Wayne seeks $440K state grant to build second inclusive play area

Site would be on land with 2 historic homes

By: Philip DeVencentis
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey

WAYNE - The township is applying for a state grant to build a playground on Berdan Avenue for children with special needs.
..... The play area, estimated to cost $440,000, would be on the same property as The Wayne Museum, which includes tow historic homes: The Mead-Van Duyne House and the Van Riper-Hopper House.
..... Timothy Roetman, the director of parks and recreation, said the location was chosen to attract more visitors to the museum, which is operated by Passaic County, and to increase awareness of the township's "wonderful history."
..... There is also a demand for another playground.
..... Officials opened the first inclusive play area at Rabbi Shai Shacknai Memorial Park on Greenrale Avenue in July 2020, and according to Mayor Christopher Vergano, it is them most popular playground in Wayne.
..... The Township Council at its most recent meeting [01/18/2024] authorized the administration to submit a grant application to the Green Acres Program of the state Department of Environmental Protection for 75% of the cost of the play area, or $330,000.
..... The playground would be 2,500 square feet and enclosed by a fence and a gate with a childproof lock. It surface would be made from recycled rubber.
..... Roetman said the play area would be designed to exceed standards of the American with Disabilities Act - the landmark federal law signed by President George H.W. Brush in July 1990 to prohibit discrimination based on disability.
..... Another benefit of having the playground near the museum, Roetman said, would be access to bathrooms.
..... The parks and Recreation Department is surveying residents to ask what equipment they want to see at the new play area.
..... The questionnaire is available on the township website at waynetownship.com .

HOME