The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette recently inaugurated the State Park Service's first inclusive playground at the Atsion Recreation Area. Furthermore, the DEP announced plans to complete two additional inclusive playgrounds in Middlesex and Sussex counties, as well as equipment replacements at 24 other State Park Service playgrounds by the end of 2024.

 
The new inclusive playground at the Atsion Recreation Area, located within the Wharton State Forest in Burlington County, offers solid rubber surfacing and equipment designed to enhance the playground experience for individuals of all abilities. Inclusive playgrounds will also be constructed at Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County and Wawayanda State Park in Sussex County, ensuring that each region of the state park system has an inclusive playground available to the public.

Commissioner LaTourette emphasized the importance of providing safe and quality outdoor recreational activities for communities across New Jersey. He stated, "These important upgrades, which are part of the DEP's Enhanced Playground Initiative, exemplify the Murphy Administration's [Phil Murphy, New Jersey Governor] commitment to making this goal a reality. Children of all abilities will soon be able to enjoy the outdoors while using state-of-the-art playgrounds across New Jersey."

The DEP's Enhanced Playground Initiative aims to add inclusive playgrounds in every region of the state park system while replacing outdated playground equipment at select state parks. The initiative prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility, catering to individuals with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities. The inclusive playgrounds feature ground-level activities, musical instruments for auditory and cognitive stimulation, hand cyclers for upper body development, adaptive swings, and slide transfer decks.


https://www.nj.gov/dep/newsrel/2023/23_0041.htm