New Jersey Governor Murphy signed legislation appropriating nearly $108-million in investments to expand access to safe, modern and inclusive recreational spaces across New Jersey.
The bill appropriates constitutionally dedicated funds for a wide range of conservation and recreation projects and prioritizes projects in urban aid municipalities and densely populated communities where recreational space is often limited and urgently needed.
Specifically, the bill appropriates $107,999,000 from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues and various Green Acres funds to assist local government units to acquire, develop, and conduct planning activities related to lands for recreation and conservation purposes, and for certain administrative expenses.
The bill defines a “densely or highly populated municipality” as a municipality with a population density of at least 5,000 persons per square mile or a population of at least 35,000 persons. Lakewood, the fourth-most populated municipality in the state has an estimated population of over 141,000, according to the U.S. Census latest estimate.
What is an “inclusive” playground?
I would imagine it means a playground that can also be used by handicapped children…
Lakewood has turned their playground on 4th street into a parking lot
Are they now going to try to build it up again?
Curiosity and five minutes of googling tells me the following:
It seems like Lakewood will not be getting any of the grant money from this program (Toms River and Brick township are getting funds). It appears that the grant is structured to match a certain percentage (25% -100% based on eligibility requirements) following an approval process.
This means that the township would have needed to apply for funds on a particular site. Now it very well could be that we applied and got rejected; but to find out will require an investment on my time I am not willing to give.
Regardless, the fact that these grants exist means we should be applying for them.
Why playground?? Why not fixing up Route 9 in Lakewood and Tom River ???? This is much more important!!!
This is Lakewood how can you fix the traffic? the least we can do is stop the building!