All-Access Playground Designed For All Ages, Abilities Unveiled In Montgomery

MONTGOMERY, NJ — Montgomery Township marked the much-anticipated public opening of an all-access playground at its Municipal Center in Skillman with a ribbon-cutting celebration on Oct. 24.

The 11,500-square-foot all-access playground provides a safe and fun environment for all ages and abilities.

"We want all members of our community to be able to enjoy fresh air and fun activities together,” stated Mayor Neena Singh. "From toddlers to seniors, from parents to grandparents, from children with exceptional abilities to adults using mobility devices, everyone will be able to enjoy this beautiful space. It’s not only the largest playground of its kind in Somerset County, but one of the most forward-thinking community spaces in the region."

She also expressed the township’s gratitude to the governmental and private partners who contributed significantly to the project, including the New Jersey Green Acres Program, Somerset County Open Space, New Jersey’s Local Recreation Improvement Fund, and Citizens Bank.

The Montgomery Township Committee were joined by state, county and local officials, school representatives, and inclusivity advocates in snipping a large red ribbon to open the playground gate.

Among those present were a number of administrators and families from The Rock Brook School, located across from the municipal center, which is a private, non-profit school for children who are communication-impaired and multiply-disabled, ages 3 through 21.

Montgomery Parks and Recreation Director John Groeger stated, "I feel this is so important because playground and park space should be for everyone. The definition of an inclusive playground is a space that's designed to be welcoming and accessible to children and adults of all abilities, ages and genders. That is our aim for this new playground."

While all Montgomery playgrounds are accessible, this inclusive playground is designed with standards that generally exceed those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), explained Groeger. Play equipment will be suitable for everyone from two-year-olds to seniors, with a cushioned turf surface that wheelchairs and other mobility devices can easily navigate.

There are ramps to the play components, including a bay of swings, with bucket, traditional, and accessible swings with features such as high backs and harnesses to assist children with exceptional abilities.

There are outdoor devices that make sound, a bright color scheme, an area for repose, and a safety fence enclosing the playground. There is exercise equipment for adult and senior levels. A pad for a nearby shaded table area and a wheelchair accessible sidewalk connect from the nearby parking lot.

The playground is located to the right when entering the municipal center on Community Drive from Orchard Road. It is located adjacent to plentiful parking, including handicapped parking spaces.

The total project cost is approximately $1.5 million. This infrastructure project received support from a number of sources, including a $750,000 Jakes Law Grant from the New Jersey Green Acres Program, a $350,000 grant from Somerset County Open Space, a $66,000 grant from the state’s Local Recreation Improvement Fund, and $50,000 from Citizens Bank. A $300,000 sum is earmarked from the township Parks & Recreation Department’s Capital Improvement Fund.

The project was designed by Ben Shaffer Recreation playground equipment company of Lake Hopatcong.

The all-access playground project fits into the goals of Montgomery’s award-winning participation in the state’s Mayor’s Wellness Campaign (MWC). The MWC is a statewide community health initiative that provides tools and strategies for mayors and community leaders to help their residents achieve healthier lifestyles and to improve overall health and wellness in their communities.

It is organized by the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute. Under Mayor Singh’s tenure Montgomery has earned a "Healthy Town" designation from the Institute.

— Submitted by Montgomery Township