Plymouth Township Parks and Recreation Director Commemorates 30 Y

When Karen Franck took the helm of the Plymouth Township Parks and Recreation Department in August 1988, the township’s humble recreational offerings included a playground program and a tennis program. In the 30 years since she became Parks and Recreation Director, the department has expanded to offer more than 150 programs, as well as daily, seasonal and yearly offerings, including summer camp, movies, concerts and a variety of fitness classes at the Greater Plymouth Community Center.

“One of the first programming things we did - and we’re still doing it today – is a pumpkin decorating and carving contest,” Franck said. “We just tried to do general programming to bring people out. We wanted to build the department again, build it a little at a time.”

Prior to Franck’s hiring, Plymouth Township had been without a parks and recreation director for seven years. Almost exactly 10 years to the date of her hiring, the township hired Mary Ann Bevan to serve the Parks and Recreation Department. Franck and Bevan are celebrating 30 and 20 years, respectively, with Plymouth Township.

During its August meeting, the Plymouth Township Council presented Franck and Bevan with years of service commendations.

Vice Chairman Christopher Manero, who serves as Council liaison to the parks and recreation committee, said he quickly learned that Franck is the department's biggest advocate.

"Not a day goes by that I'm not blown away by the works she does," Manero said. "I hope there's another 30 years of service."

Councilwoman Karen Bramblett personally thanked Franck for her hard work.

"She's always helped me out," Bramblett said. "I love what you've done with the Harriet Wetherill Park."

Councilwoman Lenore Bruno echoed her sentiments. "You've done a fabulous job," she said.

Chairman Martin Higgins called Franck a "super asset to the township" and Councilman David Gannon commended her for obtaining grants to continually better the township.

“I really appreciate all of the support I’ve had over the years,” Franck said. “It’s been a pleasure seeing everything expand.”

For Franck, expanding the programming was made seamless by the township’s parks and recreation board members, who she said encouraged her ideas.

The township’s 10-year comprehensive plan will help “project where we want to be” in the future. Franck said she’d like to expand the township’s fitness programming and nature-based educational programs at the 67-acre Harriet Wetherill Park.

“We’re trying to take and review and see where the trends are going,” Franck said.

Looking ahead, she said the department hopes to offer some different smaller special events. The annual Plymouth Township Day is an example of a smaller-scale event that grew larger. Initially, the event was a close-out carnival for camp participants and their families.

“We kind of built the playground carnival into Plymouth Township Day,” she said.

Franck, originally of East Pennsboro Township in Cumberland County, became interested in parks and recreation early on. Her father ran his own business and she often traveled to town with him, then rode her bike to the township’s playground program.

“It was kind of like a drop-in play, contests and things,” she said, adding that she enjoys the planning aspect, as well as seeing the program come to fruition. “I like seeing the people who come out and take advantage of it.”