Wayne Public Schools Secure $81K Recreation Grant

WAYNE, NJ — Wayne Township Public Schools have received a sizable grant from the NJ Department of Community Affairs.

According to the NJDCA, Wayne schools were awarded an $81,000 recreation grant to build new playground equipment for the school district's students.

This funding will be used to build six playgrounds across Wayne Township Public Schools, serving over 2,000 students, according to the NJDCA.

“The six playgrounds will provide an inclusive environment for over 2,000 students, continuing our goal of enhancing our existing playgrounds with accessible equipment that promotes the well-being of all students, fostering opportunities for connection and inclusion,” a statement read. “These improvements also benefit the broader community, providing an inclusive space for engagement beyond school hours.”

The funding comes from a $19.517 million Local Recreation Improvement Grant that was awarded to nearly 250 counties, municipalities, and school districts after a “competitive” application process.

Other entities that received a slice of the grant include Wanaque Borough with $85,000, Hawthorne Borough with $87,000, along with six other Passaic County organizations.

According to the NJDCA, the grant exists to:

• Fund improvements to recreational facilities
• Provide quality outdoor recreational space to underserved communities, particularly in this time of heightened need
• Assist local units in achieving unmet recreational obligations
• Equipment (example: cost of playgrounds or stadium, or community theatre bleachers)
• Remediation costs associated with preparing recreation sites for use
• Other directly related costs

“This grant program has become a mainstay during the Murphy Administration because we recognize how important public recreation spaces are to people’s physical and mental health. Having quality walking paths, playground equipment, basketball courts, and other recreational resources does so much to strengthen a community’s well-being,” said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “By helping towns update and create new recreational facilities, DCA is investing in community assets that mean so much to residents of all ages and backgrounds.”