Lakewood Township in New Jersey is committed to giving its citizens - especially children - places to be active right in their neighborhoods. Over the last several years, the Township has built 16 neighborhood playgrounds. Some of the playgrounds have been created on vacant lots owned by the city. The Township also partnered with the school district to build playgrounds on school grounds, which are open to the community during non-school hours. Developers are also asked to put playgrounds in new developments that are then owned by community. Public Works Director John Franklin says the priority is to give children safe places to play within walking distance of home, as well as to respond to the needs of the neighborhoods.
Some of the parks have picnic shelters; one has special equipment for children with disabilities. In one area, neighbors petitioned for a baseball field instead of the planned tennis courts. Even though the limited space means it has a short outfield, the neighborhood received the ball field it wanted.
Goal
Build neighborhood playgrounds in underserved areas