A Playground for All

From seesaws and teeter-totters to slides and from swings to monkey bars, Ocean County is upgrading traditional playgrounds in several Ocean County parks in order to make them accessible for all children.

With ceremonial scissors in hand, Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace, Chairman of the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation was joined with Ocean County Commissioner Jennifier Bacchione, Lacey Township Mayor Peter Curatolo, Lacey Township Committeewoman Peggy Sue Juliano, Ocean County Administrator Michael J. Fiure, and Mary Jane Bavais, Director of the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation during a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 26 at the new playground at Eno’s Pond County Park, 330 East Lacey Road, Forked River.

“The playground we are unveiling today is part of a growing initiative across our park system to build all-inclusive play spaces,” said Arace. “It is thoughtfully designed for children of all abilities to learn, play and grow together.”

Ocean County secured grant money from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Jakes Law Grant to fund the construction and installation of the fully inclusive playground. Jake’s Law, which passed in 2018, encourages counties to build inclusive playgrounds that exceed the standards outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act and result in accommodating people with disabilities to the greatest degree possible.

With its pour in play rubber surface, along with a sensory area, swings that can accommodate a child and parent, a slide and other recreational equipment, the upgrades allow children who rely on wheelchairs, need help with mobility or have other disabilities that may hinder them from participating on standard playground equipment the opportunity to enjoy the park with everyone else.

“This new all-inclusive playground is a commitment to creating welcoming and supportive environments for every family,” said Arace. “We are proud to feature it here at Eno’s Pond County Park, and we hope it will become a destination playground for generations to come.”