Ocean County officials marked the opening of a new playground at Patriots County Park on August 18, with a ribbon cutting attended by Commissioner Robert S. Arace, Commissioner Jennifier Bacchione, Jackson Township officials, and Mary Jane Bavais, Director of the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation.
The playground features equipment such as seesaws, swings, a climbing soccer ball, and a rope tower slide. The facility also includes a state-of-the-art workout area designed for families of all abilities.
Commissioner Arace said, “What we have been doing with these park upgrades is that we have been looking to create an atmosphere for kids of all backgrounds, ages and disabilities to be able to come and have fun together and feel like one unified group of kids in the community. It is a place where kids and grandparents can come and ultimately use this facility together to enjoy the outdoors because we try to ensure that we take care of seniors as equally as we do our kids.”
The new playground was designed with a sports theme unique to Patriots County Park. Both children and adults are encouraged to use the space for healthy activities.
Commissioner Bacchione commented, “I think one of the things about Ocean County that all the Commissioners believe in is growing the County and making it for the people. This is one of the examples of giving back to the community so that we can all enjoy it.”
Funding for the $975,000 project came from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which was enacted in March 2021 to support recovery efforts from the COVID-19 pandemic. Across Ocean County, ARPA funds have been allocated toward projects aimed at economic growth and enhancing public spaces for accessibility and enjoyment by all residents (https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/state-and-local-fiscal-recovery-funds).
Kompan Inc. designed the playground while Turf Tek handled installation.
The Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation has recently upgraded several other parks throughout the county. New playgrounds have opened at Freedom Field County Park in Little Egg Harbor, Beaver Dam Creek County Park in Point Pleasant, Tip Seaman County Park in Tuckerton, Lake Shenandoah County Park in Lakewood, Mill Creek County Park in Berkeley Township, and Eno’s Pond County Park in Lacey Township. Additional improvements are underway at Ocean County Park in Lakewood and Cattus Island County Park in Toms River. A new playground is also planned for Matthews Mckinley Park in Lakewood.
Arace acknowledged staff contributions: “The staff in the Ocean County Parks and Recreation Department does a tremendous job maintaining the 4,000 acre park system operated by the County. Mary Jane and her team continues to make Ocean County a better place for both residents and visitors, and we thank them for all that they do.”
