New Playgrounds Leave Seniors Feeling Left Behind In Summit

SUMMIT, NJ — A debate over how Summit is prioritizing its resources played out at the June 3 Common Council meeting, where a resident directly challenged city leaders over what she described as a growing focus on playgrounds and a lack of visible investment in seniors.

The discussion unfolded as city officials provided an update on multiple parks projects that include plans for three new playgrounds set to open by the end of the year.

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During public comment, resident Mary Jo McCucci Difonzo said she believes senior residents are being overlooked as the city continues to invest in recreation spaces for younger families.

“Why are we spending all this money on these parks? When was the last time you did anything for your senior citizens?” Difonzo said. “...we’re building playground after playground after playground. What is going on? I don’t like what’s going on in my town.”

Her comments followed a presentation from Assistant Director of Community Programs David Guida, who outlined progress across several playground projects in the city.

Guida said Mabie Playground is now expected to open in late June after delays tied to drainage issues and the removal of a large tree stump. He also said Tatlock Playground is nearing completion.

Guida also detailed plans for a new East Summit Playground, a $370,000 project funded through grants and donations. The design calls for a smaller neighborhood-style playground intended to serve nearby streets and reduce traffic impacts.

“By the end of this year, we’ll have three brand new playgrounds in Summit,” Guida said, noting that $200,000 has also been set aside in the capital budget to evaluate conditions at Memorial Playground.

The conversation took a sharper turn when attention shifted to the former firehouse property, which city officials have been discussing for a possible sale. Difonzo suggested the site could instead be used for senior housing.

City officials did not address that proposal during public comment.

Later in the meeting, Council Member Jaclyn Lasaracina pointed to a range of ongoing city efforts, saying Summit is working to serve multiple groups of residents.

Lasaracina referenced recreation upgrades as well as what she described as senior-focused initiatives, including efforts tied to “reinvigorating Silver Summit for our seniors.”

The East Summit Playground project is expected to move into construction later this year, according to officials. The future of the former firehouse property remains under discussion and is expected to return for a closed-session meeting.