All-Access Playground Designed For All Ages, Abilities Coming To Summit

SUMMIT, NJ — Ground was officially broken on Wednesday for the city's first all-abilities playground.

Work will begin on Nov. 3 to build Mabie Playground on the Village Green in downtown Summit. Once finished, the grounds will include wheelchair-accessible dual-lane ziplines, a fully wheelchair-accessible and sensory-friendly play structure, and a communication board with pictures encouraging inclusive play.

“We gathered feedback from seniors, parents of children with special needs, and residents from the surrounding neighborhood to make sure the new Mabie Playground truly meets the needs of our community,” said David Guida, Assistant Director of Community Programs.

The grounds will also include a signal beacon climber, a tribute to Summit's history and the beacon in the city's logo.

“This new playground is an incredible asset to our community and is located right in the heart of our city,” added Summit Mayor Elizabeth Fagan. “We can’t wait to see families out there enjoying a space specially designed for all to enjoy and use, regardless of age or ability.”

Mabie Playground will be closed through early Spring 2026 when construction is estimated to be finished.

The total cost of the project is $1.59 million, according to city officials. Grants, including a $750,000 award from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Green Acres Jake's Law Program, will cover $1 million.

Additional support is being provided by local, county, and state funding.

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