Belleville Makes Progress On Its First ‘All-Inclusive Playground’

BELLEVILLE, NJ — Belleville is making progress on improvement projects at Planeson and Fairway parks, including its first “all-inclusive playground” for kids with disabilities, town officials announced Monday.

“The work being done on these parks is important for a number of reasons, but primarily because Belleville residents deserve new facilities,” Belleville Mayor Michael Melham said.

“Installing these new recreational amenities, where adults can play ball or kids of all abilities can climb and swing, is also part of our goal to promote healthier lifestyles for all in Belleville,” Melham added.

Belleville Township released the following updates about each project.

FAIRWAY PARK

A project is underway to create the town’s first “all-inclusive playground” at Fairway Park, located at the end of Fairway Avenue. The $975,000 effort aims to create a space that is physically accessible and welcoming to children with disabilities.

According to the township:

“The new playground has direct gated sidewalk access from the upgraded parking lot that will now include spaces that meet federal regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The new playground will be marked with many inclusive, sensatory items, including a next- generation seesaw that gives up to four riders the same bouncing sensation as a traditional seesaw, but with a full chair and back. Fairway Park’s arch swing allows users who are not able to use a traditional belt swing seat to still experience the same joyous swinging motion. The park will also include three types of permanent musical instruments, which are key components of inclusive playgrounds. The main playground structure will include a transfer platform so that those who use a wheelchair or mobility device can lift or transfer onto the play structure and leave their wheelchair or mobility device at ground level.”

The renovations at Fairway Park will also feature new basketball courts, an upgraded community garden, a dog park, a walking trail and an upgraded ball field, officials added.

PLANESON PARK

Meanwhile, the first phase of the Planeson Park renovations, on schedule to be completed this fall, includes a dog park, a turf futsal field and pickleball courts. The park – located next to No. 9 School – will also have a new playground and visitor parking lot.

The second phase of the project will include a combination softball and soccer field.
Funding for the total renovation of Planeson Park is coming from $1.9 million collected from real estate developer fees, officials noted.

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