Inclusive Playground Equipment For Long Valley Funded By State Grant

LONG VALLEY, NJ —ADA-compliant playground equipment will be bought and installed at two local parks, according to recent plans announced by Washington Township Mayor Matt Murello.

The equipment, which is being funded through a state grant will be used in two different township parks.

The Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) recently announced the award of $25 million in local grants to counties, municipalities and school districts across the state to ensure public access to quality outdoor space and recreational facilities.

Following a competitive application process, the grants were awarded to 352 local governments, including Long Valley.

The township received $42,600 to purchase and install two ADA-accessible merry-go-rounds.

One will be put in Rock Spring Park, and the other will go to Palmer Park. The addition of the wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round style device would be the first of its kind at either of those playgrounds, according to officials.

Grant applications were scored based on their distressed community ranking, financial need, project feasibility, local match commitment and scope of impact.

“Ensuring public access to recreational opportunities is imperative for people’s mental and physical health,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as DCA Commissioner. “For this reason, the Local Recreation Improvement Grant program aims to provide grants to communities in need to help them strengthen and improve their recreational spaces and programs.”

Plamer Park, which is located on Bartley Road and Palmer Place, in Long Valley, is currently home to three softball fields, one Babe Ruth field, four little league fields, three all-purpose fields, along with a walking trail and a community garden.

Rock Spring Park, situated off of Springtown Road, features four all-purpose fields, three softball fields, one Babe Ruth field, three tennis courts, two basketball courts, a concession stand, a pavilion, a playground and a walking trail.