Montgomery breaks ground on new all-access intergenerational playground

Montgomery Township celebrated the groundbreaking of an all-access intergenerational playground that has been six years in the making.

Mayor Neena Singh was joined by other members of the Township Committee, Somerset County officials, township Parks and Recreation, advocates and township staff on Oct. 15 to kick-off the playground construction project in front of the municipal center.

The location of the 11,500 square foot all-inclusive playground is in a flat grassy area on the right when entering the complex on Community Drive off of Orchard Road in the township.

“It has been a lot of work,” Singh said. “We worked as a team. This is going to be a state-of-the-art inclusive and intergenerational playground and the best one in Somerset County. Imagine a grandmother or grandfather bringing their little grandchildren here and do their own exercise while kids do their own activities.”

The playground costs $1.5 million to construct. Barring any issues or delays, the playground is expected to be complete by mid-2025.

The township secured the initial $750,000 for the project through grants and will also use capital for the project.

The township received a $350,000 Somerset County Recreation Grant, a $66,000 New Jersey Department of Enviornmental Protection (NJDEP) local recreation improvement grant, and $50,000 from Investors Bank grant. Some $284,000 of existing township capital will be used for the project.

“The funding the county provided came from your open space taxes and I cannot think of a better project than the inclusive playground,” Somerset County Commissioner Doug Singleterry said. “That is something we were so proud of and so happy to support.

“It is just really great to see that this has finally gotten off the ground.”

To cover the rest of the estimated $1.5 million cost the township applied for and received a $750,000 Jake’s Law grant, which incentivizes counties to build inclusive playgrounds for children and adults with disabilities. The grant is from the NJDEP Green Acres program.

“Our fundraising efforts continue as we look forward towards private organizations and residents who are able to support this intergenerational facility with additional amenities including a curb drop, sidewalk extensions, and additional handicap parking spaces,” Singh added.

The playground location in the flat grassy area on Community Drive was seen as a great spot with the county library; the municipal building; Rock Brook School; the housing development, which currently does not have a playground, across Orchard Road from the municipal center site; and future affordable senior housing all surrounding the location.

Additionally, the location’s proximity to township businesses.

“We did look at a lot of locations,” Singh said. “To me this location is going to be the destination for Montgomery residents because we have this state-of-the-art library, and our township building is here. When we looked at other locations, they were very isolated and here it is open to everyone.”

The playground equipment will be suitable for ages two and up, with a cushioned turf surface that wheelchairs and other mobility devices can easily navigate, officials said.

Ramps along with playground components include a bay of swings, with bucket, traditional, and accessible swings with features such as high backs and harnesses to assist special-needs children.

In addition, there will be outdoor devices that make sound or music, a suitable color scheme, an area for repose, a safety fence enclosing the playground, exercise equipment for adult and senior levels, a pad for a nearby shaded table area, and a wheelchair accessible sidewalk connection from the parking lot.

“I think this is a statement of equality because it gives opportunity to those that cannot access the general playground and leisure equipment in other communities, even around here in Montgomery,” said Ron Dolenti, a township resident who attended the groundbreaking with his son Drew. “It provides an opportunity to have the same quality of life that other residents are experiencing.”

Dolenti said he and his wife Hope have always had the mentality of giving Drew and his twin brother James opportunities to have the same experiences as other children.

“You don’t ever want to have the feeling as a parent that your child is not getting the same opportunities to be as equal with their peers,” he said. “[This playground] is saying everyone is welcome here no matter your disability or intellect.”

Drew, 13, was a premature baby. He and his twin brother James were born 26 weeks. Drew has cerebral palsy and some vision impairments but lives his life and does the things he wants to do as a kid, student and athlete.

“Drew uses so many forms of modality,” Dolenti shared. “He uses his walker, his crutches, and walks on his own in the house and classroom, he also has a RaceRunner (a customizable all-terrain walker) that he competes with. He does paralympic competitions for the North Jersey Navigators.”