Inclusive Playground Planned For Eno's Pond In Lacey

LACEY, NJ — Ocean County is seeking grant funding through the Green Acres program to replace the playground at Eno's Pond County Park with a fully inclusive one so that children of all abilities have the chance to play.

Ocean County is applying for the funds under the state's Jakes Law funding program, according to Ocean County Commissioner Virginia E. Haines, who serves as chairwoman of the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation. The law, passed in 2018, encourages counties to build inclusive playgrounds that exceed the standards outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act, she said.

Jake’s Law allows counties to apply for 75 percent matching grants and awards are anticipated between $750,000 and $1 million.

“Enos County Park is a regional park and can be used by everyone,” said Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Joseph H. Vicari. “An all-inclusive playground provides a safe and secure atmosphere for all children including children with disabilities and also for their parents and grandparents.

He added that it is beneficial to everyone.

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.

Jake's Law refers to Jake's Place, a playground in Cherry Hill, created in honor of Jacob Cummings-Nasto, who died from complications of heart surgery at the age of 2-and-a-half. He was born with hypoplastic heart syndrome and the park was a preferred place for physical therapy.

“A well-designed, inclusive playground enables children of all abilities to develop physically, cognitively, socially and emotionally,” said Mary Jane Bavais, assistant director of the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation.

Ocean County is seeking grant funds in the amount of $771,750 and the County's match would be $257,250. The grant application has received the support of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, Lacey Township, the Ocean County Department of Human Services and the Ocean County Shade Tree Commission.

County officials said that they anticipate hearing back from the state by July and a new playground could be built in a year.

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