Plenn named superintendent of parks and recreation

Written by Staff Reports Wednesday, January 09, 2013 05:13 pm

LOWER TOWNSHIP – Mitchell Plenn, a 41-year-old township native, was named Superintendent of Parks and Recreation Tuesday.

“It’s long overdue,” said township manager Mike Voll. “Mitch has been acting in that role for some time and he’s done a great job for us.”

Plenn, an assistant superintendent in the department for the past 15 years, has been acting head of the department for the last two years.

“Under Plenn’s leadership, Lower Township has realized extraordinary community sponsorship and support that has translated into significant budget relief for the township,” said Voll. “He has expanded parks and recreation offerings to provide more opportunities for residents.”

Plenn is a 1989 graduate of Lower Cape May Regional High School and a 1995 graduate of Rowan University. Married with two children, Plenn is a regular fixture at recreation department offerings.

In the last year, Plenn has overseen improvements to outdoor hockey surfaces and the retrofitting of the exercise and weight room, meeting room, and game room in the recreation center.

Plenn, along with parks and recreation co-worker Jim Ridgeway, helped coordinate the successful concert event that the department hosted last summer at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal.

“This was a real partnership with the DRBA to bring this event here and highlight what we have to offer,” said Plenn.

“Next year, we hope to make this a regular event through the summer,” he said.

The late July concert, which featured a Bruce Springsteen tribute band, drew well over 1,000 attendees.