Inclusive facility would comply with DCA rules for Jake’s Law
VILLAS — Lower township is hoping the state will pitch in for a $1.114 million inclusive playground at Rotary Park.
On Jan. 22, Township Council authorized submitting an application to the state Department of Community Affairs Green Acres program, which is funding as much as 75% of approved projects that comply with Jake’s Law.
The law was passed in 2018 to encourage the construction of inclusive playgrounds designed with standards exceeding those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
According to the DCA, Green Acres has always funded inclusive, accessible playgrounds through its park development grants and loans. However, starting with the 2023 funding round it made available 75% matching grants to counties and municipalities for Completely Inclusive Playgrounds that are designed according to special guidelines established by the DCA as a result of Jake’s Law.
The 2025 funding round will be the last opportunity for these special non-competitive incentive grants, and many municipalities in the region have submitted applications. The deadline is Feb. 5.
According to a resolution authorizing the application, the township agrees to fund as much as $394,726.
“Jake’s Law playgrounds are all-accessible for everyone,” grants coordinator Colleen Crippen said. “One of the requirements is community engagement and getting feedback from the public for what they would like to see in the playground.”
The township received 200 completed surveys offering suggestions such as adding walking trails, seating to accommodate both younger and older people, shaded areas, handicap-accessible restrooms and an enclosed fence (a requirement of Jake’s Law playgrounds).
Will Hanson, the project manager and engineer, explained Jake’s Law to council.
“You must have accessible parking, routes to the playground and related facilities, unitary safety surfacing around the equipment, accessible bathroom facilities, natural or artificial shade, fencing, inclusive play equipment, quiet play areas and ramps and transfer points,” he said.
Hanson presented a visual concept design, noting the playground’s odd shape.
“The reason why we did that is there are wetlands behind the park,” Hanson said. “We had grant money we had to use to get to phase I, and in the process we had to get four different permits to build phase II.”
The phase II proposal includes accessible tables allowing visitors to roll wheelchairs up to the endpoints. Hanson noted there are similar tables at Diamond Beach.
“There will be a new seating area, and in terms of the play areas, we’re going to have three dedicated zones that we segregate through walking pathways,” Hanson said. “We’re going to have a sensory play area with a sensory dome and other sensory play equipment.”
Another requirement of Jake’s Law playgrounds is a designated quiet place for play.
“We’ll designate [that area] through signage,” Hanson said. “We’re going to have inclusive swings on the swing set and a team player play area to target that 2- to 5-year-old demographic.”
The concepts also include ADA-compliant bathrooms.
The Lower Township Municipal Utilities Authority (LTMUA) entrance will be renovated for safety as part of the project.
“The [LTMUA] has given us $150,000 for this work, and the excess is going to places to park,” Hanson said. “As part of the LTMUA refurbishment, we’re going to be paving up to their gateway and putting in ADA-accessible concrete ramps.”
Hanson added that it would add access to the site, which is currently not ADA-compliant. Six additional parking spots and accessible parking spaces are planned.
“I think this is a great opportunity for the council and everything is going to be conformed to Jake’s Law,” Hanson said. “This [phase] is still a concept, so as Colleen said, we’re still receiving feedback from the public and is open to change.”
Councilman Tom Conrad said the park is long overdue and needed in the township.
“I’ve had people asking about swings for six or seven years,” he said. “People are going to enjoy it — not just little kids but older ones — and I’m glad to see it’s finally coming about.”
In other news, council passed authorized the sale of property at 9600 Seaview Ave. through an open public auction at 9 a.m. Feb. 7 at Township Hall
“The minimum bid will be set at $1 million, and all members of the public are invited to participate in this auction if you’re interested in purchasing this property,” Deputy Mayor Kevin Coombs said.
By RACHEL SHUBIN/Special to the Star and Wave