Franklin Township Youth Center Grand Opening Featuring Million Dollar Grant Presentation by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman 

Somerset NJ – The Franklin Township Youth Center will officially open its doors with a 1:00 pm Grand Opening Ceremony and 5:00 pm Youth Fest on Saturday, May 14^th. Both events are free and will highlight the recreational programs, resources, and social services available to Franklin youth grades six through twelve. Operating under the umbrella of the Department of Parks & Recreation, the Franklin Township Youth Center addresses youth needs through programming and partnership with youth service organizations. The 25,000 square foot facility encompasses exercise facilities, audio and visual studios, open meeting space, lounges, and as well as a satellite branch of the Franklin Township Public Library.

The 1:00 pm Grand Opening Ceremony is open to the public and will feature local officials and community leaders who will mark this momentous occasion with a ribbon-cutting and special presentations. Special invited guest Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman will be presenting a $1 million House Appropriations Committee Community Project Funding grant award. The grant, applied for by the Township, was part of $7.3 million in grant requests Watson Coleman recently approved for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District.

The doors of the center will open again at 5:00 pm where youth grades six to twelve will enjoy a “Youth Fest.” The Fest will include a fun-filled evening of free recreation activities and information sessions. Parents may pre-register their child for membership and the Youth Fest at www.FranklinTwp.RecDesk.com 

This is an extraordinary occasion celebrated by residents, community leaders, and township officials alike. Councilwoman Kimberly Francois stated “It is humbling to see our hopes and dreams come to fruition with the opening of our Youth Center. This truly demonstrates that when we come together as a community, anything is possible” 

Township Manager, Bob Vornlocker noted “We’re thrilled to open the doors of our Youth Center to ensure long-lasting opportunities and success for our future leaders. With this major accomplishment, Franklin is well-positioned to transform the lives of our youth today and beyond” 

The mission of the Franklin Township Youth Center is to serve the needs of the youth and empower them to achieve greatness while making Franklin Township a better place to live.

For more information, please call (732)873-7292, email Youth.Center@franklinnj.gov or visit www.franklintwpnj.org/youthcenter.