Model Behavior: Torrey Barnhill

You’ll want to lace up your walking shoes to see the impact Torrey Barnhill is making on the life and land of Middle Tennessee. A longtime social worker with a résumé that winds through L’Eté du Vin and The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, Torrey became the first executive director of Friends of Franklin Parks in 2016, when the nonprofit launched to create accessible parks and trails in Franklin.

As a public-private partnership with the city of Franklin, Friends of Franklin Parks leads several high-profile projects. The main barn restoration at historic Harlinsdale Farm tells the story of the landmark Tennessee Walking Horse operation. The Pinkerton Park improvement project includes upgrades to the pavilion, including ADA-compliant access, a charging bar for electronics, a concrete pingpong table, shade sails and benches for parkgoers. Upgrades to Hayes House, the Victorian farmhouse at Harlinsdale Farm, will make the house available for both tours and rentals. The future Ellie G’s Dream World at the new Southeast Municipal Complex on Carothers Parkway will be the first inclusive playground in the Franklin parks system. Meanwhile, The Fund for The Preservation of Open Spaces works with landowners to preserve and connect even more green spaces for public use. 

The 2024 calendar for Friends paints a vivid and busy picture of Torrey’s leadership and vision. “We are focused on continued expansion of public open space, connections and trails, more restoration projects that will enhance our historic treasures located within Franklin’s parks, building the city’s first inclusive playground so everyone can play together, and a lot more,” she says. From summer events — including the Franklin Family Splash & Dash, the 4th of July Fireworks Celebration and the Raise the Roofs fundraiser — to October’s inaugural Dinner on the Bridge celebrating the connection of The Park at Harlinsdale Farm and Bicentennial Park, Torrey and Friends are preserving public open spaces, honoring the history of the area, and creating contemporary culture and community to make Middle Tennessee increasingly vibrant and accessible.

Dress: Teri Jon (Gus Mayer)

Ring: Cindi Earl Fine Jewelry

Earrings: Cindi Earl Fine Jewelry

Shoes: Jimmy Choo