Share Your Ideas For $750K Inclusive Playground In Howell

HOWELL, NJ — Howell is seeking state Green Acres funding through Jake's Law for improvements at Echo Lake Park for a sensory-inclusive playground.

The park is at 1205 Maxim Southard Road in Howell, and the playground would replace and enhance the current equipment.

A public hearing on the plan is scheduled at the beginning of the next Township Council Meeting on Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. in the main meeting room, second floor, 4567 Route 9.

There is also a survey residents can complete to aid the town in developing concepts for the playground. See the survey here.

“Jake’s Law,” signed by Gov. Phil Murphy in 2018, provides incentives for governments to build inclusive playgrounds for children and adults with disabilities.

The term “Jake’s Law” refers to Jake’s Place, a playground in Cherry Hill, that was created in honor of Jacob Cummings-Nasto, who died due to complications of heart surgery at the age of two and a half.

In Howell, the concept plan calls for consideration of spinning, sliding, climbing, swinging and sensory play equipment, according to the grant application.

It may also include overhead elements, as well as sensory panels, rocking, bouncing, and balancing elements. Crawl tunnels, bridges and ramps, and nature-inspired play structures are all being considered.

The project will also include an ADA-accessible walkway, consisting of either pavers or concrete that will lead from the parking lot to the playground area. The entire playground area surface will consist of a rubberized surface.

The grant request is for $500,000 to $750,000, with another $30,600 that may be needed for a 1,700-square-foot concrete walkway; a 25 percent match by the township is required, according to the Environmental Impact Assessment.

You can see a concept plan here, and review the cost estimate and Environmental Impact Assessment.

A hard copy of the township’s application package can be requested from the Township Clerk’s office.

Written comments on the proposed application may be directed to: Howell Township Clerk’s Office, 4567 Rt 9 North, 2nd Floor, Howell, NJ 07731.

Call 732-938-4500, ext. 2151, or email clerk@twp.howell.nj.us for more information.