New Parks And Recreation Leadership Comes To Bristol Twp.

BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, PA — Township officials have welcomed a new leadership team for the parks and recreation department.

At its March 26 meeting, the Bristol Township Council introduced Patrick Graham as Parks and Recreation Director, and Nicole Tener as Recreation Division Manager. Both started their tenures on March 4.

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Dana Coleman was also promoted to Parks Division Manager.

“These appointments position Bristol Township for the next phase of growth in our parks and recreation services,” said Township Manager Randee Mazur. “Patrick brings strategic leadership and fiscal discipline. Nicole strengthens our programming and community engagement efforts. Dana provides deep institutional knowledge and operational stability. Together, this team will deliver high-quality services, maintain our facilities responsibly, and expand opportunities for residents of all ages.”

Officials said the appointments strengthen the township’s commitment to quality parks, strong recreation programs, and responsible management of public facilities.

Patrick Graham

Graham will lead department operations, planning, and long-term strategy. He will oversee both the Parks and Recreation divisions and work closely with staff to strengthen programs, services, and facilities for residents.

Graham brings more than 10 years of municipal parks and recreation leadership experience. He most recently served as Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation for Middletown Township.

There, he helped manage services for more than 46,000 residents and oversaw an annual operating budget of $1.8 million.

He is a Certified Parks & Recreation Executive through the National Recreation and Park Association. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Sport and Recreation Management from Temple University.

In prior roles, Graham oversaw more than 300 recreation programs each year and increased program revenue by 50 percent over five years.

He led capital improvement projects, expanded community events, modernized technology systems, and strengthened staff training and accountability.

"I am thrilled and honored to be joining Bristol Township to lead the Parks & Recreation Department,” he said. “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 to continue improving the Bristol Township Parks System for our community. I look forward to working with residents, community partners, and Township leadership to make that vision a reality."

Graham is familiar with Bristol Township.

As a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional, he served as a consultant on the Township’s Comprehensive Parks Recreation Greenways and Trail Plan.

He worked with township leadership to assess park assets, identify community needs, and support long-term planning.

Nicole Tener

Tener will manage recreation programming, events, and community engagement efforts. She will oversee daily operations within the Recreation Division and support program development and service delivery.

Tener most recently served as Program Specialist for Middletown Township Parks & Recreation.

She managed more than 20 community recreation classes, oversaw instructors and registrations, and supported camp programs and seasonal staff.

She also led social media strategy and designed email campaigns that reached more than 3,000 residents.

Tener is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional. She holds a Master of Science in Multicultural Education from Eastern University and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania.

Her background in education, communications, and community programming will support strong outreach and responsive recreation services in Bristol Township.

Dana Coleman

Coleman joined the township in September 2014.

She has served in three departments: as Receptionist for the Finance Office, Community Service Officer with the Police Department, and most recently, as Administrative Assistant for the Parks and Recreation Department.

In her prior role, she worked closely with the Playground Inspector and Public Works Department to address park and playground repairs, coordinate maintenance, and support Township events.

She has served as the logistical backbone of the department and large special events, coordinating vendors, equipment, permits, and interdepartmental support to ensure events operate smoothly and on schedule.

As Parks Division Manager, Coleman will oversee parks maintenance, facilities, and related operations. Her experience across departments and her knowledge of township operations will support efficient, and responsive park services.