If you recently visited, or even merely drove past, Lakewood’s North Lake Park, on North Lake Drive, you’ve most certainly noticed those large, colorful shades covering the swings overlooking Lake Carasaljo.
They are a rarity in public parks, but Mayor Ray Coles says that Lakewood Township pulled out all the stops to make them a reality for local residents.
“After we installed beautiful new play equipment last year, we got rave reviews from parents, but also complaints that the equipment got too hot during the summer months and that the sun glare was difficult for kids,” Mayor Coles relates. “So we looked into the best possible solutions and worked together to make it happen.”
Mayor Coles worked closely with Deputy Mayor Menashe Miller; DPW Director Phil Roux; DPW Project Manager Tony Arecchi; Engineer Tony Poklasny; and other Township officials; to design, purchase and install these unique shade sails. The sails face Lake Carasaljo, the iconic Lakewood “Lake” whose open beauty allows lots of sunshine onto the park. The sails’ UV protection protects park users against excessive direct sunlight, while protecting park equipment from getting too hot. The sails are professionally anchored into the ground, with Category 1 hurricane-proof strength.
In addition, the park has a new rubberized floor, which provides better protection, and less potential for discomfort, than traditional mulch.
“Looking around and seeing families and children enjoying this beautiful playground demonstrates the best of government, whose focus is to improve the quality-of-life of constituents,” says Deputy Mayor Miller. “I would like to thank Mayor Coles and other Township officials who have worked together effectively to address resident feedback and take care of the details that make this beautiful park even more pleasant.”
Hi thank you so much for making this park so enjoyable.
If you can please do this to other parks around town?
Also I would like to point out that the rubber mulch pad has a part in the back that has a steep ditch that is a danger if it can please be fixed?
It’s amazing how in Israel both the soft floor and shade cover has been installed in most parks for years.
It’s time for the township to get with times.
is it possible to also do it on top of the slides they get very hot in the summer
unfortunately we cant get there due to all the traffic, and every think of a bathroom? those Johnny on the spots are disgusting!
Dear township, please do this in School garden park as well!! The park is completely intolerable in the summer. There is basically no shade and the sun beats down at all times. if you pass by during the day, even on Sunday when there’s no camp, it is often empty, as it simply too hot to play. Please install shades so our kids can go to the park!!!