Wayne Seeks Renovations For Lance Corporal Ralph Valt Memorial Park

WAYNE, NJ - A resolution proposed at the most recent meeting of the Wayne Township Council reveals the township’s latest plans for Lance Corporal Ralph Valt Memorial Park.

If passed later this month, the resolution would give the green light for the town to apply for a $100,000 grant award through the state to make Americans with Disabilities Act-complaint upgrades to the popular family park, according to meeting documents.

The upgrade plans include a new custom playground that meets current minimum standards for ADA complaints, the proposed resolution reads.

The Local Recreation Improvement Grant, administered by a subset of the NJ Department of Community Affairs to support parks and other recreation-centered improvements and repairs for Garden State schools, towns and counties, will be paired with a local match of $75,000 if awarded to Wayne Township, the proposed resolution adds.

Grant applications are due before 5 p.m. on Jan. 20, 2023 for applicants to be eligible for funding, according to the NJ Department of Community Affairs website. $25 million has been allocated by the state for grant funding in FY2023.

“A recommended maximum award of $100,000 shall govern; however, awards in excess of the cap may be authorized if warranted and depending upon program demand,” reads the grant description. “LRIG may supplement new and existing projects, but funding duplication is not permitted and cannot supplant allocated grant funding from other sources. Priority will be given to unfunded projects and those that include a local match component.”