Bristol Twp. Adds New Parks & Rec Leadership Team

Bristol Township officials announced new leaders for the Parks and Recreation Department on Monday.

Patrick Graham has been named the new parks and recreation director for the township of more than 54,000 residents.

Joining Graham, who previously served as assistant director of parks and recreation in Middletown Township, are Nicole Tener, who will serve as the recreation division manager, and Dana Coleman, who was promoted to parks division manager.

Township Manager Randee Mazur said the new leadership team is designed to move the township’s parks and recreation programs into a new phase of growth.

“Patrick brings strategic leadership and fiscal discipline. Nicole strengthens our programming and community engagement efforts. Dana provides deep institutional knowledge and operational stability,” Mazur said.

Bristol Township for years had a part-time parks and recreation director, but the municipality moved to adding the role full time in 2017.

The township has worked in recent years to expand park and recreation programming the infrastructure, including the new multi-use park on Bath Road and the new community center.

Graham, who started his new job on Monday, will oversee department operations, strategy, and long-term planning.

A Temple University graduate and Certified Parks and Recreation Executive, Graham previously increased program revenue by 50 percent over five years in prior municipal roles. He is already familiar with the local landscape, having served as a consultant on the Bristol Township Comprehensive Parks Recreation Greenways and Trail Plan.

“My focus will be expanding recreational opportunities for all ages, ensuring our parks are safe and well-maintained to high standards, and providing a strategic, long-term vision,” Graham said.

Tener also joined the township on Monday.

She was formerly a program specialist in Middletown Township, and she will now lead the township’s recreation programming, events, and community outreach.

Tener holds a master’s degree from Eastern University and is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional. Her previous experience includes managing dozens of community classes and overseeing digital communication strategies reaching thousands of residents.

Rounding out the leadership team is Coleman, who was promoted to parks division manager in January.

Since joining the township in 2014, Coleman has served in the finance office, the police department, and most recently as an administrative assistant for parks and recreation.

In her new role, Coleman will oversee facilities and maintenance.

During her time as a township employee, she has served as the department’s logistical lead for large-scale special events and worked closely with public works to coordinate playground repairs.