Franklin Township Community/Senior Center
505 DeMott Lane, Somerset, NJ
Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Recreation, Community Celebrations & Park Administration is to improve the quality of life in the community by providing a wide range of services to meet the recreational needs of the public, and by providing and preserving open space and parkland for all to enjoy.

Franklin Recreation Overview

FRANKLIN RECREATION: WHERE MAKING THE HEALTHY CHOICE, IS THE RIGHT CHOICE

Going Local is a great way to start or enhance your personal health and wellness program. With over 9,400 acres of open space, including 1,000 acres of developed parkland, 60 miles of trails, 17.6 of bike paths and numerous recreation programs, you can find lots of free and reasonably priced ways to keep active right here in Franklin Township!

The Department of Parks & Recreation is not only committed to promoting the stewardship of parkland, but, also responding to public needs with a wide variety of recreation opportunities and leisure services, with a goal of improving the quality of life in the Township. You can easily visit the Department located in the Community/Senior Center at 505 DeMott Lane, in the municipal complex in Somerset, or you can visit online at www.franklintwpnj.org.

General recreation programs are provided for residents of all ages. Whether six months or 60 years young, there is something for everyone. Whether you are interested in fitness, self-improvement classes, sports, special events, social experiences or summer camps, you can find something of interest in the year-round list of program offerings! In addition, the Department has been a leader in the community in coordinating a wide range of prevention and wellness programs and works with young people to develop future leaders of the community. Senior citizen programs, therapeutic recreation programs, FYI juvenile delinquency and gang prevention programs, mentoring programs, and substance abuse prevention initiatives are all a crucial part of their comprehensive service program.

The Department has been able to provide reasonably priced quality services to residents seeking community based recreation programs. Over the past several years the department goal has been to offset as much of the program costs as possible though a fee based structure to reduce the impact on the general taxpayer. The program revenue is now covering the cost of the majority of the Recreation program operating expenditures. In addition to the budget, the Department generates, operates and supports $75,000 to $100,000 in grant funded prevention programs annually. They have been successful in obtaining grants through the Somerset County Youth Services Commission, the SC Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse, the CDBG program, the NJJJC, Somerset County Council for the Arts, United Way, NJ Dept of Agriculture, and the NJ Dept of Community Affairs Recreational Opportunities Grant for Individuals with Disabilities.

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY/SENIOR CENTER

The Community/Senior Center opened in 1998. In addition to housing the office of the Franklin Township Department of Parks & Recreation, on weekdays it is a bustling center for Senior Citizen activities from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Evenings and weekends are available for scheduled use for and/or by: Recreation programs, school district groups, Township residents, and non-profit civic groups organized in Franklin Township. This 16,000 square foot facility boasts a meeting room that can accommodate up to 250 people at table seating.

This large hall can also offer small meeting room space for groups of 80-100. Depending on your program or event a room with a stage and/or catering kitchen can also be reserved. The community center can be reserved Monday-Friday from 5:00pm to 10:00pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00am to 10:00pm. Depending on the event, 0rganizations and/or individuals contracting for use of the center may need to provide the Township with a certificate of insurance which shall name the Township of Franklin additionally insured in the amount of $1,000,000 per occasion and $100,000 property damage. Advance payment of rental fees and a maintenance bond is required. Applications can be found at obtained by calling Recreation at (732) 873-1991, option 4

Policies & Procedures

RECREATION POLICIES & PROCEDURES

INCLEMENT WEATHER: In case of inclement weather, announcements regarding cancellations will be available by calling (732) 873-1991 & press Option 1. If schools close due to inclement weather, all programs held at schools are automatically cancelled.

INCLUSIVE PROGRAMMING: We welcome individuals with or without disabilities to participate in all recreation programs and activities. In accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact us to discuss any modifications needed for you or your child’s successful participation in programs.

MAKE-UPS: Make-ups are only offered for programs cancelled by the Recreation Dept. due to weather or other circumstances. In some instances, credits will be issued in lieu of makeup classes. Make-ups are not given for absences.
FEES: ALL PAYMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED UPON REGISTRATION. Program fees are not prorated for late registrations.
RESIDENCY: All fees listed are for Township residents. The Recreation Dept. reserves the right to limit registrations to Township residents for any programs. Non-residents may enroll in a program 7 days prior to program start date and at double the listed fee.
REFUNDS/CREDITS: No refunds/credits will be given after a program begins. Refunds will only be approved if: 1. Recreation Dept. cancels an activity. 2. A written request is received at least 7 days prior to the start of the program. 3. A medical issue arises which will require submitting a doctor’s note for consideration.
FEE REDUCTIONS: Income guidelines are established for fee reductions for certain Recreation programs. Call the Recreation Office for information.
EMAIL: Email is used for program confirmations and communications. Please note that Franklin Recreation does not share e-mail addresses.

Staff Info

Windy White, Acting Director of Parks & Recreation

Marianne Regan, Acting Deputy Director and Senior Citizen Program Coordinator

Mayra L. Jimenez, Program Coordinator, Special Events

Maria Dueñas, Therapeutic Recreation Program Coordinator

Kenneth Jacobs, Recreation Program Coordinator

Janet Timari, Recreation Administrative Aide

Mawiyah Holliman, Youth Center Program Manager

Joel Painson, Youth Center Development Manager

Joe Jankowski, Youth Center Program Coordinator

Jordyn Williams - Youth Center Administrative Aide

FAQ Box

Where do I call about Independent Sports Organizations?
The following Sports Organizations run independently of the Recreation Department and administer their own program including registration, schedules, fees and organizational structure
- FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP BASEBALL LEAGUE (732) 828-1233 www.ftllbaseball.com
- FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP/SOUTH BOUND BROOK LITTLE LEAGUE (732) 469-7761 www.sbbsll.com
- FRANKLIN TWP. SOCCER LEAGUE (732) 699-0002 www.ftsconline.org
- POP WARNER FOOTBALL (732) 422-3879 www.ftpw.org
The following Sports Organizations are co-sponsored by the Recreation Department and can be reached as follows:
- FRANKLIN TWP. WRESTLING (732) 873-1275 (732) 296-1009 www.franklinwrestlingclub.com
- Hershey Track & Field (609) 409-6327
- Franklin Adult Slo-Pitch Softball (609) 395-9167
Where can I take the Coach’s S.A.F.E.T.Y. Clinic?

Simply access the Rutgers University Youth Sports Research Council Web site at http://www.youthsports.rutgers.edu. On May 12, 1986, New Jersey became the first state in the nation to pass legislation, which protects volunteer athletic coaches, managers, and officials from lawsuits. Commonly referred to as the “Little League Law” (2A:62A-6 et. seq.), this legislation extends partial civil immunity to volunteers who have attended a “safety orientation and training skills program.” Please check site frequently for clinic availability updates. Site is updated as classes fill.
I am currently having financial hardship. How can I/my children still be involved in Township activities?

Fee waivers/reductions are available to low/moderate-income families. Fees may be waived/reduced pending proper documentation. Please call the Recreation office to obtain a form at (732) 873-1991

More FAQs

MarijuanaX: Weed Between the Lines Parent Seminar

Date: 03/26/2018 7:00 PM 03/26/2018 7:00 PM 03/26/2018
Location: Community/Senior Center
505 Demott Lane
Somerset, New Jersey 08873
Introduction: Get the facts from Michael DeLeon as he discusses the biggest threats to families including the “Tri-Fecta Gateway®, Marijuana legalization and commercialization, the e-cigarette and vaping/JUULing trends, and the digital relationship to substance use and abuse.

Registration Deadline: 03/23/2018 12:00 AM
Maximum Attendees: 150
Remaining Spaces for this Event: 148
Contact Phone: (732) 873-1991
Contact Email: franklinrec@franklinnj.gov

Add to my Calendar

MarijuanaX

Advance Registration Recommended
Click "register" above to register free online!

In today’s substance abuse pandemic, the worst public social health crisis America has ever seen, the threat to our youth is greater than ever. The importance of parental education and awareness can’t be overestimated in the attempt to close the chasm between what parents needed to know in the 80’s and what they need to know about the current trends. It is vital!

Marijuana—Likely the most misunderstood commercialized drug known to man. The transformation of what marijuana once was—to what marijuana has become — has been mischaracterized and has changed the dynamic of youth use across America.

Marijuana’s perception of harm by youth has never been lower, and usage has never been higher. Potency has never been higher and the genetically-modified product that is being industrialized and commercialized is not being systemically tested. This should be very concerning to parents, to educators, to everyone.

Tri-Fecta Gateway

Name: MarijuanaX: Weed Between the Lines Parent Seminar
Start: 2018-03-26T23:00+00:00
End: 2018-03-27T03:59+00:00
Location: Community/Senior Center

Get the facts from Michael DeLeon as he discusses the biggest threats to families including the “Tri-Fecta Gateway®, Marijuana legalization and commercialization, the e-cigarette and vaping/JUULing trends, and the digital relationship to substance use and abuse.

More youth enter addiction through the “Tri-Fecta Gateway®” - Tobacco, Alcohol and Marijuana. 90% of those who suffer addiction begin between the ages of 11 and 17. 90% of that initiation is with the Tri-Fecta Gateway®. With E-cigarettes and vaping devices, tobacco use is on the rise. Marijuana youth use is higher than it has ever been, and the potency puts users at much greater risk for addiction. Prevention is more important than ever.

The threats to youth years ago have changed, and the terminology you thought you understood needs new understanding. What are the conversations you need to have? Understand the connection in this digital world? Where do we go from here?

Michael DeLeon is the founder and powerhouse behind Steered Straight Inc., a non-profit organization designed to carry an important message on the extreme dangers of drugs, gang involvement and associated criminal activity.

Township of Franklin, NJ

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RECREATION POLICIES & PROCEDURES

FAQ Box

MarijuanaX: Weed Between the Lines Parent Seminar

Tri-Fecta Gateway

Sponsored by the Franklin Township Municipal Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse and Franklin Public School Student Assistance Program. Supported by the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.