The proposed Jake’s Law playground at Chandler Field, Lavallette, N.J. (Credit: Lavallette Borough)
Lavallette officials have shared new details on an innovative playground that may be constructed under the final round of funding for inclusive parks under “Jake’s Law,” a state program that provides grants to municipalities to build playgrounds that are equally fun and accessible for all children, including those with disabilities.
The borough hosted a workshop last week – part of the application process – and will submit its concept and construction proposal to Trenton by Feb. 5. The playground may cost up to $700,000 to construct, 75 percent of which would be covered by the grant. It would be located at Chandler Field and replace the existing playground, which is about 20 years old and does not meet current ADA or safety guidelines.
“Although Lavallette has a variety of playground areas in the community, none of these playgrounds are accessible,” borough officials wrote in their plan. “The equipment, even those pieces that were most recently added to the inventory, are installed on sand, a non-accessible surface for children or adults who would like to visit these playgrounds and enjoy them. Sand is not an accessible surface and makes these areas unattractive to children with special limitations and their parents or grandparents.”
The Chandler Park Playground was considered the best location for the application since it is not on the waterfront, has stable ground for the installation of safety surface materials and is “long overdue for equipment updates.”
“Not only would this renovation make this playground accessible and all-inclusive for children, but also in this aging community, a welcome place for parents and grandparents to enjoy with their children and grandchildren,” the proposal states. “Added shaded areas will keep equipment cooler during the summer months and provide shade for the children’s caregivers. These improvements would also be safety additions to the public properties insured by the Joint Insurance Funds as it will meet the requirements of the Consumer Safety Product Commission, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.”
The proposed Jake’s Law playground at Chandler Field, Lavallette, N.J. (Credit: Lavallette Borough)
Chandler Field, Lavallette, N.J. (Photo: Shorebeat)
Jake’s Law envisions playgrounds that are inclusive for all visitors. Historically, “accessible” playgrounds accommodated those with disabilities, but rarely appealed to the general users, unintentionally segregating children and families. The law requires that equipment be fun and exciting, but also accessible, such as a spinning piece that also includes an access point for a wheelchair.
The playground would also include:
- Improved safety fencing Quiet play areas for neurodiversity
- Shaded areas.
- Resilient Rubber Safety Surfacing.
- Accessible playground equipment.
- Sensory playground equipment.
- ADA Parking Spaces.
- ADA Curb Cuts/sidewalks/sitting areas.
The proposed Jake’s Law playground at Chandler Field, Lavallette, N.J. (Credit: Lavallette Borough)
The initial estimated cost for the project with equipment and safety surfacing is $565,781,85, however additional costs for fencing and site work are expected. The borough will set a project cost at $700,000, the maximum amount that can be covered by Jake’s Law funding.
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