Lavallette Will Seek Grant Funding for ‘Inclusive’ Playground at Chandler Field

Chandler Field, Lavallette, N.J. (Photo: Shorebeat)

Lavallette officials on Monday appointed an engineering firm to prepare plans that would enable the borough to build an “inclusive” style playground at Chandler Field through Jake’s Law, a state statute that funds parks and playgrounds specifically designed to be accessible to children with physical and developmental disabilities while also being fun for all youngsters, creating an environmental where they can play together.

If funded by the state, the playground would be the second planned on the barrier island, with Seaside Heights having been successful in obtaining Jake’s Law funding to create an inclusive playground at Sunset Park, the borough’s bay beach near the Stewart’s Root Beer stand.

The council awarded a $17,400 contract to Morgan Engineering to draw up the plans which will be used in the application to the state. In the event the project is not funded, the borough will still own the plans and be able to pursue other funding sources. Chandler Field already includes a playground, however it is aging similar to how most outdoor equipment does in the coastal environment. The field has already received some improvements on its baseball diamond, attracting summer collegiate leagues to play there, bringing potential future Major League talent to town.

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The term “Jake’s Law” refers to Jake’s Place, a playground in Cherry Hill, which was created in honor of Jacob Cummings-Nasto, who passed away due to complications of heart surgery at the age of two, and enjoyed spending time at a local park. The law was passed in 2018.

Jake’s Law playgrounds include many features that can be found in most other playgrounds like swing sets and merry-go-rounds, however they will be designed specifically to be accessible – and fun, of course – for all children, disabled or not. In the Seaside Heights plan, for example, a spin-around attraction will allow wheelchairs to be loaded into the carrier for a quick ride, and “transfer decks” will likewise allow wheelchair access to swings and slides.

An ‘inclusive playground’ in Belmar, N.J. (Photo: MRC Recreation)

Equipment proposed for a new ‘inclusive playground’ at Sunset Beach in Seaside Heights. (Photo: Seaside Heights Borough)

Equipment proposed for a new ‘inclusive playground’ at Sunset Beach in Seaside Heights. (Photo: Seaside Heights Borough)

The state, under the law, covers 75 percent of the cost of building the playground area, which could also include restrooms and other amenities. In Seaside Heights, the Jake’s Law playground will cost about $750,000 in total, with the ability for the town to “piggy back” the state funding with other grants.

Chandler Field is located along Baltimore Avenue between Jersey City and Elizabeth avenues.