Playground For Kids With Special Needs Proposed For Wayne Park

WAYNE, NJ — The township is proposing build its first fully handicapped-accessible playground, officials announced.

The playground would have equipment engineered for sensory experiences and be accessible for children with mobility impairments, including: A sensory wave touch climber, sensory garden, adaptive swings, and a large rocker that would swing back and forth.

The playground would be constructed inside Shai Shacknai Park on Greenrate Avenue, near the intersection of Valley and Ratzer roads.

There would also be a water fountain, benches, a gazebo, and 20 parking spaces and a walkway.

Mayor Chris Vergano said officials have received many requests to build such a playground.

"Children of all abilities will be able to take advantage of this new park designed specifically for them," said Vergano. "We have had many requests from the community to build this specific type of playground and are glad to be moving forward with the design."

Vergano said the playground is estimated to cost $750,000. Officials are applying for a $250,000 Passaic County Open Space grant to help fund the project. The town would use money from its Open Space fund to pay for the remaining balance.

A public hearing on the grant application is Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. inside the council chamber at the Municipal Complex at 475 Valley Road. Attendees will be able to comment on the application and ask questions.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Photos: Artistic renderings of what the proposed playground at Shai Shacknai Park could look like. (Wayne Township)