Fransen Nature Area History Fransen Nature Area is 5.5 acres of naturalized prairie enclosed by evergreen trees. The park was dedicated by the Town Council on June 16th, 2003 and a site plan soon followed in July. The park was named after Dr. Werner Fransen. Dr. Fransen’s family dedicated the western 4 acres of the annexed tract to the Town to be developed as a nature preserve featuring wetlands, indigenous natural plants, grasses, trees flowers and shrubs. The area also includes a pedestrian walkway and fishing pond.