Just 20 miles south of Indianapolis, the City of Franklin was named after Benjamin Franklin and serves as the county seat. The community's location has allowed it to maintain a small-town identity and integrity while it benefits from the growth and economic stability of the Indianapolis metropolitan region. Area youth receive a quality education in Franklin Community School Corporation. The presence of Franklin College enriches the city in many respects, providing higher education opportunities in the liberal arts that stress the importance of faculty-student relationships and innovative leadership programs. Many of the special events sponsored by the college are open to the public. An active Parks and Recreation Department provides a kaleidoscope of facilities and activities for all ages. Newcomers to Franklin will discover a city that honors the past while it maintains a progressive attitude toward the future.