy fresh produce, baked items, and handmade crafts.