New Providence's Most-Used Park Getting Inclusive Playground Renovation This July

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ - New Providence is moving forward with a long-awaited renovation of Oakwood Park's playground, with a groundbreaking set for this July.

The new inclusive playground is designed to be accessible to children and adults of all abilities, featuring sensory activities, quiet spots, wheelchair-accessible rides, and updated rubber surfacing alongside more traditional playground staples like slides, imaginary play spaces, and spinning attractions.

The full project scope includes the playground, a pathway connecting parking spaces to the bathrooms, shade canopies, picnic tables, fencing, and updated restrooms.

The borough secured $874,000 in grant funding for the project through three sources: the State of New Jersey Jake's Law Playground Grant, the NJ Local Recreation Improvement Grant, and the Union County Kids Recreation Trust Fund Grant.

Oakwood Park is New Providence's most-used park facility, drawing residents to its multipurpose turf field, baseball diamonds, playground, and picnic pavilion.

Questions can be directed to Allison Smith, Director of Recreation and Community Activities, at 908-464-4430 or asmith@newprov.us.

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