SJ Towns: Franklin Township

The township of Franklin, located in the southernmost point of Gloucester county, covers 56 square miles, and has approximately 16,000 residents. It's also one of the greenest townships in the state, and has more farms than any other township!

The Township Administrator, Larry Spellman, said the township is one of the top 10 largest New Jersey townships and is still half green. The township is working hard to maintain its farmland and green space.

"We're most proud of our recreation," said Spellman, "it's something we've put a premium on. We're trying to keep the township as green as possible." As a result, Franklin has some of the state's best recreational parks!

The Township of Franklin is governed by a Township Committee form of government with an appointed Township Administrator. The Township Committee strives to meet identified community needs by enacting public policy by creating ordinances and resolutions and by removing ordinances and resolutions that are outdated. Based on input from the residents, the Committee addresses such areas as: public safety, streets and roads, economic development, parks and recreation, property taxes, etc.

The Township is served by five volunteer fire companies that are strategically located throughout the area. A total of 213 volunteer answered 644 calls during 1995. The Ambulance Corps has 58 volunteer members and responded to approximately 1,200 calls in 1995. The Township has three ambulance stations: Coles Mill Road, Franklinville; Main Road, Forest Grove; and Tuckahoe Road, Star Cross.

Currently, the township is getting ready to unveil their new Library Community Center. Planned to open at the end of May, this new center will cover 14,000 square feet.

The township's park and recreation areas are listed below, including the types of activities they have facilities to support:

Malaga Lake Park- playground, picnicking, swimming, fishing, boating

Franklinville Lake- swimming, playground, fishing, boating

Iona Lake- swimming, fishing, boating

Piney Hollow Natural Area- nature trails, hiking, fishing

Forest Grove Recreation Area- baseball, picnicking, in-line skating, walking, and jogging track.

Franklin Township Sports Complex- baseball, softball, football, hockey.

Franklin Township Soccer Fields / Dutch Mill Road- soccer

Franklin Township's big event each year is their Community Day celebration. It is held on the first Saturday after Labor Day. The event serves to kickoff the soccer season, and is usually attended by about 15 thousand people. Throughout the day there are rides and crafters, and the proceeds all go to local non-profit organizations. The festivities wrap up in the evening with a fireworks show.

For more information about Franklin Township, visit their website at http://www.franklintownship.com/.

For more South Jersey Town information, visit our SJ Town News page.

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Author: C. Cohen