Politics & Government

East Brunswick Gets $750K For Inclusive Playground At Lenape Park

The park will be one-of-a-kind in the state for special needs children, the Mayor said.

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – The Township’s Recreation Department has received a grant of $750,000 for a new inclusive playground at Lenape Park, Mayor Brad Cohen announced.

The grant comes from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection and the Garden State Preservation Trust.

In a letter to the Mayor, DEP Commissioner Shaun LaTourette said the funding is “contingent upon the passage of a legislative appropriation.”

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“Preserving land, improving local parks, and stewarding our natural resources are critical components of our efforts to ensure high quality, close-to-home recreation opportunities and open space for all residents. We are particularly excited about our Completely Inclusive Playground grant awards this funding round and appreciate East Brunswick Township's commitment to increasing inclusive recreation opportunities. This project represents a significant step toward our shared goal of providing protecting and enhancing New Jersey's quality of life, and I congratulate you,” LaTourette said.

The funding requires a 25 percent match for the full grant amount of $1 million.

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Back in January, representatives of the Recreation Department made a presentation to the council describing the project, and the department’s application for funding.

Cohen congratulations the Recreation and Parks Department for receiving the funding.

“The renovation provides that all children, including those with any form of neurodivergent impairment, can enjoy the playground without restrictions,” Cohen said.

“This will be one of the first in the state and is consistent with the township’s half century of commitment to the special needs community.”

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