Recreation and Parks | Township of Franklin, NJ

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

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