New Playground Planned Near Summit Community Center

SUMMIT, NJ — A new neighborhood playground for young children is planned near the Summit Community Center, with city officials saying the project is expected to be completed by late 2026.

The Summit Department of Community Programs announced plans this week to build the playground at Lower Long Field near the Tiny Forest and the Community Center at 100 Morris Ave.

According to the city, the playground is being designed as a small-scale neighborhood play space for children ages 2 to 5, with an emphasis on walkable access for nearby residents rather than attracting large regional crowds.

Officials said the project will be fully funded through donations, nonprofit partnerships and grants.

The city said the Community Programs and Parking Services Committee selected the Lower Long Field site after evaluating the need for a neighborhood playground in the area. Officials also said the project plan includes new onsite parking intended to help reduce traffic concerns on Morris Court.

“This new neighborhood playground is an important investment in our community, and I am thrilled to see this project come to life,” Summit Mayor Elizabeth Fagan said in a statement.

Fagan noted that a playground previously located at Lower Long Field was removed more than 20 years ago.

“This area is long overdue for a public play space that children can use before, during, and after school hours,” she said.

Department of Community Programs Director Mark Ozoroski thanked the department’s advisory board and committee members for helping move the project forward.

“We are fortunate to have received funding through the Play & Park Structures Healthy Kids Initiative Grant and generous donors, including the LaSanders Fund,” Ozoroski said in a statement. “We’re excited to open this new playground as part of our continued commitment to creating accessible public play spaces where our young residents can play, explore, and enjoy the outdoors together.”

The city said playground plans are available on the Department of Community Programs website, and residents can submit design feedback by email to city officials.

More information is available through Summit Community Programs.