A familiar face is filling some big shoes as Bensalem Township’s director of Parks & Recreation.
During last Monday’s Bensalem council meeting, Mayor Joe DiGirolamo recommended that Kyle Pennypacker, who has worked with the department in various capacities for about 16 years, take the reins from Chuck McMullin, who recently retired from the position.
Pennypacker’s appointment was unanimously approved by the council.
“I’m excited that you’re stepping up for the job,” said member Michelle Benitez. “I think we can do a lot of great things together. Let’s be creative and have some fun.”
In his new role, Pennypacker will oversee the township’s 30 parks and Penn Community Bank Amphitheater. While this may seem like a big task to some, Pennypacker has the experience to help him succeed.
During his senior year of high school, Pennypacker began working at the amphitheater, as well as with the Summer Recreation Program.
“I came in from the high school musical program, so I had that experience in lighting and sound, and I started getting into the park ranger role,” he said.
In the 16 years that followed, Pennypacker never stopped honing his skills with Parks & Rec, especially regarding Penn Community Bank Amphitheater. Since his introduction to the venue, he’s worked every single season and a total of approximately 200 shows. When he wasn’t ensuring these local performances went off without a hitch, he designed and managed large-scale arena shows, including those of Jersey Shore star DJ Pauly D, Carly Rae Jepsen and Mary J. Blige.
About five years ago, after learning about all facets of Parks & Rec under the leadership of McMullin, Pennypacker landed a full-time job with the department as maintenance manager of the township’s 30 parks. He then transitioned to the role of park manager, which tasked him with also managing the amphitheater and assisting more in the office.
“That’s amazing,” council member Stacey Champion said of the township’s parks. “It’s great that we have that in this township. We tend to forget how much open space we have, and what a great team we have in Parks & Rec.”
Additionally, Pennypacker is no stranger to the importance of youth sports in the area. As a kid, he was a proud Bensalem Rambler, and, in adulthood, was appointed to work on the board. With his help, the Ramblers’ membership climbed to just shy of 300 players, and the organization is flourishing financially.
DiGirolamo pointed out that the director role was initially offered to assistant director Sabrina Stancil, who boasts the longest tenure with Parks & Rec. It seemed only right that she should have first dibs at the opportunity, but she declined.
Council president Ed Kisselback said, “I can understand why. It’s very demanding and she’s doing enough already.”
Secretary Joseph Knowles told Pennypacker, “The Eagles coach was the second choice, too. And he took them to the Super Bowl.”
Vice president Joseph Pilieri added, “You’ve got big shoes to fill. I know you’re going to be able to do it very well, and you have a good group up here that will work together with you to make sure that you’re successful, so just keep up the good work and get it done.”
Benitez closed out the meeting by saying, “Congratulations to Chuck McMullin on his retirement. Thank you for many years of service to our community, and good luck Kyle. We’re happy to have you on board. We’re really excited to work with you.”
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
