New Parks And Recreation Director Hired In Bensalem

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —The township has a new parks and recreation director who will oversee its 30 parks and the Penn Community Amphitheater.

With the retirement of director Chuck McMullin, Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo recommended a familiar face to be promoted.

"We're all excited about this," Council President Edward Kisselback said at Monday night's Township Council meeting.

The mayor nominated Kyle Pennypacker as McMullin's replacement, saying that he had worked under McMullen "for many years and has done a great job."

His appointment was unanimously approved by the council.

Before the vote, Pennypacker explained his background to the council.

He began his tenure with the township during his senior year of high school at the amphitheater and in the Bensalem Summer Recreation Program.

Pennypacker said he gained lighting and sound experience from his time in the Bensalem High School's musical program before working in the township park system for the next 16 years in every facet of parks and recreation.

He's also logged time on the concert circuit, spending 10 years working national tours and shows around the country. Pennypacker said he believes he's also worked about 200 shows at the amphitheater.

For the past five years, he's worked full-time in the department, first as maintenance manager of all the parks and then as park manager. The township has 30 parks, including the new First Responders Field.

"It's amazing that we have that much open space in the township," Councilwoman Stacey Champion said. "Sometimes we forget."

The mayor said he offered the position to longtime Assistant Director Sabrina Stancil, who was in line for the position after McMullen, but she declined.

"I just want to let her know that we did care and did offer the position to her," the mayor said at the meeting.

Kisselback said the position is "very demanding" and that Stancil is "doing enough already and has been very intricate in moving that program along. We're happy she was offered that opportunity."

"I'm excited for you," Councilwoman Michelle Benitez said to Pennypacker. "Let's be creative and have some fun."

"You have some big shoes to fill," Council Vice President Joseph Pilieri said. "We will work together with you to make sure you're successful."