Inclusive Eno's Park Playground Recommended For State Funding

LACEY, NJ — A proposed $99.9 million investment into community recreation statewide would fund a new, fully inclusive playground at an Ocean County park.

Gov. Phil Murphy's proposal includes $7.4 million to counties to develop fully inclusive playgrounds under Jake's Law, which encourages counties to build inclusive playgrounds that exceed the standards outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act.

A matching grant of $771,750 was recommended to the Garden State Preservation Trust to replace the old playground at Eno's Pond County Park in Forked River.

"With the limited number of inclusive playground facilities in the State the County believes that with this installation they will attract people looking for a place that is inviting to all regardless of their abilities," a press release announcing the funding said.

The current playground is more than 20-years-old, according to the release.

Changes would include new equipment that could be used by children who use wheelchairs, need help with mobility or have other disabilities that keep them from using standard playground equipment.

After approval by the Garden State Preservation Trust, the Legislature must formally appropriate the Green Acres funds for these projects.

The new playground could be built in a year, county officials previously said.

“We want to make certain all the children in Ocean County can enjoy our parks and our playgrounds,” Ocean County Commissioner Virginia E. Haines said. “And while all of our playgrounds meet ADA standards, this grant will help us take this farther, allowing accessibility for everyone.”