Our Location

Driving Directions

The Ark Family Preservation Center is located across US Highway 29 from Emmanuel University.

From Athens: Travel US 29 North to Franklin Springs. After passing the Franklin Springs fire station on the right, move to center turn lane. Turn left onto Springs Station Drive. The Ark is location at the end of Springs Station Drive.

From Hartwell: Travel US 29 South to Franklin Springs. After passing beneath the pedestrian bridge at Emmanuel University, move to the center turn lane. Turn right onto Springs Station Drive. The Ark is location at the end of Springs Station Drive.

From Elberton: Travel GA 17 North to Royston. Turn left onto US 29 South to Franklin Springs. After passing beneath the pedestrian bridge at Emmanuel University, move to the center turn lane. Turn right onto Springs Station Drive. The Ark is location at the end of Springs Station Drive.

From Toccoa/Lavonia: Travel GA 17 South to Royston. Turn right onto US 29 South to Franklin Springs. After passing beneath the pedestrian bridge at Emmanuel University, move to the center turn lane. Turn right onto Springs Station Drive. The Ark is location at the end of Springs Station Drive.

Parking: Located in front of The Ark building and in parking area adjacent to the playground.

Our Campus – Facilities

The Ark

The 4,000 square foot building provides services to kids and families in the 10 county area. The visitation rooms in the facility provide a home-like environment, something that is a critical part of the process we use in coaching and healing families.  The rooms are spacious with plenty of natural light. Each room is decorated with a mural wall depicting animals, natural surroundings and one room has a full wall displaying Noah’s Ark complete with two-by-two animal pairs.  There is an area in each visitation room that allows for preparing and sharing a snack or meal; one visitation room has a full kitchen. All visitation rooms are provided with their own private bathroom facility. These inviting rooms allow for enhanced coaching/counseling in a real everyday situation.

The Ark Playground

The playground includes a basketball court, a replica ark for kids to climb on and play inside, a swing set and glider. Play is the natural language of children. It is the way they communicate and connect, especially with their parents. So, providing an enticing, comfortable outdoor play space enriches the supervised visitation experience and strengthen the bonds of family unity.

Clinkenbeard Gardens

The Ark’s campus has been expanded appreciably with the opening of the Clinkenbeard
Gardens in May, 2024.  The one-acre space features curvy sidewalks, manicured lawns,
whimsical sculptures, musical instruments, playgrounds, benches, a covered pavilion, patios
with tables and comfy seating, and even a rock caterpillar!
 
It’s a child’s dream world of play.
It’s an adult’s contemplative safe place.
It’s a family’s connecting space.
 
These impressively beautiful gardens are designed for healing of the spirit and mending of
fractured relationships.
 
Our family coaches and therapists use this outdoor space as an extension of their indoor
therapy sessions and parent coaching. Its natural setting enhances the understanding and
forgiveness and insight that our clients need to make positive changes. Healing happens in
nature!
 
We are currently providing opportunities for remembering or honoring special people with a
“memory brick.”  A space has been prepared to showcase these personalized bricks. Please
check out our reasonably priced pavers.