What I Love About Marple

'Our Community' feature written by Joe Rufo

I love Marple township because it’s a family-oriented community with great schools and great sports organizations that my five children were able to take advantage of, and still do.

My wife and I started looking for a house 25 years ago when she was pregnant with our first of five children. What attracted us to the Broomall area initially was the low taxes as compared to some of the surrounding towns. After spending so many years here, I realized that we have made the right choice for our family. We have met so many great people through our great Marple Newtown schools and sports programs that have become lifelong friends. I’ve seen this community rally in support of kids that get sick, or families that are in need.

Marple has so much to offer young families today through many great organizations such as the two little leagues, South Marple and Marple Township. We have a youth football and cheerleading program that attracts over 500 kids. Also, Marple Newtown Soccer and Marple Newtown Lacrosse programs are wildly successful. Marple Township provides recreation services through Marple Newtown Leisure Services, this organization provides many great things other than sports, including educational and cultural activities, trips, and community happenings.

Although I was attracted here initially because of the low taxes, it became evident that this community has incredible services for families in spite of that. I had the opportunity to coach little league baseball, football, and basketball for all five of my kids. Being a part of a family in Marple Township and watching your kids go from children to adults has been very rewarding.

Publisher's Note: Joe Rufo has lived in Marple Township since 1994 and has served Marple residents of the First Ward as Commissioner since 2012, and Chairman of The Marple Township Board of Commissioners since 2015. Joes’ past service to his community also includes having served on the Marple Newtown School Board and as a Marple Junior Tigers Football Coach since 2000. Joe and his wife Julie are the proud parents of five children attending Marple Newtown High School, Cabrini College, Temple University, and West Chester University.