Eatontown Receives Grant for Accessible Recreation Programs

EATONTOWN - Senator Vin Gopal and Assembly Members Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey today announced $20,000 in grant funding for Eatontown Borough from the New Jersey State Recreational Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities program. The funds, which are provided through the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, will be directed toward a new, inclusive, community-based program that will focus on the development of skills for persons with disabilities and foster an appreciation of the arts among members of the disability community.

“Too often, folks with disabilities don’t have the recreational opportunities that their family and friends can take for granted,” said Gopal (D-Long Branch). “This $20,000 means more than just the creation a new after-school program or athletic event - it’s a step toward broader accessibility and inclusion across our communities. Because of the hard work of Eatontown’s Mayor and Council - and especially the leadership of Recreation Liaison and Councilwoman Jennifer Sherrod - Eatontown’s residents will be able to enjoy outstanding new programs that include all members of the community.”

“Local governments do their best to make their towns welcoming and accessible under the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, but municipalities can sometimes use a little extra help to help residents with disabilities thrive,” said Houghtaling (D-Neptune). “This grant, which Eatontown also successfully applied for last year, will go toward the continued upkeep and expansion of some great local programs.”

Programs supported through the ROID grants include athletics, performing arts, and leisure activities such as after-school programs, visual arts, storytelling, and cooking classes. The activities are designed with an emphasis on positive reinforcement, social interaction and community awareness.

“Inclusion and accessibility are about more than just wheelchair ramps and parking spaces - though those elements are certainly vital,” said Downey (D-Freehold). “It’s about promoting and appreciating the dignity and self-determination of every person, with or without a disability. Because of programs like these, people with disabilities can be fully included as members of their communities, able to enjoy the same activities as their families, friends and neighbors.”

ROID grants help local governments offer activities tailored to individuals with disabilities so they can fully participate in municipal and county recreation programs. The grants also assist local governments in meeting Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

“We’re truly grateful for the opportunities afforded to our community through the funding this grant provides,” said Eatontown Councilwoman Jennifer Sherrod. “As Recreation Liaison, I’m one-hundred-percent committed to making sure that anyone with a disability feels included and accepted in Eatontown’s outstanding array of recreational programs and services. This is your town, too, and you deserve a full opportunity to enjoy the athletic, artistic, and leisure activities that we have to offer.”

Created in 1978, the ROID program offers two grants to assist municipalities and counties in delivering both short-term special events and comprehensive recreational services for individuals with disabilities. The Comprehensive Grant supports continuous, integrated recreation and leisure service programs, and the Special Event Grant funds short-term events, which fulfill a specific community need. Each grant requires a 20 percent funding match from the local government.